Post job

What is a software quality analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Rebecca Sarver

Software quality analysts run tests on software to make sure they meet the required quality standards. They test software for various aspects of their functioning, from logic and error handling to system workflows. They identify and track defects and malfunctions in software systems, troubleshoot issues, and create documentation of the work they execute.

Working in this position, you will report to the quality assurance manager. You will perform risk analysis and document test cases, recording test results and progress. Coding automated tests might be one of your duties as well as setting up quality standards and evaluation procedures. Debugging software will be your job on a daily basis.

A degree in computer science, software design, or a related area is often necessary to land this position. You will have to display working experience in your field, and familiarity with software development cycles and quality assurance methods. Keeping up to date with rapidly changing technologies is essential for professionals in this role. Your yearly salaries will average around $73,000.

What general advice would you give to a software quality analyst?

Rebecca SarverRebecca Sarver LinkedIn profile

Lecturer in Human Services Studies, Elmira College

Listen more than you talk. There is so much to be learned from clients, seasoned human service workers, and the community that you work within. By listening and observing versus always feeling compelled to speak, you will learn job skills, people skills, and your clients' needs.
ScoreSoftware Quality AnalystUS Average
Salary
6.0

Avg. Salary $76,173

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 47.98%

male 52.02%

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

Software quality analyst career paths

Key steps to become a software quality analyst

  1. Explore software quality analyst education requirements

    Most common software quality analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.8 %

    Master's

    19.3 %

    Associate

    8.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific software quality analyst skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Regression6.93%
    QA5.90%
    SQL Server4.99%
    Manual Test Cases4.73%
    Test Scripts4.66%
  3. Complete relevant software quality analyst training and internships

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

    • Manage initiatives design to promote and support continuous QA process improvements and other process development activities.
    • Experience in designing/developing applications using Java, JSP, and HTML.
    • Generate manual and automate test procedures (test cases) during informal and formal stages of SDLC.
    • Experience with XML and web services/SOA/SOAP and relate testing tools.
  5. Prepare your software quality analyst resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your software quality analyst 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 software quality analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable software quality analyst resume templates

    Build a professional software quality analyst 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 software quality analyst resume.
    Software Quality Analyst Resume
    Software Quality Analyst Resume
    Software Quality Analyst Resume
    Software Quality Analyst Resume
    Software Quality Analyst Resume
    Software Quality Analyst Resume
    Software Quality Analyst Resume
    Software Quality Analyst Resume
    Software Quality Analyst Resume
  6. Apply for software quality analyst jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a software quality analyst 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 software quality analyst job

Zippi

Are you a software quality analyst?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average software quality analyst salary

The average software quality analyst salary in the United States is $76,173 per year or $37 per hour. Software quality analyst salaries range between $59,000 and $97,000 per year.

Average software quality analyst salary
$76,173 Yearly
$36.62 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do software quality analysts rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Software quality analyst reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Pros

-interacting with end users or customers - delivering successful products or services

Cons

Managing projects or leading large projects as this makes the BA role difficult to do well


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 Aug 2020
Cons

some daily monotonous aspects of job.


Working as a software quality analyst? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs