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What is an application tester and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

Every day, new and advanced applications are being developed and introduced into the market. Their success depends on the benefits it can give to users and how smoothly it works. These two factors depend a lot on the evaluation, tests, and assessments conducted on it through a process called application testing. Don't try to do it yourself unless you know a pro application tester.

Application testers' main duty is to evaluate and assess new software applications and programs to make them function at the desired level. Besides checking software's functionality, they perform record and document tests that engage maximum user interface. Professional testers mainly focus on those parts with which the user interacts the most. They are into the integration of the system for meeting some specific requirements and verification purposes.

Working as an application tester, you can get $34.7 an hour as a reward for showing your talent. If you are naturally curious, have knowledge of the software development process, and can comfortably work under pressure to meet short deadlines, you might be the best candidate to get hired.

Experienced testers have solid communication skills, good judgment ability and can work either on their own or as a team. And yes, do get a bachelor's degree in computer science to fulfill the education requirements.

ScoreApplication TesterUS Average
Salary
6.9

Avg. Salary $88,835

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 40.98%

male 59.02%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
5.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.1

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Application tester career paths

Key steps to become an application tester

  1. Explore application tester education requirements

    Most common application tester degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.4 %

    Master's

    14.6 %

    Associate

    12.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific application tester skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Web Application9.94%
    Java8.49%
    Burp Suite5.36%
    Test Results4.66%
    Http4.30%
  3. Complete relevant application tester training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New application testers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an application tester based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real application tester resumes.
  4. Research application tester duties and responsibilities

    • Implement a TFS environment and manage the test planning for multiple projects.
    • Develop web page for achieving documentation and developing a multiple user interface with JavaScript and Perl.
    • Validate request and response XML.
    • Submit problem reports and monitor their status using JIRA bug-tracking system.
  5. Prepare your application tester resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your application tester resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an application tester resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable application tester resume templates

    Build a professional application tester resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your application tester resume.
    Application Tester Resume
    Application Tester Resume
    Application Tester Resume
    Application Tester Resume
    Application Tester Resume
    Application Tester Resume
    Application Tester Resume
    Application Tester Resume
    Application Tester Resume
  6. Apply for application tester jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an application tester job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first application tester job

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Average application tester salary

The average application tester salary in the United States is $88,835 per year or $43 per hour. Application tester salaries range between $68,000 and $116,000 per year.

Average application tester salary
$88,835 Yearly
$42.71 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do application testers rate their job?

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Application tester reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2020
Pros

I like testing because it can be interesting. Things can change but also stay the same. I like routine but not repetition doing the same thing. Testing isn't the best job but a good job.

Cons

Some things you test can be really picky to pass. It's likely they will always fail the first time. Some test seem to always pass and seek insufficient. I always look at productivity but also efficiency. So if not necessary by customer and always passes I can't see why a part of the test he removed especially if another part of the test will fail if it does. Options I am always open to.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

Working with technology.

Cons

Automated testing is more in demand than manual testing.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

New field to work with compassion.

Cons

Low pay structure as compared to the efforts put in.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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