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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Median Salary
101,800
Job Outlook
+48%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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 sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

89%

Private not for profit

5%

State and local government

4%

Self-employed

2%

Federal Government

1%

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 140,100 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$51,190

10%

$101,800

Median

$129,400

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    50%

  • Associate's degree

    26%

  • Some college

    8%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    8%

  • High school

    2%

  • Master's degree

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Computer Engineering, General
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Computer Software Engineering
  • Computer Programming/Programmer, General
  • Informatics
  • Computer Programming, Specific Applications
  • Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
  • Computer Game Programming
  • Computer Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician
  • Computer Software Technology/Technician
  • Computer Programming, Specific Platforms
  • Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification

Skills and Interest

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mathematics
  • English Language
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Education and Training

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.