Shigoto Zukan
日本語

How to become software quality assurance analysts and testerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become software quality assurance analysts and testers

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as software quality assurance analysts and testers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.