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Quick Answer: An SDET is a hybrid developer-tester who builds test frameworks, writes production-grade test code, designs CI/CD pipelines, and creates mock systems. SDETs earn 20-30% more than QA Automation Engineers.
SDET vs QA Automation Engineer
| Aspect | SDET | QA Automation Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Framework design, tool building, CI/CD | Writing test scripts |
| Code Quality | Production-grade, reusable | Functional, test coverage |
| Architecture | Designs entire test architecture | Implements within existing architecture |
| Salary (India) | 8-20 LPA | 5-12 LPA |
Core SDET Skills
- Programming: Python, Java, or TypeScript at production quality
- Framework Design: Page Object Models, data-driven frameworks
- CI/CD: GitHub Actions, Jenkins, Docker
- API Testing: Rest Assured, Supertest, Pact
- Database: SQL queries, data validation
- Performance: k6 or JMeter scripting
Salary Expectations
| Experience | India (LPA) | US (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresher | 5 – 8 | $70K – $95K |
| Mid-Level | 10 – 16 | $100K – $140K |
| Senior | 16 – 24 | $140K – $180K |
Training Resources
Start your SDET journey with SkilBrill Playwright Training.
FAQ
Can a manual tester become an SDET?
Yes, but it requires significant upskilling. The transition typically takes 12-18 months.
