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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.
Other titles employers use
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
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, organizing and practical work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
Subjects to know
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
Useful strengths
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.1 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 1.9 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.7 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 2.7 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A four-year degree 50%
- A two-year degree 26%
- A certificate or some college 18%
- High school or less 3%
- A master's degree 3%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Development environment software
- Web platform development software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Operating system software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Data base management system software
- Application server software
- Project management software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 39,600
- Job openings each year
- 2,850
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 18.6%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 39,600 | 2,850 | 18.6% |
| Texas | 24,440 | 1,980 | 40.9% |
| Florida | 15,090 | 1,160 | 30.3% |
| Maryland | 10,810 | 810 | 25.4% |
| North Carolina | 10,130 | 770 | 26.6% |
| Virginia | 9,580 | 680 | 16.4% |
| New Jersey | 8,700 | 610 | 14.6% |
| Illinois | 8,650 | 600 | 13.7% |
| Colorado | 7,470 | 580 | 31.3% |
| Pennsylvania | 7,100 | 510 | 18.7% |
| Georgia | 5,400 | 400 | 25.0% |
| Arizona | 4,420 | 340 | 31.2% |
| Missouri | 4,200 | 310 | 23.5% |
| Utah | 4,120 | 330 | 38.3% |
| Michigan | 3,270 | 230 | 16.4% |
| Wisconsin | 3,260 | 240 | 23.5% |
| Minnesota | 3,180 | 230 | 18.7% |
| Oregon | 3,050 | 230 | 24.5% |
| Iowa | 3,010 | 220 | 24.4% |
| Massachusetts | 2,540 | 180 | 19.8% |
| Indiana | 2,010 | 150 | 25.6% |
| Nebraska | 1,870 | 140 | 18.4% |
| South Carolina | 1,760 | 140 | 31.3% |
| Tennessee | 1,750 | 140 | 40.0% |
| Alabama | 1,670 | 120 | 12.8% |
| Kentucky | 1,550 | 110 | 18.3% |
| Connecticut | 1,360 | 100 | 17.2% |
| Kansas | 1,350 | 100 | 15.4% |
| New Hampshire | 1,290 | 100 | 24.0% |
| Oklahoma | 1,170 | 80 | 17.0% |
| Nevada | 860 | 70 | 30.3% |
| District of Columbia | 780 | 50 | 13.0% |
| Mississippi | 710 | 60 | 29.1% |
| New Mexico | 690 | 50 | 27.8% |
| Delaware | 590 | 40 | 13.5% |
| Puerto Rico | 370 | 30 | 27.6% |
| South Dakota | 370 | 30 | 19.4% |
| Maine | 360 | 30 | 12.5% |
| Montana | 260 | 20 | 30.0% |
| North Dakota | 240 | 20 | 20.0% |
| Rhode Island | 220 | 20 | 22.2% |
| Louisiana | 200 | 10 | 17.6% |
| West Virginia | 140 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Vermont | 130 | 10 | 30.0% |
| Ohio | 60 | 0 | 20.0% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Western Governors University
- Degrees each year
- 2,229
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Degrees each year
- 1,319
- Admit rate
- 18%
- Annual cost after aid
- $5,000
The University of Texas at Dallas
- Degrees each year
- 1,346
- Admit rate
- 65%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 1,227
- Admit rate
- 16%
- Annual cost after aid
- $11,000
University of California-Berkeley
- Degrees each year
- 1,731
- Admit rate
- 12%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Degrees each year
- 997
- Admit rate
- 43%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
University of Central Florida
- Degrees each year
- 970
- Admit rate
- 40%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Southern New Hampshire University
- Degrees each year
- 1,251
- Admit rate
- 96%
- Annual cost after aid
- $37,000