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What is a test developer and how to become one
No, test developers don't work with the kinds of tests that require No. 2 pencils and cause stress to students everywhere. In fact, test developers don't test people at all. They test software to make sure that it meets quality standards.
Test developers write and implement programs that automatically test software for any bugs. They need to have experience with programming languages such as JavaScript, PERL, and HTML. They often use quality testing tools such as ALM to do their work. In addition to their extensive technical knowledge, test developers need to be good at working with people since they work closely with the entire quality analysis team.
Many test developers start learning the technical skills to succeed in this position at school. About half have bachelor's degrees in computer science, and many others earn a master's degree. They hone those skills even further by working as developers or quality assurance engineers before finally ascending to the position of test developer.
What general advice would you give to a test developer?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Avg. Salary $92,711
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 21%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%
Asian 29.96%
Black or African American 4.41%
Hispanic or Latino 8.15%
Unknown 4.79%
White 52.52%
Genderfemale 35.96%
male 64.04%
Age - 38American 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 - 38Stress level is moderate
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Test developer career paths
Key steps to become a test developer
Explore test developer education requirements
Start to develop specific test developer skills
Skills Percentages Python 7.84% Java 7.80% C++ 5.39% C # 5.39% Scrum 3.85% Complete relevant test developer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New test developers 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 developer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real test developer resumes.Research test developer duties and responsibilities
- Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
- Develop keyword and data-driven framework using Java for automate test scripts.
- Design and develop UNIX scripts and used AUTOSYS for job scheduling.
- Insert GUI, bitmap and text checkpoints in QTP script for validations.
Prepare your test developer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your test developer 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 developer 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 developer resume templates
Build a professional test developer 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 developer resume.
Apply for test developer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a test developer 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 developer job
Are you a test developer?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average test developer salary
The average test developer salary in the United States is $92,711 per year or $45 per hour. Test developer salaries range between $72,000 and $119,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do test developers rate their job?
Test developer reviews
Problem solving and cutting edge technology - always learning and evolving my skill set
Still have to deal with people :)
I enjoyed working on creative problems that dealt with the user interface
I didn't like how technical it could become
Designing a new system or making changes to an old one.
Compensation. Pay and Benefits do not match the time spent on a project. Alabama is the Worst state to live in for SOFTWARE ENGINEER Salaries. 40 to 50 percent less than our peer States.
Updated January 8, 2025
