What do they do?
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:
Automation Tester, Computer Consultant, Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst), Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst), Quality Assurance Engineer (QA Engineer), Quality Engineer, Software Quality Assurance Analyst (SQA Analyst), Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer), Software Quality Engineer, Software Test Engineer, Test Engineer
No Data Available
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2.8%
Change
Ranks #39 in job growth rate370Job Openings
Ranks #14 in net job growth
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- Bachelor's degree (50%)
- Master's degree (21%)
- Some college, no degree (13%)
- Associate's degree (8%)
- High school diploma equivalent (4%)
- Doctorate or Professional Degree (2%)
- Less than high school diploma (1%)
Most Popular Majors that prepare Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
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#1
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Degrees Granted
40,331
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Female Students
8,540
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Male Students
31,791
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Median Starting Salary
$62,633
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#2
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Degrees Granted
25,561
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Female Students
5,380
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Male Students
20,181
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Median Starting Salary
$53,000
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#3
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Degrees Granted
13,110
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Female Students
2,991
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Male Students
10,119
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Median Starting Salary
$54,033
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#4
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Degrees Granted
9,816
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Female Students
1,543
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Male Students
8,273
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Median Starting Salary
$64,700
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#5
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Degrees Granted
2,137
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Female Students
362
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Male Students
1,775
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Median Starting Salary
$64,700
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People in this career often have these skills:
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- 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.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
People in this career often know a lot about:
- Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
People in this career often have talent in:
- Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
People in this career often do these activities:
- Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
- Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
- Document operational activities.
- Compile technical information or documentation.
- Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.
- Develop testing routines or procedures.
- Document design or development procedures.
- Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
- Install computer software.
- Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
- Create databases to store electronic data.
- Develop performance metrics or standards related to information technology.
- Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
- Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
- Develop detailed project plans.
- Test software performance.
- Provide customer service to clients or users.
- Manage documentation to ensure organization or accuracy.
- Read documents to gather technical information.
- Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
- Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.
- Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.
This page includes data from:
Career data: O*NET 28.3 Database
by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (“USDOL/ETA”). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA
Occupation statistics: USDOL U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics
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