Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Software Quality Assurance Tester is a professional responsible for evaluating and testing software applications to ensure they function as intended and meet user and client requirements. They play a critical role in the software development life cycle by identifying bugs and issues before the product reaches end-users.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 20.3% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 14,000
Direct AI exposure: 32% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 91% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $104K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $61K per year | $80K per year | $104K per year | $133K per year | $167K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $53K above the national average. | ||||
Software Quality Assurance Testers typically work in an office environment as part of a software development team. They may be employed in a variety of industries, including technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and government agencies. The role often involves working closely with software developers, product managers, and other IT professionals.
Software Quality Assurance Testers are essential in the software development process, ensuring that applications are reliable, meet specified requirements, and provide a good user experience. They work methodically to find and report bugs, verify fixes, and validate enhancements. This role requires a keen eye for detail, as testers need to identify even the most subtle issues that could impact user satisfaction or software performance.
The job involves both manual testing, where testers actively use the software to find issues, and automated testing, which involves writing test scripts to automate the process. Understanding the end user's needs and the application's intended function is critical, as this guides the testing process. QA Testers often have to think outside the box, trying to break the software in order to find potential points of failure.
The role is evolving rapidly with advancements in technology, particularly with the integration of automated testing tools and the increasing importance of software in all aspects of life and business. Continuous learning and adaptability are key in this profession, as testers need to keep up with new testing methodologies, tools, and software development trends.
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, which generally takes 4 years of post-secondary education. Some roles may accept equivalent experience in software testing or development in lieu of a formal degree.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
