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Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester

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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.

Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Responsibilities

  • Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
  • Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
  • Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
  • Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
  • Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.
  • Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.

What a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Should Know

Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer)
  • Quality Assurance Practice Manager (QA Practice Manager)
  • Quality Assurance Director (QA Director)
  • Quality Assurance Engineer (QA Engineer)
  • Quality Assurance Tester (QA Tester)

Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Job Outlook

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.

Do Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Make A Lot Of Money?

The typical yearly salary for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers is somewhere between $47,350 and $144,820.

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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 & Technology do Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers may use on a daily basis:

  • 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 or degrees do I need to become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Work

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Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers work in the following industries:

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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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