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Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers

Summary

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Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WQ_VV4pXPc.
Quick Facts: Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers
2023 Median Pay $130,160 per year
$62.58 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2023 1,897,100
Job Outlook, 2023-33 17% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2023-33 327,900

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 was $132,270 in May 2023.

The median annual wage for software quality assurance analysts and testers was $101,800 in May 2023.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 140,100 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.

What Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers Do About this section

Software developers
Developers create diagrams that help programmers write computer code.

Software developers create the computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. Software quality assurance analysts and testers design and execute software tests to identify problems and learn how the software works.

Duties

Software developers typically do the following:

  • Analyze users’ needs and then design and develop software to meet those needs
  • Recommend software upgrades for customers’ existing programs and systems
  • Design each piece of an application or system and plan how the pieces will work together
  • Create a variety of models and diagrams showing programmers the software code needed for an application
  • Ensure that a program continues to function normally through software maintenance and testing
  • Document every aspect of an application or system as a reference for future maintenance and upgrades

Software quality assurance analysts and testers typically do the following:

  • Create test plans, scenarios, and procedures for new software
  • Identify project risks and recommend steps to minimize those risks
  • Implement software testing, using either manual or automated programs and exploratory testing, and evaluate results
  • Document and report defects or problems with software
  • Provide feedback to software developers and stakeholders regarding usability and functionality

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are involved in the entire process of creating a software program. Developers may begin by asking how the customer plans to use the software so that they can identify the core functionality the user needs. Software developers also determine other requirements, such as security. They design the program and then work closely with programmers, who write computer code. However, some developers write code themselves instead of giving instructions to programmers.

Software quality assurance analysts and testers design and execute systems to check the software for problems. As part of their testing, these workers document and track the software’s potential defects or risks. They also assess its usability and functionality to identify difficulties a user might have. After completing testing, they report the results to software or web developers and review ways to solve any problems they found.

After the program is released to the customer, a developer may perform upgrades and maintenance. Quality assurance analysts and testers run manual and automated checks to look for errors and usability problems once the software is released and after any upgrades or maintenance. 

The following are examples of types of software developers:

Applications software developers design computer applications, such as games, for consumers. They may create custom software for a specific customer or commercial software to be sold to the general public. Some applications software developers create databases or programs for use internally or online.

Software engineers take a broad view of a project’s system and software requirements, planning its scope and order of work. These workers may direct software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers.

Systems software developers create the operating systems for the public or specifically for an organization. These operating systems keep computers functioning and control most of the consumer electronics in use today, including those in cell phones and cars. Often, systems software developers also build the interface that allows users to interact with the computer.

Developers who supervise a software project from the planning stages through implementation sometimes are called information technology (IT) project managers. These workers monitor the project’s progress to ensure that it meets deadlines, standards, and cost targets. For information on IT project managers who plan and direct an organization’s IT department or IT policies, see the profile on computer and information systems (CIS) managers.

Work Environment About this section

Software developers
Developers may oversee a team of people during the software development process.

Software developers held about 1.7 million jobs in 2023. The largest employers of software developers were as follows:

Computer systems design and related services 32%
Software publishers 10
Finance and insurance 10
Manufacturing 9
Management of companies and enterprises 5

Software quality assurance analysts and testers held about 205,000 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of software quality assurance analysts and testers were as follows:

Computer systems design and related services 29%
Finance and insurance 11
Software publishers 11
Manufacturing 8
Administrative and support services 6

Developing software is usually a collaborative process. As a result, developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work on teams with others who also contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software.

Work Schedules

Most software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work full time.

How to Become a Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester About this section

Software developers
Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor’s degree.

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.

Education

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering or mathematics. Computer and information technology degree programs cover a broad range of topics. Students may gain experience in software development by completing an internship, such as at a software company, while in college. For some software developer positions, employers may prefer that applicants have a master’s degree.

Although writing code is not their primary responsibility, developers must have a strong background in computer programming. They usually gain this experience in school. Throughout their career, developers must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages.

Advancement

Software developers can advance to become project management specialists or computer and information systems managers, positions in which they oversee the software development process.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must evaluate users’ needs and then design software to function properly and meet those needs.

