Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace software quality assurance analysts and testers?AI replacement risk 81% and how the work is changing

United States IT & Software Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$104,300
25th–75th pct. $80,310–$133,180
Top pay (est.)
$217,100
Top 10% $167,010
Pay in 5 years
$116,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$129,100est.
$111,000–$149,900
Outlook score
49/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
81%
Very high
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.7%
11K openings / yr

Will AI replace Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers? AI replacement risk

81%
Very high
Ranked #802 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.1
Speaking
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Critical Thinking
3.9
Writing
3.9
Programming
3.8
Monitoring
3.8
Quality Control Analysis
3.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics
5.5
Mathematics
4.2
English Language
4.1
Engineering and Technology
3.9
Education and Training
3.7
Design
3.7
Administration and Management
3.1
Administrative
3.0

What the work involves

Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProcessing InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesWorking with ComputersAnalyzing Data or InformationThinking CreativelyEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
50%
Associate's degree
26%
Some college
9%
Post-secondary certificate
9%
Master's degree
3%
High school diploma
3%

Training before entry

None / short demo
24%
1–3 months
21%
3–6 months
21%
Up to 1 month
15%
6–12 months
12%
2–4 years
6%
1–2 years
3%

Related work experience

6–12 months
29%
1–2 years
26%
2–4 years
24%
None
9%
4–6 years
6%
6–8 years
3%
3–6 months
3%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.