What does a software quality analyst do?
A software quality analyst troubleshoots bugs for a software application. They are responsible for certifying the quality of applications and software. They also evaluate functional problems through regression testing, and they create test strategies based on project requirements. They interact with developers, project managers, customers, and stakeholders.
Software quality analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real software quality analyst resumes:
- 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.
- Used UNIX command to read log files when errors are recorded.
- Used Java client driver of selenium to design the functional test suite.
- Used Unix scripts tracking all the logs, activities on the server.
- Work proactively to identify program / project issues in early phases of SDLC and facilitate resolution.
- Perform managerial tasks such as employee ratings, scrum team assignments, and assisting with upcoming contracts.
- Involve in daily scrum meetings and weekly defects meetings to track the progress of the testing phase.
- Track the defects using JIRA and report defect summary of execute, pass and fail test cases.
- Incorporate various testing methodologies such as black box testing, UI testing, and boundary value testing.
- Use SoapUI to submit the XML requests and validate rules and calculations in the response files manually.
- Defect tracking and documentation are done using JIRA, defects are reviewed with business users as well as technical team.
- Monitor availability of servers using proprietary UI tools.
Software quality analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Software Quality Analysts are proficient in Regression, QA, and SQL Server.
We break down the percentage of Software Quality Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Regression, 7%
Developed and executed Quality Assurance test cases using requirement stories, and performed regression testing for integrated applications.
- QA, 6%
Manage initiatives designed to promote and support continuous QA process improvements and other process development activities.
- SQL Server, 5%
Performed Data Analysis and Data validation and report validation by writing complex SQL queries in oracle and SQL server.
- Manual Test Cases, 5%
Involved in designing the Test cases, creating and running the manual test cases, identifying the defects in Quality Center.
- Test Scripts, 5%
Created, executed and maintained both manual and automated test scripts utilizing Mercury WinRunner automation test tool.
- Scrum, 4%
Tested the application implemented in agile methodology using Scrum Process.
Common skills that a software quality analyst uses to do their job include "regression," "qa," and "sql server." You can find details on the most important software quality analyst responsibilities below.
The three companies that hire the most software quality analysts are:
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Software quality analyst vs. Tester
The role of technical testers is to test computer software for defects, bug errors, or any issues that may come across by an end-user. They mainly conduct product testing and prepare reports about any problems or recommendations for improvements. Other responsibilities include reviewing test plans, assessing and analyzing product specifications and requirements, and mapping out testing strategy. Technical testers also frame the test environments or support network management staff and system administrators. Qualifications for this position include knowledge of the database or structured query language, proficiency in Linux commands, and proficiency in defect tracking tools.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, software quality analyst responsibilities require skills like "selenium webdriver," "bug fixes," "backend," and "user stories." Meanwhile a typical tester has skills in areas such as "digital transformation," "metasploit," "linux," and "regression test cases." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Testers earn the highest salaries when working in the telecommunication industry, with an average yearly salary of $74,239. On the other hand, software quality analysts are paid more in the non profits industry with an average salary of $80,415.On average, testers reach lower levels of education than software quality analysts. Testers are 9.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Software quality analyst vs. Systems tester
A systems tester is an information technology expert who specializes in developing test structures to identify the strengths and weaknesses of systems and software. They primarily work to identify and eliminate bugs to ensure quality and client satisfaction. They may also perform clerical tasks such as preparing reports and findings. Furthermore, as a systems tester, it is essential to recommend solutions against problem areas, all while adhering to the project's budgets and the company's policies and regulations.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real software quality analyst resumes. While software quality analyst responsibilities can utilize skills like "selenium webdriver," "bug fixes," "data validation," and "end user experience," systems testers use skills like "python," "c++," "test automation," and "selenium."
On average, systems testers earn a higher salary than software quality analysts. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, systems testers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $104,166. Whereas software quality analysts have higher pay in the non profits industry, with an average salary of $80,415.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Systems testers tend to reach lower levels of education than software quality analysts. In fact, they're 5.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for software quality analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Rebecca Sarver
Lecturer in Human Services Studies, Elmira College
Software quality analyst vs. Senior test engineer
A senior test engineer is an individual who is responsible for developing and implementing cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting computer systems and equipment. Senior test engineers must assist junior engineers in developing test plans and conducting testing activities on complex systems to meet program requirements. They aid in the areas of predictability, manufacturing processing, and improvement in the equipment and process. Senior test engineers must also develop proposal inputs and reviews documents generated by junior engineers.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, software quality analysts are more likely to have skills like "manual test cases," "selenium webdriver," "bug fixes," and "end user experience." But a senior test engineer is more likely to have skills like "test cases," "python," "c++," and "test equipment."
Senior test engineers make a very good living in the automotive industry with an average annual salary of $104,711. On the other hand, software quality analysts are paid the highest salary in the non profits industry, with average annual pay of $80,415.Most senior test engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to software quality analysts. For example, they're 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Software quality analyst vs. Functional tester
A functional tester's main responsibility is to validate the behavior of an application and analyzed the requirements of the clients. They are skilled in Java and database design for software development. The tasks they do are complex, including scanning IDs of the receiver and serial numbers on each unit, testing the units to make sure they work properly, and checking for any defects and damages. They are also trained in using numerical codes for passing or failing each unit and writing serial numbers on the production tracker.
Types of software quality analyst
Updated January 8, 2025
