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Boston Career Explorer

Computer and Mathematical

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

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.

Also called: Automation Tester, Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst), Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst), Quality Assurance Engineer (QA Engineer), Quality Engineer, Software Quality Assurance Analyst (SQA Analyst)

Median pay in Greater Boston
$122,210
$58.76/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
6,050
Massachusetts 2024–2034
+3.6%
470 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Bachelor's degree

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$68,050$79,640$122,210$142,720$168,030

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • 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.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Higher exposure84 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 82
  • Language-model AIOE 75
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 94

Observed AI use today: Substantial (Anthropic Economic Index)

AI exposure for this job is higher, and AI tools are already used a good deal in it. Tools can help with writing test scripts, running repeat tests, and documenting bugs. Federal projections say some testing work may be automated or move to software developers, so fewer jobs may be needed per project. Judging usability and working with developers still take people.

Likely to change

  • Writing and running routine test scripts
  • Documenting defects and test procedures

Still relies on people

  • Judging whether software is easy to use
  • Discussing problems with developers and design teams

What federal projections say

“Occupational substitution, capital/labor substitution - share decreases as some tasks move to software developers as companies increasingly integrate their testing into their software development processes, and as some testing tasks are automated by artificial intelligence (AI).”
BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, factors affecting this job (U.S.)

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

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Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

75 programs near Boston (plus 42 graduate)

Related occupations

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