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.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
SOC: 15-1253 O*NET: 15-1253.00
Median Salary
$102,610
per year
Job Growth
🚀 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.
What does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$60,690
10th percentile
Early Career
$79,520
25th percentile
Median
$102,610
50th percentile
Experienced
$131,870
75th percentile
Top Earners
$166,960
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$60,690
25th
$79,520
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$102,610
Mean: $110,260
75th
$131,870
90th
$166,960
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $106,270 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $79,520 and $131,870
- •Salary spread is 51.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 199,800 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:201,700
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services41.8%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services41.8%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services31.2%
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
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 49 locations
California
31,530 jobs$127,0101.35x
Texas
19,300 jobs$101,8001.08x
Florida
12,080 jobs$96,7000.95x
New York
11,140 jobs$108,8000.90x
Virginia
9,880 jobs$123,2701.88x
Washington
9,220 jobs$128,2702.01x
Georgia
7,830 jobs$93,5001.24x
Massachusetts
7,650 jobs$106,0901.62x
North Carolina
7,280 jobs$102,6601.15x
New Jersey
6,930 jobs$111,7901.26x
Illinois
6,800 jobs$100,3000.86x
Maryland
6,340 jobs$122,3101.78x
Pennsylvania
5,690 jobs$93,6000.73x
Colorado
5,580 jobs$114,6001.49x
Utah
4,300 jobs$107,1701.94x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Writing
74%
#6
Programming
66%
#7
Monitoring
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Quality Control Analysis
46%
#10
Systems Evaluation
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Writing
intermediate3.7
74%
Programming
intermediate3.3
66%
Monitoring
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Programming
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Systems Evaluation
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Quality Control Systems Managers67%
5 shared skills
Web Administrators67%
5 shared skills
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists67%
5 shared skills
Computer and Information Systems Managers67%
5 shared skills
Database Administrators67%
5 shared skills
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Programming
- →Monitoring
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Writing
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechDocker
🔥 Hot TechGitHub
🔥 Hot TechRed Hat OpenShift
🔥 Hot TechSpring Boot
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechSlack
🔥 Hot TechAmazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
🔥 Hot TechSplunk Enterprise
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Docker
GitHub
Red Hat OpenShift
Spring Boot
Tableau
Slack
Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
Splunk Enterprise
Autodesk AutoCAD
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (7)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Analysis & Evaluation (2)General Responsibilities (7)Operations & Execution (2)
1
Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation88% perform92%
6
Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform88%
8
Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers professionals typically have a ICR Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
CConventional
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.91
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.56
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.50
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.42
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.35
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.35
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.9
Analytical Thinking
4.6
Cooperation
4.5
Integrity
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Dependability
4.3
Persistence
4.2
Initiative
4.0
Self-Control
3.9
Stress Tolerance
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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