Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

SOC: 15-1253 O*NET: 15-1253.00
Median Salary
$102,610
per year
Job Growth
πŸš€ 10%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
14
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4

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.

Overview

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.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Distribution by Percentile

Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.

10th
$61,566
25th
$82,088
50th (Median)
$102,610
75th
$123,132
90th
$153,915

Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.

Typical Benefits Package

Health & Wellness

  • βœ“Health Insurance
  • βœ“Dental Insurance
  • βœ“Vision Insurance
  • βœ“Mental Health Support
  • βœ“Wellness Programs

Financial Benefits

  • βœ“401(k) Retirement Plan
  • βœ“Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
  • βœ“Profit Sharing
  • βœ“Stock Options
  • βœ“Performance Bonuses

Work-Life Balance

  • βœ“Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
  • βœ“Paid Sick Leave
  • βœ“Flexible Work Arrangements
  • βœ“Remote Work Options
  • βœ“Parental Leave

Professional Development

  • βœ“Tuition Reimbursement
  • βœ“Professional Certifications
  • βœ“Conference Attendance
  • βœ“Training Programs
  • βœ“Mentorship Opportunities

Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.

Job Market Intelligence

Job Market Intelligence

High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:201,700

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:+10%
Annual Openings:14,000

Employment Projections

2024 (Current)201,700
Current
2034 (Projected)221,900
+10%
+20,200
Employment Change
+10%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: Faster than average

Key Growth Factors

  • β€’Faster than average growth expected
  • β€’High current market demand

Top Skills

βœ“
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
βœ“
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
βœ“
Active Listening
Active Listening
βœ“
Speaking
Speaking
βœ“
Writing
Writing
βœ“
Programming
Programming
βœ“
Monitoring
Monitoring
βœ“
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
βœ“
Quality Control Analysis
Quality Control Analysis
βœ“
Systems Evaluation
Systems Evaluation

Key Knowledge Areas

βœ“
Computers and Electronics
βœ“
English Language
βœ“
Mathematics
βœ“
Engineering and Technology
βœ“
Design

Education & Training

Education Required

Bachelor's degree or higher

Experience Required

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed

Job Training

Significant preparation with related work experience