All About Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
Job Description: 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
- Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
- Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
- Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.
- Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
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Qualities of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester
When polled, Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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
- Software Test Engineer
- Quality Assurance Lead (QA Lead)
- Software Quality Tester
- Quality Assurance Test Program Manager (QA Assurance Test Program Manager)
- Software Quality Engineer
Job Outlook 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. The BLS estimates 22,400 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Do Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers ranges between about $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
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
Becoming a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester
Learn what Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester?
Where Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers Work
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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