What Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers Do
Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.
Work Environment
Many software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work in computer systems design and related services, in manufacturing, or for software publishers. They often work in offices and on teams with other software developers or quality assurance analysts and testers.
How to Become a Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester
Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire developers who have a master’s degree.
Pay
The median annual wage for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers was $110,140 in May 2020.
Job Outlook
Employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 189,200 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.
Work Environment
Many software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work in computer systems design and related services, in manufacturing, or for software publishers. They often work in offices and on teams with other software developers or quality assurance analysts and testers.
How to Become a Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester
Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire developers who have a master’s degree.
Pay
The median annual wage for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers was $110,140 in May 2020.
Job Outlook
Employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 189,200 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
