What they do
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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.
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| Also called: |
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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
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Wages
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| Vermont - 2023 |
| Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
| 10% |
$ 25.10 |
$52,210 |
| 25% |
$ 27.46 |
$57,120 |
| Median |
$ 31.75 |
$66,050 |
| 75% |
$ 36.77 |
$76,480 |
| 90% |
$ 46.73 |
$97,200 |
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| Average |
$ 34.25 |
$71,230 |
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Industries of Employment
| Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers* |
| United States - 2020 |
| Industry | Percent of total |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 34% |
| 19% |
- Publishing industries (except Internet)
| 8% |
- Computer and electronic product manufacturing
| 5% |
- Insurance carriers and related activities
| 4% |
| * You're seeing information for "Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers" because it includes "Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers" for which industries of employment information is not available. |
| More at BLS |
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Knowledge
| People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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- Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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- Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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- Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Skills
| People in this career often have these skills: |
- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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- Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Interests
| People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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- Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Work Styles
| People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
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- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
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Tasks
| On the job, you would: |
- Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
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- Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
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- 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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- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
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- Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
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| More at O*NET |
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| Related Occupations
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| Career Video
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Projected Employment
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| Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers* |
| Vermont |
| 2020 employment |
2,618 |
| 2030 employment |
3,225 |
Annual percent change
(compounded) |
2.1% |
Annual projected job openings
(due to change and separations) |
272 |
| * You're seeing information for "Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers" because it includes "Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers" for which projected employment information is not available. |
| More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
| Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers* |
- Typical education needed for entry
Bachelor's degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
None
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| * You're seeing information for "Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers" because it includes "Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers" for which education and experience information is not available. |
| Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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- Physical activity is Seldom Important
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- Level of activity is Very Low
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| Low |  | High |
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Job Zone
| Considerable Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(7.0 to < 8.0) - A typical worker will require
over 2 years up to and including 4 years
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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| Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
| How much education do most people in this career have? |
| Education level |  | Percent of
U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree
or post-MA certificate | | 0% |
Master's degree or
post-BA certificate | | 3% |
| Bachelor's degree | | 50% |
| Associate's degree | | 26% |
Certificate or some college,
no degree | | 18% |
High school diploma
or equivalent | | 3% |
| Less than high school diploma | | 0% |
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Abilities
| People in this career often have talent in: |
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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- Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Work Activities
| In general, what you might do: |
- Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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- Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Detailed Work Activities
| What you might do in a day: |
- Document operational activities.
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- Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
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- Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
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- Compile technical information or documentation.
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- Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.
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| More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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