Computers and math
QA engineer
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.
Median pay
$104,300
Growth to 2035
+6%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
10,700
Time to qualify*
8 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
QA engineer
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
- Required
- No license; ISTQB certification optional
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
QA engineer: 41% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
- Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
- Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
Also called: Automation Tester · Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst) · Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst) · Quality Assurance Engineer (QA Engineer) · Quality Engineer · Software Quality Assurance Analyst (SQA Analyst) · Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer) · Software Quality Engineer
Outlook and AI
QA engineers held 187,600 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 198,200 by 2035 (+6%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Occupational substitution, capital/labor substitution - share decreases as some tasks move to software developers as companies increasingly integrate their testing into their software development processes, and as some testing tasks are automated by artificial intelligence (AI).