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What is a software quality assurance and how to become one
A software quality assurance engineer is a technology professional that works to ensure that software programs and applications function appropriately and efficiently for internal and external clients. They troubleshoot and fix bugs and issues that may arise with software applications, write test plans, conduct security testing, ensure that the software programs follow customer guidelines and expectations. These individuals make sure that developed software meets quality specifications and manages the testing and implementation of software programs before being released to customers and clients.
Most software quality assurance engineers have a certificate or a bachelor's degree in computer science, software design, or engineering. However, candidates with comparable skills and knowledge can be competitive candidates.
A software quality assurance professional can make up to $107,000 per year, and with the booming software industry these days, the career field is expected to grow 22% in the next ten years.
What general advice would you give to a software quality assurance?
Brian Glas
Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Union University
Gain different perspectives: Spend time with people in other roles that your job interacts with, and gain a solid understanding of how they view things; this is most valuable for career progression and understanding of how your work fits into the big picture.
Avg. Salary $92,629
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 30.83%
male 69.17%
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
Software quality assurance career paths
Key steps to become a software quality assurance
Explore software quality assurance education requirements
Start to develop specific software quality assurance skills
Skills Percentages Software Development 6.04% C++ 4.73% C # 4.73% Software QA 4.63% Python 4.48% Complete relevant software quality assurance training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New software quality assurances 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 assurance based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real software quality assurance resumes.Research software quality assurance duties and responsibilities
- Manage all documentation and equipment require for QA to effectively complete testing tasks.
- Maintain Jenkins jobs for tests beds.
- Implement testing plans to improve embed database API code quality.
- Credit card validation are implemented are using Google checkout API.
Prepare your software quality assurance resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your software quality assurance 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 assurance 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 assurance resume templates
Build a professional software quality assurance 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 assurance resume.
Apply for software quality assurance jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a software quality assurance 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 software quality assurance job
Are you a software quality assurance?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average software quality assurance salary
The average software quality assurance salary in the United States is $92,629 per year or $45 per hour. Software quality assurance salaries range between $66,000 and $128,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do software quality assurances rate their job?
Software quality assurance 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.
Working with technology.
Automated testing is more in demand than manual testing.
New field to work with compassion.
Low pay structure as compared to the efforts put in.
Updated January 8, 2025
