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Alamo Colleges DistrictCareer Explorer

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Part of Information Technology, in the Information Support and Services pathway.

Bright outlookJob zone 4: considerable preparationO*NET 15-1253.00

What the work is

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.

On a typical day

  • 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.
  • Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.

What it pays

$95,990
Median pay per year, San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX metro
New workers start near $55,800
Experienced workers reach $133,870
  1. $56k10th
  2. $76k25th
  3. $96kMedian
  4. $119k75th
  5. $134k90th
Wage percentiles: 10th $55,800, 25th $76,350, Median $95,990, 75th $119,250, 90th $133,870

About 1,010 people do this job in the San Antonio area.

Job outlook

Alamo region (Bexar and 12 surrounding counties), Texas Workforce Commission projection 2024 to 2034. U.S. figures from the BLS for comparison.

+20.5%

employment change in the Alamo region, 1,169 to 1,409 jobs · U.S. +10%

97

openings a year in the Alamo region, from growth and people leaving · U.S. 14,000

1,169

employed in the Alamo region in 2024 · U.S. 201,700

Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree

Skills this career uses

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

  1. Reading Comprehension4.1
  2. Active Listening4.0
  3. Speaking4.0
  4. Critical Thinking3.9
  5. Writing3.9
  6. Monitoring3.8
  7. Programming3.8
  8. Quality Control Analysis3.6

Education people in this job have

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

  1. High school or less3%
  2. Certificate9%
  3. Some college9%
  4. Associate degree26%
  5. Bachelor's degree50%
  6. Master's degree3%

Job zone 4, considerable preparation: Usually a bachelor's degree, sometimes a strong associate plus experience.

Alamo programs that lead here

  • Northeast Lakeview
  • Northwest Vista
  • Palo Alto
  • St. Philip's
  • San Antonio
  • Alamo Institutes
  1. Computer Science

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  2. Computer Science

    Degree · Certificate · Online option · Science & Technology

  3. Game Development - Production

    Degree · Certificate · Creative & Communication Arts

  4. Game Development - Programming

    Degree · Certificate · Online option · Creative & Communication Arts

  5. Computer Sciences and Technology

    Degree · Certificate · Online option · Science & Technology

  6. Cisco Network Professional

    Degree · Certificate · Science & Technology

  7. Computer Engineering Technology

    Degree · Science & Technology

  8. Full Stack Developer

    Degree · Certificate · Online option · Science & Technology

  9. Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist

    Degree · Certificate · Online option · Science & Technology

  10. Information Technology Network Administrator

    Degree · Certificate · Online option · Science & Technology

  11. Office Systems Technology

    Degree · Certificate · Online option · Business & Entrepreneurship

  12. Computer Information Systems

    Degree · Certificate · Online option · Science & Technology

Showing 12 of 15 programs.

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