What does an application tester do?
Primarily, an application tester assesses and evaluates new programs, software, and applications for proper functioning. Application testers record and document test results in addition to checking the functionality of a software. They are equipped with knowledge and experience in software and its test design. Their job involves integrating the system for verification, meeting particular requirements. A good application tester should develop great communication skills, attention to detail, innovation, and creativity.
Application tester responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real application tester resumes:
- 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.
- Report defects in JIRA & tracking them until satisfactory status has been determine.
- Perform static analysis of code, mobile application (iphone, android) hacking.
- Participate in daily scrum meetings to address any blockers of testing and discuss the status of assign tasks.
- Test various mobile apps for usability testing and participate in QA process to find and document the bugs.
- Authore and execute automated testing using python and javascript.
- Perform system testing, including new functionality and regression testing.
- Perform manual GUI, functionality and integration testing on different application modules.
- Execute application testing across multiple scrum teams in accordance with overall iteration plan.
- Interview prospective QA candidates and make recommendations to management base on candidate qualifications.
- Used standard security evaluation objectives that cover a variety of technologies including web and Java base applications.
- Perform initial and regression testing for an application design to track settlement companies and their associate transactions.
Application tester skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Application Testers are proficient in Web Application, Java, and Burp Suite.
We break down the percentage of Application Testers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Web Application, 10%
Automated Web Application Testing using Java-Selenium framework in an agile environment.
- Java, 8%
Developed some automation scripts for new enhancements SCR's using java with Selenium Web Driver.
- Burp Suite, 5%
Performed Vulnerability Assessments using Paros Proxy, Burp Suite, Web Scarab, YASCA, Maltego.
- Test Results, 5%
Communicate inconsistencies between System Specifications and Test Results to development and/or analyst team.
- Http, 4%
Executed software test for IBM HTTP and WebSphere Application Server.
- Application Penetration, 4%
Conducted application Penetration testing of 30+ business applications.
Most application testers use their skills in "web application," "java," and "burp suite" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential application tester responsibilities here:
The three companies that hire the most application testers are:
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Application tester vs. Quality assurance lead
A quality assurance lead, also known as QA Lead, is responsible for conducting necessary quality tests and analyses for software program and development. As a quality assurance lead, they must take the lead in ensuring quality during development by proactively performing critical evaluations, troubleshooting, and providing precise documentation. It is also essential to identify issues and resolve them as soon as possible. Furthermore, a quality assurance lead must maintain an active line of communication and coordination as most of the work will be in a team setting.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an application tester are more likely to require skills like "burp suite," "http," "application penetration," and "c++." On the other hand, a job as a quality assurance lead requires skills like "test cases," "test plan," "status reports," and "selenium webdriver." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Quality assurance leads tend to make the most money working in the retail industry, where they earn an average salary of $105,673. In contrast, application testers make the biggest average salary, $101,988, in the finance industry.The education levels that quality assurance leads earn slightly differ from application testers. In particular, quality assurance leads are 4.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an application tester. Additionally, they're 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Application tester vs. Senior quality assurance analyst
Senior quality assurance analysts are responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance standards within an organization. They collect and analyze data to reinforce proposed projects, systems requirements, and business cases. These will include writing scripts and test plans to monitor errors and fixes in product and software development, operational systems, and information systems. Besides, they are also responsible for several tasks, including preparing reports and recommendations, communicating with suppliers and vendors in assessing applications, and conducting internal audits.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, application tester responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "burp suite," "http," "application penetration," and "c++." Meanwhile, a senior quality assurance analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "selenium web," "status reports," "data warehouse," and "front end." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Senior quality assurance analysts earn a higher average salary than application testers. But senior quality assurance analysts earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $99,710. Additionally, application testers earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $101,988 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Senior quality assurance analysts tend to reach higher levels of education than application testers. In fact, they're 6.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Application tester vs. Senior quality analyst
A senior quality assurance analyst specializes in inspecting and assessing the quality of software and systems in a company, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include developing specific test structures, coordinating with different departments to gather data, troubleshooting, and studying client complaints to prevent issues from happening again. They may also perform regular maintenance checks, recommending solutions as needed. Furthermore, as a senior quality assurance analyst, it is essential to lead the quality assurance efforts on systems, all while serving as a mentor and role model to junior analysts.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from application tester resumes include skills like "burp suite," "http," "application penetration," and "c++," whereas a senior quality analyst is more likely to list skills in "data analysis," "test cases," "status reports," and "patients. "
Senior quality analysts earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $93,397. Application testers earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $101,988.When it comes to education, senior quality analysts tend to earn higher degree levels compared to application testers. In fact, they're 7.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Application tester vs. Test analyst
The duties of a test analyst depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a test analyst is responsible for testing computer software or hardware to ensure its quality before being released in the market. They participate in the development process to monitor the product specifications, review and analyze documentation, and create test systems, implementing them promptly and efficiently. As a test analyst, it is essential to produce progress reports, prepare presentations, and even give recommendations.
Types of application tester
Updated January 8, 2025











