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What is a functional tester and how to become one
These experts are in charge of validating the behavior of an application and reviewing the requirements of the clients. They develop and implement functional test plans and test cases. They scan the receiver ID, check for defects and damages, and test the units to ensure proper working conditions.
Furthermore, they write serial numbers on the production track sheet, identify bugs and monitor defect tracking systems. Likewise, they update test plan status. Also, they help with researching and analyzing existing systems and program requirements.
To become a functional tester, you need a bachelor's degree in a related discipline with at least five years of prior work experience in a related role. You must be conversant with software functioning testing processes and methodologies.
The skills for this position are problem-solving and analytical skills. Functional testers are paid $72,988 on average per year, which is $35.09 per hour. Their salary falls between $59,000 and $88,000.
Avg. Salary $76,647
Avg. Salary $59,228
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%
Genderfemale 34.66%
male 65.34%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Functional tester career paths
Key steps to become a functional tester
Explore functional tester education requirements
Start to develop specific functional tester skills
Skills Percentages Java 10.75% Test Cases 5.61% Web Application 4.82% Selenium 4.47% Test Automation 4.00% Complete relevant functional tester training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New functional 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 a functional tester based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real functional tester resumes.Research functional tester duties and responsibilities
- Manage UNIX system workstations in ATM test team and troubleshooting system problems.
- Develop web page for achieving documentation and developing a multiple user interface with JavaScript and Perl.
- Perform end to end testing for the whole project and create any defects find while testing the application in JIRA.
- Develop and maintain test data scripts to support regression testing and participate actively in system testing and regression testing.
Prepare your functional tester resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your functional 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 a functional 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 functional tester resume templates
Build a professional functional 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 functional tester resume.
Apply for functional tester jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a functional tester job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first functional tester job
Are you a functional tester?
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Average functional tester salary
The average functional tester salary in the United States is $76,647 per year or $37 per hour. Functional tester salaries range between $61,000 and $94,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do functional testers rate their job?
Functional tester reviews
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.
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.
Working with technology.
Automated testing is more in demand than manual testing.
Low pay structure as compared to the efforts put in.
Updated January 8, 2025
