Where AI can help
AI can draft test cases and repetitive scripts.
Technology · A PICTURE OF THE OCCUPATION
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Plan and run tests to find failures before they affect users. They document reproducible evidence and help prioritize fixes.
Observed AI exposure51.9%Anthropic · March 2026 study
Employment projection+5.7%2025–2035
Education typically neededBachelor’s degreeBLS · 2025
What the work looks like
- 01
Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- 02
Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- 03
Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- 04
Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- 05
Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
An example of an output
A reproducible defect report and a risk-based test strategy.
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.Work environment
Product and technology teams. The role combines manual exploration, automation and developer collaboration.
O*NET® 31.0 ↗Pay & demand
Mean annual pay$111,490
Median annual pay$104,300
Mean is the arithmetic average; median is the midpoint of the wage distribution. National occupational figures are not starting-salary promises.
10th percentile$61,440
90th percentile$167,010
Percentiles describe the workforce distribution, not junior and senior salary bands. Excludes self-employed workers; see the source for coverage.
BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗People employed in 2025187,600
Projected openings per year10,700
Includes replacement needs over 2025–2035. These are projections, not open job advertisements.
BLS · 2025–2035 ↗AI & your work
What still needs judgment
Defining correct behavior, coverage and user risk remains necessary.
The task discussion is editorial interpretation. Only the exposure percentage is reproduced from the study; we do not assign percentages to individual tasks.
Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗You can also develop within this occupation
Use the exercise below to practice a real task, check AI outputs and identify where you need more depth. A career change is one option, not a requirement.
Test a public application without probing systems without permission. Document a flow, its edge cases and evidence.
What entry usually requires
- Education typically needed
- Bachelor’s degree
- Related experience typically needed
- None specified in BLS classification
- Typical on-the-job training
- None specified in BLS classification
Typical requirements in BLS data, not universal hiring rules. Verify the employer’s requirements and any applicable credential or license.
BLS · 2025 ↗Skills to build on
Investigationscenario designtechnical writingrisk prioritization
Tools you may encounter
Bug trackers · test automation · API tools · SQL
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.
Where you could go next
These are researched starting points, not personalized recommendations or promises of lower AI exposure. Check the destination’s requirements and your own circumstances.
EDITORIAL TRANSITION$114,610 Mean annual pay
Computer Systems Analysts ↗
Failure investigation can help define requirements and integrations.
- What you can carry over
- Behavior analysis and documentation
- What you would need to learn
- Business processes and requirements negotiation
What to consider
You need to demonstrate solution design as well as fault finding.
EDITORIAL TRANSITION$132,510 Mean annual pay
Information Security Analysts ↗
Testing adverse scenarios can support security assessments.
- What you can carry over
- Investigation and testing
- What you would need to learn
- Networks, threats and security controls
What to consider
Related experience is typical. Functional testing is not equivalent to a security assessment.
Explore the work before committing
1
Try a practical task
Test a public application without probing systems without permission. Document a flow, its edge cases and evidence.
2
Read real job requirements
Use the official occupation title below to search current listings. Check duties, location, experience and compensation. External search results have not been verified as active by this directory.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and TestersSearch external job listings ↗3
Check your assumptions with someone doing the work
Ask which tasks take the most time, how AI changed the routine and what evidence of skill helped them enter. Compare their experience with the published data.
My Next Move ↗Sources & data notes
O*NET® 31.0 · 15-1253.00 ↗BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗BLS · 2025–2035 ↗Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗Source & definition ↗
Occupational descriptions adapt the O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. Is my job toast? translated, shortened and supplemented the material. USDOL/ETA has not approved or endorsed these changes. CC BY 4.0 ↗