Software tester
Also known as: application software tester, unit tester, application tester, software application tester, tester, module tester
About this occupation
Software testers perform software tests. They may also plan and design them. They may also debug and repair software although this mainly corresponds to designers and developers. They ensure that applications function properly before delivering them to internal and external clients.
Essential skills and knowledge
- replicate customer software issues
- perform software unit testing
- levels of software testing
- address problems critically
- software architecture models
- execute software tests
- provide software testing documentation
- software anomalies
- report test findings
- software metrics
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers (O*NET 15-1253.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Conventional, Realistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Writing, Monitoring
US median pay: US$104,300 a year (2025), 186,740 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.4)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.1)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Software Developers
- Validation Engineers
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Penetration Testers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Database Architects
- Computer Programmers
- Computer Hardware Engineers
- Blockchain Engineers
- Information Security Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.