How much does a software quality assurance analysts and tester make?

The median pay is $50.14 per hour — roughly $104,500 a year, with the real range running from about $29.54/hr (10th percentile) to $80.29/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a software quality assurance analysts and tester?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a software quality assurance analysts and tester actually do all day?

Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content. Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers. Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.

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Software Quality Assurance Analysts and 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.

What it pays
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earn a median of $50.14/hr — about $104,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $29.54/hr; the top 10% earn $80.29/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work is mostly indoors; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0.1% of software quality assurance analysts and testers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are analytical, organized and detail-focused and hands-on.

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Quick questions

How much does a software quality assurance analysts and tester make?: The median pay is $50.14 per hour — roughly $104,500 a year, with the real range running from about $29.54/hr (10th percentile) to $80.29/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a software quality assurance analysts and tester?: The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
What does a software quality assurance analysts and tester actually do all day?: Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content. Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers. Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.

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