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What is a junior tester and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

Junior testers are IT professionals early in their careers. Their job is to test software for correct functioning. They single out and fix bugs in software systems. They might work for various types of products from web applications to video games and various kinds of computer programs.

Your job will be to perform tests on various aspects of software systems, such as regression, integration, or performance. You will communicate with clients reporting bugs, answering questions, providing information, and presenting demos. You will work together with other departments, such as quality assurance or product development, to track and resolve issues with the programs and ensure correct and efficient functioning.

A degree in computer science is generally required if you want to work as a tester. Critical thinking and teamwork will be essential. Being familiar with automation tools and programming languages will also be important, as well as with the use of various testing methods. If you have what it takes, you will be able to make $67,000 on average per year.

ScoreJunior TesterUS Average
Salary
5.5

Avg. Salary $70,002

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 40.82%

male 59.18%

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

Junior tester career paths

Key steps to become a junior tester

  1. Explore junior tester education requirements

    Most common junior tester degrees

    Bachelor's

    59.6 %

    Master's

    22.0 %

    Associate

    7.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific junior tester skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Test Results16.17%
    Test Scripts10.00%
    Manual Test Cases5.20%
    Regression4.95%
    Test Scenarios4.90%
  3. Complete relevant junior tester training and internships

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

    • Manage departmental inventory and troubleshoot testing, reporting and inventory issues.
    • Organize meetings to discuss outstanding issues with QA team and developers.
    • Raise defects in ALM QC during execution and tracking them until it get close.
    • Diagnose and troubleshot UNIX and windows processing problems and apply solutions to increase client security.
  5. Prepare your junior tester resume

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

    Build a professional junior 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 junior tester resume.
    Junior Tester Resume
    Junior Tester Resume
    Junior Tester Resume
    Junior Tester Resume
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    Junior Tester Resume
    Junior Tester Resume
  6. Apply for junior tester jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a junior 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 junior tester job

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Average junior tester salary

The average junior tester salary in the United States is $70,002 per year or $34 per hour. Junior tester salaries range between $52,000 and $93,000 per year.

Average junior tester salary
$70,002 Yearly
$33.65 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do junior testers rate their job?

-/5

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Junior 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 May 2020
Pros

testing games and having fun meeting new people working with people whi trust you

Cons

being delayed


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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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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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