Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Overview

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers has a national median salary of $104,300 per year, with +5.7% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

Work Values

• Achievement
• Working Conditions
• Independence

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
• Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
• Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
• Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
• Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Getting Information
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Processing Information
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Analyzing Data or Information
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
• Documenting/Recording Information

Detailed Work Activities

• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a master's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Master's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a bachelor's degree.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers:

Video Resources