Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

These professionals spend their days working with computers to identify and document software issues. They run detailed tests on system modifications, analyze data, and record defects in tracking databases to share with web and software developers. The role requires evaluating information to ensure it complies with standards, gathering information, and planning daily tasks.

To succeed, workers need strong skills in critical thinking, reading comprehension, quality control analysis, and programming. They must possess deep knowledge of computers, electronics, mathematics, and engineering technology. Because the work is highly investigative, successful analysts display work styles such as attention to detail, cautiousness, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance. They must also communicate clearly with supervisors and peers when explaining technical bugs.

Entering this field typically requires a bachelor's degree along with several years of related experience. Students often major in computer science, computer programming, computer and information sciences, computer engineering, or computer systems analysis.

While not always mandatory, professionals can earn various industry certifications to demonstrate their skills. Options include the Associate Software Developer Certification, Certified Associate in Software Testing, Certified Associate in Software Quality, and Big Data Foundation Certification. Some states also list specific licensing requirements for this profession.

The median annual pay for these analysts and testers is $104,300. Earnings range from less than $61,440 for the lowest 10% of workers to more than $167,010 for the highest 10%.

With 186,740 people employed in this field, the occupation is projected to grow by 5.7% from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all careers. This growth is expected to result in 10,700 job openings each year.