Software quality assurance analysts and testers
SOC Code: 15-1253
Software quality assurance analysts and testers carries a 46% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $102,610 and +10.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 201,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 46% AI exposure, Software quality assurance analysts and testers sits 9 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 82% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Software quality assurance analysts and testers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Software quality assurance analysts and testers has ai exposure of 46%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Software quality assurance analysts and testers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Software quality assurance analysts and testers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Software quality assurance analysts and testers (SOC 15-1253) carries an AI exposure score of 46%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 201,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +10.0% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $102,610, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Software quality assurance analysts and testers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- 2. Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- 3. Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- 4. Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- 5. Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
- 6. Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
- 7. Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
- 8. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
- 9. Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
- 10. Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Programming
- Complex Problem Solving
- Quality Control Analysis
- Systems Evaluation
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Telecommunications
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Software quality assurance analysts and testers?
Software quality assurance analysts and testers has an AI exposure score of 46%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Software quality assurance analysts and testers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Software quality assurance analysts and testers is projected to grow by 10.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 201,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Software quality assurance analysts and testers?
Key skills for Software quality assurance analysts and testers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Software quality assurance analysts and testers earn?
The median annual wage for Software quality assurance analysts and testers is $102,610, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Software quality assurance analysts and testers?
The typical entry-level education for Software quality assurance analysts and testers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Software quality assurance analysts and testers?
Software quality assurance analysts and testers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).