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Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester

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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.

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.

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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.

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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?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Who Employs Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers?

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

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References:

Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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