All About Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
Position Description Develop and execute software test plans in order to identify software problems and their causes.
Daily Life Of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester
- Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.
- Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
- Design or develop automated testing tools.
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
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Skills Needed to be a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester
Below is a list of the skills most Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers say are important on the job.
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.
Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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.
Other Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Job Titles
- Software Test Engineer
- Test Engineer
- Software Test Analyst
- Quality Assurance Lead (QA Lead)
- Software Testing Specialist
Is There Going to be Demand for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers?
There were about 287,200 jobs for Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 22,400 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Average Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Use?
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
- React
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
Becoming a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester
What education is needed to be a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Sector

Below are examples of industries where Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers work:

References:
Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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