Occupation · SOC 15-1253
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.
Median wage
$102,610
$60,690–$166,960
Projected growth
+10.0%
Faster than average
Annual openings
2,020
per year
Employed (US)
199,800
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
2,955 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningWritingProgrammingMonitoringComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyDesign
Technology & tools
Word processing softwareDevelopment environment softwareObject or component oriented development softwareData base user interface and query softwareDocument management software
Representative 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.Create or maintain databases of known test defects.Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.Design or develop automated testing tools.Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.Coordinate user or third-party testing.Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.Conduct historical analyses of test results.Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, or humidity in area of system installation.Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Software defects and anomalies — identify and document under direct supervision using a bug tracking system in an entry-level QA role.Test plans and predefined test scripts — execute following established procedures on assigned application modules.Program function and output — recognize deviations from expected behavior and escalate findings to senior QA staff.Bug tracking tools and development environment software — install and configure with guidance from a senior analyst on a project team.Test procedures and replicability standards — follow documented protocols to ensure consistent test execution across sprint cycles.Regression test cases — run predefined suites under supervision to validate that recent code changes have not introduced new defects.Software requirements and technical specifications — read and interpret to understand expected system behavior before beginning test execution.Defect reports — write clear, structured summaries using approved templates and submit to development teams via the bug tracking system.System modifications — assist in smoke-testing builds prepared for implementation in a supervised pre-release environment.Test results and execution logs — record accurately and organize in shared documentation repositories for team review.
developing
Test scenarios and usability test scripts — design for assigned features, incorporating positive, negative, and boundary-condition cases in an agile development environment.Software defects affecting database integrity or online screen content — analyze root causes and document detailed reproduction steps in the bug tracking system with minimal oversight.Regression and error-retest programs — develop and maintain to cover database impacts and functional changes across iterative software releases.Feedback on software usability and functionality — prepare and communicate recommendations to developers during sprint reviews and design walk-throughs.Testing tools and automation frameworks — install, configure, and maintain to support routine test cycles within a CI/CD pipeline.System modifications scheduled for implementation — test independently against acceptance criteria and produce sign-off reports for project stakeholders.Test procedures and compliance documentation — author to meet organizational and industry standards, ensuring replicability by other team members.Defect trends and test execution metrics — monitor across releases and report anomalies to QA leads to inform risk assessments.Object-oriented or scripted test code — write and review to extend automated regression suites for web and desktop applications.Complex problem scenarios involving cross-module interactions — analyze and resolve by applying systematic critical thinking within familiar application contexts.
proficient
Comprehensive test plans and end-to-end test strategies — design autonomously for complex, multi-tier systems addressing scenarios including database impacts, security boundaries, and usability requirements.Non-routine software defects involving ambiguous specifications or intermittent failures — investigate, reproduce, and document with precision, driving resolution through cross-functional collaboration.Automated testing programs spanning regression, performance, and negative testing — architect and implement across the full software development lifecycle without requiring oversight.Quantitative defect analysis and quality metrics — produce and interpret to evaluate system stability and guide release-readiness decisions for senior stakeholders.Software usability and functionality recommendations — formulate and present to product and engineering leadership, grounding guidance in test evidence and industry best practices.Testing tools, frameworks, and development environments — evaluate, select, and integrate into existing DevOps pipelines based on project requirements and technology stack.Systems modifications and pre-production deployments — validate against complex acceptance criteria, identifying edge-case failures before customer-facing release.Operations analysis of system behavior under load or failure conditions — conduct using monitoring tools and log analysis to uncover systemic risks.Test documentation libraries and standards — maintain and continuously improve to ensure full compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.Junior and mid-level QA analysts — guide through technical problem-solving, peer review of test artifacts, and mentoring on quality assurance methodologies.
advanced
Organization-wide QA strategy and quality governance framework — define and champion across all product lines, aligning testing standards with enterprise risk tolerance and business objectives.Quality assurance capability roadmap — lead the development of, including adoption of emerging test automation, AI-assisted testing, and shift-left practices across engineering organizations.Cross-functional QA processes and toolchain standards — establish and enforce, coordinating with development, product, DevOps, and security teams to embed quality throughout the SDLC.Senior QA engineers and test architects — mentor and develop, setting performance expectations and creating career growth pathways within the quality assurance function.Executive and stakeholder reporting on product quality, defect risk, and release readiness — deliver with strategic recommendations that influence go/no-go decisions at the portfolio level.Industry best practices in systems analysis, quality control, and software engineering — synthesize and translate into organizational standards, training programs, and methodology updates.QA team hiring, structure, and resource allocation — lead to build high-performing testing organizations capable of supporting large-scale, complex software delivery programs.Regulatory compliance and quality audit requirements — interpret and operationalize within the QA function, ensuring all test documentation and processes satisfy external and internal mandates.Enterprise-level test infrastructure investment decisions — evaluate and authorize, balancing cost, scalability, and capability improvements for current and future technology portfolios.Culture of quality and continuous improvement — instill across engineering and product organizations by advocating for proactive defect prevention, rigorous standards, and shared accountability.
Also known as
192 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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