Career 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.
Also Known As
- Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst)
- Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer)
- Software Quality Engineer
- Software Test Engineer
Alternate Job Titles
- Application Integrator
- Applications Analyst
- Applications Quality Assurance Specialist (Applications QA Specialist)
- Applications Software Engineering Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software Engineering IT Specialist)
- Applications System Analyst
- Applications Tester
- Automation Specialist
- Automation Tester
- Beta Tester
- Bug Bounty Hunter
- Computer Consultant
- Data Modeler
- Game Tester
- Implementation Specialist
- Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
- Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Programming
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Speech Recognition
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Support
- Independence
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- AJAX
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
- Amazon Redshift
Tools & Equipment
- Application servers
- Computer network routers
- Computer servers
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Directory servers
- Flash disks
- Graphics processing unit GPU
- In circuit emulators ICE
- Laptop computers
- Logic analyzers
- Mainframe computers
- Mainframe operating systems
- Multi-core central processing unit CPU
- Notebook computers
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Sitting
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $60,690 |
| Median | $102,610 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $166,960 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 199,800
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Software Developers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $133,080
Validation Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $101,140
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $108,970
Penetration Testers
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $108,970
Computer Systems Analysts
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $103,790
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.