What Do Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Do?
Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Job 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: What Do They Do?
- Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
- Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
- Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.
- Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
- Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.
- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
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.
Other Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Job Titles
- Quality Assurance Director (QA Director)
- Quality Assurance Test Program Manager (QA Assurance Test Program Manager)
- Software Quality Engineer
- Quality Assurance Lead (QA Lead)
- Systems Engineer
Job Outlook for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 22,400 job openings in this field each 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester
Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers make between $47,350 and $144,820 a year.
Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers:
- 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?
Are there Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester?
Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Sector
Below are examples of industries where Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers work:
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain
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