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The differences between testers and senior test engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a tester and a senior test engineer. Additionally, a senior test engineer has an average salary of $82,775, which is higher than the $65,202 average annual salary of a tester.
The top three skills for a tester include java, test results and web application. The most important skills for a senior test engineer are test cases, python, and java.
| Tester | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $65,202 | $82,775 |
| Hourly rate | $31.35 | $39.80 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 52,595 | 245,814 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The role of technical testers is to test computer software for defects, bug errors, or any issues that may come across by an end-user. They mainly conduct product testing and prepare reports about any problems or recommendations for improvements. Other responsibilities include reviewing test plans, assessing and analyzing product specifications and requirements, and mapping out testing strategy. Technical testers also frame the test environments or support network management staff and system administrators. Qualifications for this position include knowledge of the database or structured query language, proficiency in Linux commands, and proficiency in defect tracking tools.
A senior test engineer is an individual who is responsible for developing and implementing cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting computer systems and equipment. Senior test engineers must assist junior engineers in developing test plans and conducting testing activities on complex systems to meet program requirements. They aid in the areas of predictability, manufacturing processing, and improvement in the equipment and process. Senior test engineers must also develop proposal inputs and reviews documents generated by junior engineers.
Testers and senior test engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tester | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average salary | $65,202 | $82,775 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $99,000 | Between $63,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a tester and a senior test engineer in terms of educational background:
| Tester | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between testers' and senior test engineers' demographics:
| Tester | Senior Test Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% | Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |