Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers
Design, develop, and test software applications and systems
Quick Facts
Median Salary
$93,000
Annual median wage (2023)
Education Required
Bachelor's Degree
Computer Science or related field
Job Growth
25%
Much faster than average (2022-2032)
Work Environment
Office/Remote
Flexible work arrangements
What They Do
Software Developers
Software developers design and create applications that enable people to perform specific tasks on a computer or another device. They develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.
- Analyze users' needs and design 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
Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects. They work with software developers to find solutions to problems that arise in the design process.
- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures
- 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
- Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems
- Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates
Required Skills & Qualifications
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Career Path & Advancement
Entry Level (0-2 years)
Junior Developer, QA Tester, Software Engineer I
- Learn programming languages and frameworks
- Work on small features and bug fixes
- Participate in code reviews
- Write and execute test cases
Mid Level (3-5 years)
Software Developer, QA Analyst, Software Engineer II
- Lead feature development
- Mentor junior developers
- Design system architecture
- Implement testing strategies
Senior Level (6+ years)
Senior Developer, QA Lead, Software Engineer III
- Architect complex systems
- Lead development teams
- Make technical decisions
- Define testing standards
Leadership (8+ years)
Tech Lead, Engineering Manager, Director of Engineering
- Manage engineering teams
- Set technical strategy
- Drive innovation
- Represent engineering to stakeholders