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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1,550 | $81,940 | $39.39 | |
| Arizona | 2,690 | $80,490 | $38.70 | |
| California | 34,050 | $115,420 | $55.49 | |
| Colorado | 4,730 | $98,870 | $47.54 | |
| Connecticut | 1,140 | $94,450 | $45.41 | |
| Delaware | 400 | $107,490 | $51.68 | |
| District of Columbia | 1,220 | $102,020 | $49.05 | |
| Florida | 10,740 | $79,550 | $38.25 | |
| Georgia | 4,490 | $93,350 | $44.88 | |
| Idaho | 300 | $74,220 | $35.68 | |
| Illinois | 7,640 | $91,670 | $44.07 | |
| Indiana | 1,350 | $79,610 | $38.27 | |
| Iowa | 930 | $87,430 | $42.04 | |
| Kansas | 1,150 | $78,280 | $37.64 | |
| Kentucky | 1,270 | $78,100 | $37.55 | |
| Louisiana | 230 | $76,960 | $37.00 | |
| Maine | 350 | $85,520 | $41.12 | |
| Maryland | 10,210 | $110,950 | $53.34 | |
| Massachusetts | 4,400 | $108,320 | $52.08 | |
| Michigan | 2,480 | $91,140 | $43.82 | |
| Minnesota | 1,950 | $90,970 | $43.74 | |
| Mississippi | 430 | $73,260 | $35.22 | |
| Missouri | 3,020 | $62,710 | $30.15 | |
| Montana | 130 | $71,610 | $34.43 | |
| Nebraska | 1,030 | $79,270 | $38.11 | |
| Nevada | 720 | $57,180 | $27.49 | |
| New Hampshire | 1,010 | $88,870 | $42.73 | |
| New Jersey | 7,770 | $107,870 | $51.86 | |
| New Mexico | 570 | $110,370 | $53.06 | |
| New York | 9,630 | $116,440 | $55.98 | |
| North Carolina | 8,370 | $98,600 | $47.40 | |
| North Dakota | 90 | $75,350 | $36.23 | |
| Ohio | 5,920 | $81,620 | $39.24 | |
| Oklahoma | 1,250 | $62,190 | $29.90 | |
| Oregon | 2,270 | $88,690 | $42.64 | |
| Pennsylvania | 7,030 | $80,770 | $38.83 | |
| Rhode Island | $94,480 | $45.42 | ||
| South Carolina | 570 | $93,640 | $45.02 | |
| South Dakota | 290 | $62,060 | $29.84 | |
| Tennessee | 1,150 | $83,080 | $39.94 | |
| Texas | 17,960 | $90,370 | $43.45 | |
| Utah | 2,400 | $76,460 | $36.76 | |
| Vermont | 170 | $73,490 | $35.33 | |
| Virginia | 9,310 | $102,250 | $49.16 | |
| Washington | 10,240 | $104,900 | $50.43 | |
| West Virginia | 210 | $87,560 | $42.09 | |
| Wisconsin | 2,490 | $77,780 | $37.39 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A general program that focuses on computing, computer science, and information science and systems. Such programs are undifferentiated as to title and content and are not to be confused with specific programs in computer science, information science, or related support services.
A program that focuses on the design of technological information systems, including computing systems, as solutions to business and research data and communications support needs. Includes instruction in the principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, application testing, and human interface design.
A program that focuses on computer systems from a user-centered perspective and studies the structure, behavior and interactions of natural and artificial systems that store, process and communicate information. Includes instruction in information sciences, human computer interaction, information system analysis and design, telecommunications structure and information architecture and management.
A program that focuses on the general writing and implementation of generic and customized programs to drive operating systems and that generally prepares individuals to apply the methods and procedures of software design and programming to software installation and maintenance. Includes instruction in software design, low- and high-level languages and program writing; program customization and linking; prototype testing; troubleshooting; and related aspects of operating systems and networks.
A program that prepares individuals to apply the knowledge and skills of general computer programming to the solution of specific operational problems and customization requirements presented by individual software users and organizational users. Includes training in specific types of software and its installation and maintenance.
A program that prepares individuals to fulfill the requirements set by vendors for professional qualification as certified installation, customization, and maintenance engineers for specific software products and/or processes. Includes training in specific vendor-supported software products and their installation and maintenance.
A program that prepares individuals to apply the knowledge and skills of design and computer programming to the development of computer games. Includes training in character and story development, computer programming, computer graphics, game design, game physics, human-computer interaction, human-centered design, and usability.
A program that prepares individuals to design, develop, and implement software-based solutions for specific business and consumer platforms including industrial, game, mobile, tactile, and web platforms. Includes instruction in computer programming, computer hardware, data structures, database theory, maintenance, operating systems, project management, software development, and systems analysis.
A program that prepares individuals to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation, and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the life cycle. Includes instruction in computer hardware and software; compilation, composition, execution, and operating systems; low- and high-level languages and language programming; programming and debugging techniques; installation and maintenance testing and documentation; process and data flow analysis; user needs analysis and documentation; cost-benefit analysis; and specification design.
A program that focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, computer development and programming, and applications to a variety of end-use situations.
A program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of computer hardware and software systems and related equipment and facilities; and the analysis of specific problems of computer applications to various tasks.
A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, analysis, verification, validation, implementation, and maintenance of computer software systems using a variety of computer languages. Includes instruction in discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, computer science, managerial science, and applications to complex computer systems.
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of computer engineers engaged in designing and developing computer systems and installations. Includes instruction in computer electronics and programming, prototype development and testing, systems installation and testing, solid state and microminiature circuitry, peripheral equipment, and report preparation.
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of professionals who use computer systems. Includes instruction in basic computer design and architecture, programming, problems of specific computer applications, component and system maintenance and inspection procedures, hardware and software problem diagnosis and repair, and report preparation.
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to support engineers in developing, implementing, and evaluating computer software and program applications. Includes instruction in computer programming, programming languages, databases, user interfaces, networking and warehousing, encryption and security, software testing and evaluation, and customization.
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$97,710 per yearNational average salaryVery HighJob growth rate
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Bachelor's degreeTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as software quality assurance analysts and testers.
- Less than high school 1%
- High school graduate 4%
- College dropout 13%
- Associate’s degree 8%
- Bachelor’s degree 52%
- Master’s degree 21%
- Doctorate degree 2%
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