What Do Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Do?
Occupation Description Develop and execute software test plans in order to identify software problems and their causes.
Life As a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester: What Do They Do?
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.
- Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
- Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
- Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
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What a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Should Know
When polled, Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Quality Assurance Specialist (QA Specialist)
- Quality Assurance Tester (QA Tester)
- Software Test Engineer
- Quality Assurance Engineer (QA Engineer)
- Quality Assurance Lead (QA Lead)
Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 287,200 jobs in the United States for Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 26,600 new jobs for Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 22,400 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester are Washington, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maryland, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers is somewhere between $47,350 and $144,820.
Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
How much do Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $87,060 |
| Alaska | $98,830 |
| Arizona | $85,010 |
| Arkansas | $73,670 |
| California | $103,270 |
| Colorado | $102,470 |
| Connecticut | $100,340 |
| District of Columbia | $117,540 |
| Florida | $78,900 |
| Georgia | $90,140 |
| Hawaii | $89,960 |
| Idaho | $80,610 |
| Indiana | $79,310 |
| Iowa | $78,810 |
| Kansas | $79,300 |
| Kentucky | $79,420 |
| Louisiana | $66,600 |
| Maine | $79,790 |
| Maryland | $113,330 |
| Massachusetts | $92,110 |
| Michigan | $76,400 |
| Minnesota | $81,650 |
| Mississippi | $81,280 |
| Missouri | $82,610 |
| Montana | $68,430 |
| Nebraska | $86,230 |
| Nevada | $72,610 |
| New Hampshire | $112,440 |
| New Jersey | $99,210 |
| New Mexico | $79,540 |
| New York | $90,750 |
| North Carolina | $88,650 |
| North Dakota | $70,730 |
| Ohio | $82,440 |
| Oklahoma | $78,490 |
| Oregon | $79,610 |
| Pennsylvania | $87,040 |
| Rhode Island | $81,290 |
| South Carolina | $92,100 |
| South Dakota | $81,250 |
| Tennessee | $74,000 |
| Texas | $90,290 |
| Utah | $76,890 |
| Vermont | $72,220 |
| Virginia | $105,270 |
| Washington | $91,620 |
| West Virginia | $83,660 |
| Wisconsin | $74,600 |
| Wyoming | $75,780 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Web browser software
- Python
- jQuery
- React
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
How do I Become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester?
Individuals working as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester?
Where Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Work
Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain
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