Computer Occupations

How to become a Software Quality Assurance Analyst or Tester

Official title: Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Also called: Automation Tester, Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst), Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst), Quality Assurance Engineer (QA Engineer), Quality Engineer, Software Quality Assurance Analyst (SQA Analyst), Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer), Software Quality Engineer, Software Test Engineer, Test Engineer

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.

Main tasks

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.
Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.

How to become one

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire developers who have a master's degree.

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Software Quality Assurance Tester (Nof).
College: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 34 universities in the US

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $104,300 a year The middle half earn $80,310 to $133,180.
About 187,600 people work in this job now, and about 198,200 are projected by 2035. (+5.7%)
People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Software Quality Assurance Analyst or Tester?

How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analyst or Tester earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $104,300 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $80,310 to $133,180.

Is a Software Quality Assurance Analyst or Tester a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 187,600 to about 198,200 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Software Quality Assurance Analyst or Tester?

Usually. 72% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Software Quality Assurance Analyst or Tester?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.