Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Software quality assurance analysts and testers develop and run tests to find problems in software applications and systems. They work in software companies, tech firms, and organizations with substantial IT operations, documenting defects, tracking issues, and communicating findings to development teams before software is released.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against software quality assurance analysts and testers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves running automated and manual tests on software updates, recording any defects found in bug tracking systems, and analyzing what causes problems to occur. Testers investigate unexpected behavior, verify that fixes work correctly, and maintain databases of known issues. They attend meetings with developers to discuss findings and prepare detailed reports on system modifications before new versions launch.
Who this work suits
Holland code ICR. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You enjoy investigating how things work and identifying what goes wrong—you're naturally drawn to finding problems others miss. You prefer structured, methodical work with clear processes and documentation, and you have the patience to repeat tests and track details carefully.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Nondestructive Tester (Title 32) (Permanent) · Air National Guard Units · Langley AFB, Virginia · $37.75–$44.06
- NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTER SUPERVISOR (TITLE 32) · Air National Guard Units · Charlotte, North Carolina · $41.53–$48.45
- Norwegian Tech Linguistic Tester · Welo Global · Anywhere · Remote
- Finnish Tech Linguistic Tester · Welo Global · Anywhere · Remote
- QA Tester Entry Level · Ace IT Careers · Remote · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $93,530 | $128,740 | $165,530 | 27,710 |
| Washington | $96,740 | $128,480 | $164,470 | 7,970 |
| Colorado | $96,310 | $123,690 | $143,780 | 5,110 |
| Massachusetts | $80,160 | $122,210 | $141,500 | 6,640 |
| Virginia | $98,120 | $121,590 | $136,870 | 10,160 |
| New York | $86,260 | $121,240 | $153,680 | 10,460 |
| New Jersey | $91,370 | $119,470 | $138,690 | 6,550 |
| New Mexico | $91,780 | $116,580 | $132,050 | 450 |
| Maryland | $100,600 | $111,100 | $140,880 | 5,880 |
| Oregon | $79,400 | $108,440 | $146,120 | 1,840 |
| New Hampshire | $78,960 | $107,100 | $138,350 | 770 |
| Delaware | $88,410 | $106,060 | $131,770 | 520 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) — International Software Certification Board
- Certified Software Business Analyst (CSBA) — International Software Certification Board
- Certified Associate in Software Quality (CASQ) — International Software Certification Board
- Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST) — International Software Certification Board
- Certified Manager of Software Quality (CMSQ) — International Software Certification Board
- Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) — International Software Certification Board
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against software quality assurance analysts and testers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 15-1253.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.