All About Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
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?
- Design or develop automated testing tools.
- Provide technical support during software installation or configuration.
- Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
- Conduct historical analyses of test results.
- Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
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Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Skills
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Other Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Job Titles
- Software Development Engineer
- User Experience Designer (UX Designer)
- Automation Tester
- Software Test Engineer
- Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst)
Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester Job Outlook
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. 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.
Salary for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester
The typical yearly salary for Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers is somewhere between $47,350 and $144,820.

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 |
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
- jQuery
- React
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
Becoming a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester
What kind of Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Software Quality Assurance Engineer or Tester?

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Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.