Life As a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester
Job Description & Duties Develop and execute software test plans in order to identify software problems and their causes.
Life As a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester
- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
- Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
- Coordinate user or third-party testing.
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
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Things a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Should Know How to Do
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 Testing Specialist
- Quality Assurance Director (QA Director)
- Quality Assurance Practice Manager (QA Practice Manager)
- Quality Assurance Test Program Manager (QA Assurance Test Program Manager)
- Test Automation Engineer
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.
Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Salary
Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers make between $47,350 and $144,820 a year.
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 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
How to Become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester
Are there Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers?
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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