Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Also called: Software Quality Assurance 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.
Also called: Application Integrator, Applications Analyst, Applications Quality Assurance Specialist (Applications QA Specialist), Applications Software Engineering Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software Engineering IT Specialist), Applications System Analyst, Applications Tester
Median pay
$104,300
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$61,440 – $167,010
People employed
186,740
Holland code
ICR
Investigative · Conventional · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 5.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 6.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 7.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary in every state →
What software quality assurance analysts and testers do
- 01Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- 02Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- 03Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- 04Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- 05Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
- 06Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from software quality assurance analysts and testers
- Computer Hardware Engineers83% · +55%
- Validation Engineers81% · group pay
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists76% · group pay
- Data Scientists74% · +15%
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists73% · group pay
Change into software quality assurance analysts and testers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Validation Engineers81% · $102,440
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists76% · $130,220
- Bioinformatics Technicians74% · $81,490
- Operations Research Analysts73% · $88,940
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers72% · $109,370
Majors that lead here
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Information Technology
- Informatics
- Computer Programming/Programmer, General
- Computer Programming, Specific Applications
- Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification
- Computer Game Programming
- Computer Programming, Specific Platforms
- Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering, General
- Computer Software Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.