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.

$131,450

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

+15% projected 2024–2034

Bachelor's degree

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Software quality assurance analysts and testers serve as the critical checkpoint between software development and product release, working to ensure applications function smoothly before reaching end users. They spend their days designing and running systematic tests on software applications, websites, and digital systems, deliberately trying to break programs or uncover hidden flaws that developers might have missed. When they discover bugs or defects, they meticulously document each issue, noting the exact conditions that triggered the problem and its potential impact on users.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Computer Science(masters)Stanford University, CA

Computer Engineering(masters)Harvard University, MA

Computer Science(bachelors)California Institute of Technology, CA

Computer Science(bachelors)Carnegie Mellon University, PA

Computer Science(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Harvard University, MA

Computer Engineering(masters)University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, MI

Computer Science(masters)Washington State University, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)Saint Martin's University, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Bothell Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)City University of Seattle, WA

Computer Science(masters)Central Washington University, WA

Computer Science(bachelors)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Computer Engineering(masters)Santa Clara University, CA

Computer Science(masters)Cornell University, NY

Computer Science(bachelors)Cornell University, NY

Computer Science(bachelors)Harvard University, MA

Computer Science(bachelors)Brown University, RI

Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA

Computer Science(bachelors)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Computer Science(masters)University of California-Irvine, CA

Computer Science(masters)University of California-San Diego, CA

Computer and Information Sciences(masters)University of California-San Diego, CA

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