Communication skills. These workers must be able to give clear instructions and explain problems that arise to other team members involved in development. They must also be able to explain to nontechnical users, such as customers, how the software works and answer any questions that arise.

Creativity. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must be innovative in their approaches to designing, identifying problems with, and improving computer software.

Detail oriented. These workers often need to concentrate on many parts of an application or system at the same time, and they must pay attention to detail when looking for potential areas of user error.

Interpersonal skills. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, programming, and testing successful software.

Problem-solving skills. Because these workers produce software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process.

Pay About this section

Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers

Median annual wages, May 2023

Software developers

$132,270

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers

$130,160

Computer occupations

$104,420

Software quality assurance analysts and testers

$101,800

Total, all occupations

$48,060

 

The median annual wage for software developers was $132,270 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $77,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,620.

The median annual wage for software quality assurance analysts and testers was $101,800 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $58,740, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $164,520.

In May 2023, the median annual wages for software developers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Software publishers $143,210
Manufacturing 138,100
Finance and insurance 132,900
Management of companies and enterprises 131,370
Computer systems design and related services 127,880

In May 2023, the median annual wages for software quality assurance analysts and testers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Manufacturing $123,100
Software publishers 100,780
Finance and insurance 100,580
Computer systems design and related services 100,370
Administrative and support services 99,840

Most software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work full time.

Job Outlook About this section

Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers

Percent change in employment, projected 2023-33

Software developers

18%

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers

17%

Computer occupations

12%

Software quality assurance analysts and testers

12%

Total, all occupations

4%

 

Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 140,100 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.

Employment

Increased demand for software developers, software quality assurance analysts, and testers will stem from the continued expansion of software development for artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and other automation applications.

In response to concerns over threats to computer security, organizations are expected to increase investment in software that protects their electronic networks and infrastructure. This investment could result in an increased demand for developers to create security software and for quality assurance analysts and testers to create and execute software tests.

Software developers, software quality assurance analysts, and testers are likely to see new opportunities because of the increasing number of products that use software. For example, software systems continue to be built for consumer electronics and other products, including IoT-connected devices and electric vehicles.

Employment projections data for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, 2023-33
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2023 Projected Employment, 2033 Change, 2023-33 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers

1,897,100 2,225,000 17 327,900

Software developers

15-1252 1,692,100 1,995,700 18 303,700 Get data

Software quality assurance analysts and testers

15-1253 205,000 229,200 12 24,200 Get data

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help on Entry-Level Education 2023 MEDIAN PAY Help on Median Pay
Computer and information research scientists Computer and Information Research Scientists

Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.

Master's degree $145,080
Computer and information systems managers Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.

Bachelor's degree $169,510
Computer hardware engineers Computer Hardware Engineers

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.

Bachelor's degree $138,080
computer network architects image Computer Network Architects

Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.

Bachelor's degree $129,840
Computer programmers Computer Programmers

Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.

Bachelor's degree $99,700
Computer support specialists Computer Support Specialists

Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users.

See How to Become One $60,810
Computer systems analysts Computer Systems Analysts

Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency.

Bachelor's degree $103,800
Database administrators Database Administrators and Architects

Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.

Bachelor's degree $117,450
data-scientists Data Scientists

Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.

Bachelor's degree $108,020
Information security analysts Information Security Analysts

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.

Bachelor's degree $120,360
Mathematicians Mathematicians and Statisticians

Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.

Master's degree $104,860
Postsecondary teachers Postsecondary Teachers

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.

See How to Become One $84,380
Web developers Web Developers and Digital Designers

Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.

Bachelor's degree $92,750

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, visit

Association for Computing Machinery

Association for Software Testing

IEEE Computer Society

Computing Research Association

CompTIA

For information about opportunities for women pursuing information technology careers, visit

National Center for Women & Information Technology

CareerOneStop

For career videos on software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, visit

Software developers, applications

Software quality assurance analysts and testers

O*NET

Software Developers

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (visited October 24, 2024).

Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024

What They Do

The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.

Work Environment

The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

How to Become One

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

Pay

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.

State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

Similar Occupations

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

Contacts for More Information

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

Number of Jobs, 2023

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2023, which is the base year of the 2023-33 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2023-33

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033. The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent.

Employment Change, 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.