What Do Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Do?
Position Description Develop and execute software test plans in order to identify software problems and their causes.
Life As a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester
- Conduct historical analyses of test results.
- Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
- Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
- Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
- Coordinate user or third-party testing.
- Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
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Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Needed Skills
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.
Types of Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Jobs
- User Experience Designer (UX Designer)
- Software Test Engineer
- Test Automation Engineer
- Quality Assurance Director (QA Director)
- Software Testing Specialist
Is There Going to be Demand for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 287,200 jobs in the United States for Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester. 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. There will be an estimated 22,400 positions for Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester per year.

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 average yearly salary of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester ranges 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 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
How do I Become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester?
Education needed to be a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester:

What work experience do I need to become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester?

Where Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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