Occupations15-1253.00

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes.

Median annual pay
$102,610

BLS, 2024

Employment
201,700

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+10.0%

2024–34

Annual openings
14,000

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
  2. 02Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
  3. 03Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
  4. 04Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
  5. 05Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
  6. 06Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
  7. 07Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
  8. 08Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
  9. 09Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
  10. 10Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
  11. 11Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
  12. 12Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingWritingMonitoringActive LearningLearning StrategiesMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 201,700 in 2024 to 221,900 in 2034, a +10.0% change.

BLS projects an average of 14,000 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.