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What is an automation tester and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

An automated Tester is a specialist who can run expert-created test automation scripts. An automated Tester has the technical capability of providing teams with a comprehensive automation strategy for the lifespan of an application or a product. It is not just a matter of automating the finalized test cases or scenarios, but it is about taking a more comprehensive approach to testing. Instead of writing tests, Automated Testers spend their time coding them and improving them as needed. However, after complete tests, automated testing enables the reuse of tests, eliminating the need to repeat the entire procedure.

Analytical thinking is crucial for this role, as well as knowledge of programming languages. You must possess excellent functional testing abilities, and expertise in writing test scripts is a plus. Plus, you must have a thorough understanding of automated testing tools. A Bachelor's degree in computer science, software development, or a related field gives an edge. Automated Testers earn between $23,000 and $138,500 yearly.

ScoreAutomation TesterUS Average
Salary
6.4

Avg. Salary $82,429

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 36.42%

male 63.58%

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

Automation tester career paths

Key steps to become an automation tester

  1. Explore automation tester education requirements

    Most common automation tester degrees

    Bachelor's

    74.3 %

    Master's

    19.5 %

    Associate

    2.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific automation tester skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Java10.34%
    Jenkins3.87%
    QA3.58%
    Jira3.49%
    Scrum3.47%
  3. Complete relevant automation tester training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New automation 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 automation tester based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real automation tester resumes.
  4. Research automation tester duties and responsibilities

    • Manage departmental inventory and troubleshoot testing, reporting and inventory issues.
    • Prepare Java /Selenium script for subsequent regression testing.
    • Involve in creating output values using QTP.
    • Involve in creating automation test suites for progression & regression testing in SOAPUI.
  5. Prepare your automation tester resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your automation 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 automation 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 automation tester resume templates

    Build a professional automation 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 automation tester resume.
    Automation Tester Resume
    Automation Tester Resume
    Automation Tester Resume
    Automation Tester Resume
    Automation Tester Resume
    Automation Tester Resume
    Automation Tester Resume
    Automation Tester Resume
    Automation Tester Resume
  6. Apply for automation tester jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an automation 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 automation tester job

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Average automation tester salary

The average automation tester salary in the United States is $82,429 per year or $40 per hour. Automation tester salaries range between $63,000 and $107,000 per year.

Average automation tester salary
$82,429 Yearly
$39.63 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do automation testers rate their job?

5/5

Based on 1 ratings

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Automation tester reviews

profile
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.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

Working with technology.

Cons

Automated testing is more in demand than manual testing.


profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2019
Pros

Interaction with colleagues

Cons

I prefer having fun joking while working, a barrier between people doesn't make me feel good.


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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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