CAREER

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Overview

Salary Median (2020)

$98,220

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)

+20.8% (much faster than the average)

Career

What Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 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.

Other Job Titles Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers May Have

Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst), Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer), Software Quality Engineer, Software Test Engineer

How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work

Software Technologist ,

Google.Org & UC Berkeley

I currently wear two hats. The first hat is I am a Berkeley Computer Science Education PhD candidate. I spend a lot of time researching and writing my dissertation. I do most of my work around artificial intelligence and how people reason (human cognition); I'm working on applying that to how people learn. The second hat is I help Google with strategy surrounding nonprofit investment in computer science education. There, I manage a $15M CSEd portfolio and work to grow that portfolio.

Quality Assurance Manager ,

MINDBODY

I go to collaborative meetings where we discuss different designs, ideas, and challenges. I also sit at my desk and do research/learn. Much of what I do is planning ahead and making lists. When the time comes, I use my research and lists to test the software. I go through all the different scenarios a user might encounter and report any issues I find. I send emails to coordinate work and ask questions.


Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

  • Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
  • Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
  • Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
  • Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
  • Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.

This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.