What Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers this way: "Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures"; "Test system modifications to prepare for implementation"; "Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability"; "Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers"; "Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 187,600 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 198,200 in 2035, an increase of 10,600 jobs (+5.7%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 10,700 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.7% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $104,300, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earn the most
Across the 8 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $101,381 in Texas to $135,120 in California, a gap of $33,740 (1.33 times). 7 of those 8 states average above the BLS national median of $104,300 and 1 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 24,370, which is 22.0% of the 110,600 counted across them. Texas follows with 16,390.
Highest-paying states
California ($135,120), New York ($126,480) and District of Columbia ($126,350) lead the ranking, while Texas ($101,381) and Virginia ($122,536) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 8 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $72,366. The smallest margin is $48,785 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 8 of the 8 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 13.7% and 35.1% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Software Developers and Web and Digital Interface Designers belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (15-1000) include Computer Network Architects, Information Security Analysts, Computer Systems Analysts and Network and Computer Systems Administrators.
Frequently asked questions about Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
What is the national median wage for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $104,300. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $101,381 to $135,120.
Which state pays Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $135,120. New York is next at $126,480.
What is the job outlook for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 10,700 openings a year.
What education do Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.
Where can Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $72,366 on a median wage of $126,350.