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What is a test analyst and how to become one
A test analyst is someone who is responsible for ensuring that software applications are thoroughly tested before release. They analyze requirements, create test plans, design test cases, and execute tests to identify bugs and defects. Test analysts use various testing techniques such as manual testing, regression testing, and performance testing to ensure software quality. A test analyst plays a critical role in the software development lifecycle by ensuring that products are functional and reliable.
What general advice would you give to a test analyst?
Rebecca Sarver
Lecturer in Human Services Studies, Elmira College
Avg. Salary $70,997
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 44.80%
male 55.20%
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
What are the pros and cons of being a test analyst?
Pros
Good salary and benefits package
High demand for skilled test analysts
Opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles
Ability to see the project from end-to-end, from requirements to release
Satisfaction of finding critical issues that could have serious consequences
Cons
Repetitive and tedious work at times
High pressure to meet deadlines and release schedules
Difficult to communicate technical issues to non-technical stakeholders
Frustrating when bugs are not reproducible or hard to isolate
requires long hours or overtime during crunch times
Test analyst career paths
Key steps to become a test analyst
Explore test analyst education requirements
Start to develop specific test analyst skills
Skills Percentages Test Scripts 6.42% Test Plan 5.13% Regression 4.93% Test Results 4.91% Java 4.84% Complete relevant test analyst training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New test 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 test analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real test analyst resumes.Research test analyst duties and responsibilities
- Implement reusable test strategy to rewire QA methodology and achieve increase in efficiency.
- Execute end to end regression testing which include executing multiple processes in UNIX, running automate test scripts and performing validation.
- Organize daily meetings with QA team and Dev team to recognize the blocking issues within the project.
- Test the stored procedures functionality vs. ETL mapping after the migration of code from PL/SQL to ETL mappings.
Prepare your test analyst resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your test 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 test 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 test analyst resume templates
Build a professional test 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 test analyst resume.
Apply for test analyst jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a test analyst 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 test analyst job
Are you a test analyst?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average test analyst salary
The average test analyst salary in the United States is $70,997 per year or $34 per hour. Test analyst salaries range between $56,000 and $88,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do test analysts rate their job?
Test analyst reviews
-interacting with end users or customers - delivering successful products or services
Managing projects or leading large projects as this makes the BA role difficult to do well
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.
testing games and having fun meeting new people working with people whi trust you
Updated January 8, 2025
