Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

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 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

Wages

Hourly

Annual wages for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in United States

Job Outlook Bright

New job opportunities are very likely in the future

United States 2034 Projected Employment

221,900

10% Change From 2024

Explore Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers video

Tasks you might complete in a day.

Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.
Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
Coordinate user or third-party testing.
Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.
Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.
Conduct historical analyses of test results.
Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.
Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.
Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.
Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
Design or develop automated testing tools.
Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.

Subject areas you may need to master.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Philosophy and Theology - Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Sociology and Anthropology - Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Foreign Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
History and Archeology - Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administrative - Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Strengths you may need in this role.

Instructing - Teaching people how to do something.
Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
Reading Comprehension - Reading work-related information.
Persuasion - Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
Technology Design - Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
Management of Personnel Resources - Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
Active Listening - Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
Equipment Selection - Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
Monitoring - Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
Judgment and Decision Making - Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
Science - Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
Coordination - Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
Operations Analysis - Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
Active Learning - Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
Troubleshooting - Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
Writing - Writing things for co-workers or customers.
Learning Strategies - Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
Operation and Control - Using equipment or systems.
Equipment Maintenance - Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
Time Management - Managing your time and the time of other people.
Mathematics - Using math to solve problems.
Social Perceptiveness - Understanding people's reactions.
Systems Analysis - Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
Management of Material Resources - Managing equipment and materials.
Speaking - Talking to others.
Service Orientation - Looking for ways to help people.
Programming - Writing computer programs.
Critical Thinking - Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
Complex Problem Solving - Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
Quality Control Analysis - Testing how well a product or service works.
Negotiation - Bringing people together to solve differences.
Management of Financial Resources - Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
Systems Evaluation - Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
Night Vision - Seeing at night or under low light.
Trunk Strength - Using your lower back and stomach.
Far Vision - Seeing details that are far away.
Written Expression - Communicating by writing.
Deductive Reasoning - Using rules to solve problems.
Glare Sensitivity - Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
Speed of Limb Movement - Quickly moving your arms and legs.
Problem Sensitivity - Noticing when problems happen.
Originality - Creating new and original ideas.
Inductive Reasoning - Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
Time Sharing - Doing two or more things at the same time.
Flexibility of Closure - Seeing hidden patterns.
Control Precision - Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
Spatial Orientation - Knowing where things are around you.
Selective Attention - Paying attention to something without being distracted.
Multilimb Coordination - Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
Extent Flexibility - Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Oral Comprehension - Listening and understanding what people say.
Peripheral Vision - Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.
Speed of Closure - Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
Response Orientation - Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
Hearing Sensitivity - Telling the difference between sounds.
Arm-Hand Steadiness - Keeping your arm or hand steady.
Rate Control - Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
Number Facility - Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
Memorization - Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
Visual Color Discrimination - Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
Static Strength - Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
Gross Body Coordination - Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
Explosive Strength - Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
Sound Localization - Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
Wrist-Finger Speed - Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
Information Ordering - Ordering or arranging things.
Perceptual Speed - Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
Manual Dexterity - Holding or moving items with your hands.
Stamina - Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
Gross Body Equilibrium - Keeping your balance or staying upright.
Written Comprehension - Reading and understanding what is written.
Oral Expression - Communicating by speaking.
Speech Recognition - Recognizing spoken words.
Visualization - Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
Mathematical Reasoning - Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
Finger Dexterity - Putting together small parts with your fingers.
Auditory Attention - Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
Category Flexibility - Grouping things in different ways.
Reaction Time - Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
Dynamic Strength - Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
Near Vision - Seeing details up close.
Dynamic Flexibility - Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Depth Perception - Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
Fluency of Ideas - Coming up with lots of ideas.
Speech Clarity - Speaking clearly.