Software quality assurance analysts and testers
SOC Code: 15-1253Also known as:
Application Integrator, Applications Analyst, Applications Quality Assurance Specialist (Applications QA Specialist), Applications Software Engineering Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software Engineering IT Specialist), Applications System Analyst
Median Annual Salary
$102,610
+10.0% growth (2024-2034)
14K
Openings/Year
202K
Current Jobs
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.
💰 Salary
$102,610
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+10.0%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
14K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
201,700
Projected Employment (2034)
221,900
Related Careers
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Software developers
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Computer occupations, all other
$108,970 •
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Industrial engineers
$101,140 •
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Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
- Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
- Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
- Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
- Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Software quality assurance analysts and testers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a software quality assurance analysts and testers:
Computer Science
79,857 degrees awarded •
1,001 colleges offer this program
Computer and Information Sciences, General
67,926 degrees awarded •
882 colleges offer this program
Information Technology
42,322 degrees awarded •
668 colleges offer this program
Computer Engineering, General
13,508 degrees awarded •
303 colleges offer this program
Computer Programming/Programmer, General
11,341 degrees awarded •
390 colleges offer this program
Computer Software Engineering
5,994 degrees awarded •
135 colleges offer this program
Informatics
3,067 degrees awarded •
71 colleges offer this program
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
3,034 degrees awarded •
81 colleges offer this program
Computer Programming, Specific Applications
2,813 degrees awarded •
133 colleges offer this program
Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician
1,272 degrees awarded •
69 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Software quality assurance analysts and testers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become software quality assurance analysts and testers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software quality assurance analysts and testers make?
The median annual salary for software quality assurance analysts and testers is $102,610.
What education do software quality assurance analysts and testers need?
Most software quality assurance analysts and testers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Computer Science, Computer and Information Sciences, General, Information Technology.
Is becoming software quality assurance analysts and testers a good career choice?
Software quality assurance analysts and testers is projected to see +10.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 14,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for software quality assurance analysts and testers?
Top colleges for aspiring software quality assurance analysts and testers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, University of Southern California, New York University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to software quality assurance analysts and testers?
Software quality assurance analysts and testers may also be known as: Application Integrator, Applications Analyst, Applications Quality Assurance Specialist (Applications QA Specialist), Applications Software Engineering Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software Engineering IT Specialist), Applications System Analyst, Applications Tester, Automation Tester, Beta Tester, Bug Bounty Hunter, Computer Consultant, Data Modeler, Game Tester, Implementation Specialist, Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst), Information Technology Consultant (IT Consultant), IT Performance Analyst (Information Technology Performance Analyst), Malware Analyst, Performance Tester, Quality Analyst, Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.