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Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester

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Life As a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester

Example of Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Job Develop and execute software test plans in order to identify software problems and their causes.

A Day in the Life of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester

  • Coordinate user or third-party testing.
  • Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
  • Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
  • Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.
  • Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.
  • Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.

What Every Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Should Know

Below is a list of the skills most Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers say are important on the job.

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.

Types of Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Jobs

  • Quality Assurance Practice Manager (QA Practice Manager)
  • Game Tester
  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer)
  • Test Automation Engineer
  • Quality Assurance Lead (QA Lead)

Job Opportunities for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 287,200 jobs in the United States for Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester. 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.

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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.

Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Average Salary

The average yearly salary of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester ranges between $47,350 and $144,820.

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Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.

How much do Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers make 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

What Tools do Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers may use on a daily basis:

  • 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?

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What work experience do I need to become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester?

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Where do Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Work?

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The table below shows the approximate number of Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers employed by various industries.

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References:

Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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