Details Report for:
15-1253.00 - 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.

The occupation code you requested, 15-1199.01 (Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 15-1253.00 (Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers) instead.

Sample of reported job titles: Application Integration Engineer, Computer Consultant, Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst), Product Assurance Engineer, Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst), Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer), Software Quality Engineer, Software Test Engineer, Systems Engineer, Test Engineer

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Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance	Category	Task
91	Core	Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
85	Core	Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
83	Core	Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
81	Core	Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
78	Core	Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
78	Core	Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
77	Core	Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
76	Core	Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
76	Core	Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
75	Core	Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
75	Core	Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
74	Core	Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
74	Core	Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
73	Core	Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
72	Core	Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
72	Core	Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.
69	Core	Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
64	Core	Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
62	Core	Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
62	Core	Design or develop automated testing tools.
62	Core	Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.
61	Core	Conduct historical analyses of test results.
59	Core	Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.
58	Core	Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.
52	Core	Coordinate user or third-party testing.
51	Core	Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
41	Supplemental	Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.
Not available	Not available	Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
Not available	Not available	Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, or humidity in area of system installation.
Not available	Not available	Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.

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Technology Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Access software — Citrix ; PuTTY
Accounting software — Tax software
Administration software — Software distribution management software
Analytical or scientific software — IBM SPSS Statistics ; Minitab ; SAS ; The MathWorks MATLAB (see all 9 examples)
Application server software — Docker ; Red Hat OpenShift ; Red Hat WildFly ; Spring Boot (see all 8 examples)
Backup or archival software — Backup and archival software; Veritas NetBackup
Business intelligence and data analysis software — IBM Cognos Impromptu ; MicroStrategy ; Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition ; Qlik Tech QlikView (see all 5 examples)
Communications server software — IBM Domino
Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD ; Bentley MicroStation ; Dassault Systemes CATIA
Computer based training software — Moodle
Configuration management software — Perforce Helix software; Puppet ; Visible Razor; VMWare (see all 11 examples)
Content workflow software — Emerald Software Group Emerald Green Office; Twiki; Workflow software
Customer relationship management CRM software — Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge; Oracle Eloqua; Salesforce software
Data base management system software — Amazon DynamoDB ; Elasticsearch ; MongoDB ; NoSQL (see all 27 examples)
Data base reporting software — Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services ; Oracle Business Intelligence Discoverer; SAP Business Intelligence; SAP Crystal Reports (see all 7 examples)
Data base user interface and query software — Airtable; Apache Hive ; Blackboard software; Transact-SQL (see all 17 examples)
Data mining software — Google Analytics
Desktop communications software — Skype
Desktop publishing software — Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign ; Microsoft Publisher
Development environment software — Apache Ant ; Common business oriented language COBOL ; Go ; Microsoft PowerShell (see all 64 examples)
Device drivers or system software — Microsoft DirectX
Document management software — Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat ; Document management system software; Dropbox
Electronic mail software — Google Gmail; IBM Notes ; Microsoft Exchange ; Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise application integration software — Atlassian Bamboo ; IBM WebSphere ; Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services SSIS ; Oracle Fusion Middleware (see all 8 examples)
Enterprise resource planning ERP software — Microsoft Dynamics GP ; NetSuite ERP ; Oracle Hyperion ; Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne (see all 10 examples)
Enterprise system management software — IBM Power Systems software; Splunk Enterprise
Expert system software — Ansible software
File versioning software — Apache Subversion SVN ; Git ; Version control software
Filesystem software — File server software
Financial analysis software — Delphi Technology; Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
Graphical user interface development software — Graphical user interface GUI builder software; Graphical user interface GUI design software; Salesforce Visualforce
Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Cloud ; JamBoard; SmugMug Flickr ; Trimble SketchUp Pro (see all 11 examples)
Human resources software — Human resource management software HRMS
Industrial control software — Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Information retrieval or search software — Apache Avro; LexisNexis
Instant messaging software — Blink; GroupMe
Internet browser software — Apple Safari; Microsoft Internet Explorer; Mozilla Firefox; Web browser software
Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software — Voice over internet protocol VoiP system software
Map creation software — ESRI ArcGIS software ; Geographic information system GIS software
Medical software — Epic Systems
Metadata management software — CA Erwin Data Modeler; Talend Data Fabric
Network conferencing software — LogMeIn GoToWebinar
Network monitoring software — Nagios ; Wireshark
Network operation system software — IBM z/OS operating systems
Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software — Firewall software; Network intrusion detection software; Virtual private networking VPN software
Object or component oriented development software — Advanced business application programming ABAP ; Apache Spark ; Objective C ; Scala (see all 36 examples)
Object oriented data base management software — Hibernate ORM; PostgreSQL
Office suite software — Google Drive ; LibreOffice; Microsoft Office
Operating system software — Bash ; Microsoft Windows Server ; Red Hat Enterprise Linux ; UNIX Shell (see all 25 examples)
Platform interconnectivity software — Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation ; Migration software
Portal server software — Apache HTTP Server ; Apache Webserver
Presentation software — Google Slides; Microsoft PowerPoint
Program testing software — Hewlett Packard LoadRunner; IBM Rational Robot; JUnit ; Selenium (see all 40 examples)
Project management software — Atlassian JIRA ; Confluence ; Microsoft Teams; Slack (see all 8 examples)
Requirements analysis and system architecture software — IBM Rational Requisite Pro; Requirements management software; Unified modeling language UML
Spreadsheet software — Google Sheets; Microsoft Excel
Storage networking software — Amazon Simple Storage Service S3 ; Storage area network SAN software
Transaction security and virus protection software — Antivirus software; Encryption software; McAfee; Symantec (see all 5 examples)
Transaction server software — Customer information control system CICS; IBM Middleware; Microsoft Internet Information Service IIS; Object Management Group Object Request Broker (see all 5 examples)
Video conferencing software — Cisco Systems Webex; FaceTime; Google Meet; LogMeIn GoToMeeting (see all 5 examples)
Video creation and editing software — Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects ; Flipgrid; Screencastify; YouTube (see all 6 examples)
Web page creation and editing software — Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver; Google Sites; LinkedIn ; Social media sites
Web platform development software — Backbone.js ; Google AngularJS ; Microsoft ASP.NET Core MVC ; React (see all 28 examples)
Word processing software — 3M Post-it App; Google Docs ; Microsoft OneNote; Microsoft Word (see all 5 examples)

Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

Tools Used Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Central processing unit CPU processors — Graphics processing unit GPU; Multi-core central processing unit CPU
Computer servers — Application servers
Desktop computers
Digital cameras
Flash memory storage card — Flash disks
High end computer servers — Directory servers
Integrated circuit testers — In circuit emulators ICE; Logic analyzers
Mainframe computers — Mainframe operating systems; Supercomputers
Network routers — Computer network routers
Notebook computers — Laptop computers
Personal computers

Knowledge Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Knowledge
82		Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
63		English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
57		Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
51		Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
45		Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
38		Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
37		Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
37		Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
30		Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
26		Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
22		Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
21		Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
20		Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
18		Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
16		Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
15		Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
14		Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
12		Foreign Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
12		Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
11		Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
9		Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
8		Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
8		Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
5		Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
4		History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
4		Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
4		Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
4		Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
3		Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
2		Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
1		Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
1		Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
1		Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Skill
75		Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
72		Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
69		Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
69		Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
66		Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
66		Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
63		Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
56		Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
56		Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
56		Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
53		Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
53		Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
53		Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
50		Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
50		Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
50		Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
47		Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
47		Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
44		Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
44		Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
44		Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
41		Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
41		Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
38		Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
35		Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
35		Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
31		Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
31		Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
28		Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
22		Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
22		Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
13		Management of Material Resources — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
10		Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
0		Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
0		Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Abilities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Ability
75		Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
75		Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
75		Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
72		Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
69		Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
69		Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
69		Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
69		Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
69		Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
63		Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
53		Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
53		Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
50		Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
50		Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
50		Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50		Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
44		Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
44		Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
44		Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
44		Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
38		Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
35		Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
31		Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
31		Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
31		Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
28		Memorization — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
25		Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
25		Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
25		Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
25		Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
25		Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
19		Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
16		Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
16		Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
6		Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
6		Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
3		Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
0		Dynamic Flexibility — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0		Explosive Strength — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
0		Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0		Glare Sensitivity — The ability to see objects in the presence of glare or bright lighting.
0		Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
0		Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
0		Night Vision — The ability to see under low light conditions.
0		Peripheral Vision — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
0		Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
0		Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
0		Response Orientation — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
0		Sound Localization — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
0		Speed of Limb Movement — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
0		Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
0		Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Activity
97		Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
83		Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
83		Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
82		Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
79		Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
78		Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
76		Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
73		Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
73		Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
71		Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
70		Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
70		Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
69		Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
61		Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
61		Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
59		Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
58		Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
57		Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
56		Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
53		Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
47		Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
47		Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
46		Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
46		Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
45		Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
45		Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
44		Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
33		Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
32		Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
31		Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
29		Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
24		Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
22		Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
16		Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
16		Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
14		Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
13		Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
11		Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
9		Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
9		Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
8		Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Detailed Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Develop testing routines or procedures.
Compile technical information or documentation.
Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.
Document operational activities.
Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
Document design or development procedures.
Develop detailed project plans.
Test software performance.
Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
Manage documentation to ensure organization or accuracy.
Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
Create databases to store electronic data.
Install computer software.
Develop performance metrics or standards related to information technology.
Provide customer service to clients or users.
Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.
Read documents to gather technical information.
Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.
Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
Assess database performance.
Modify software programs to improve performance.
Prepare data for analysis.
Provide recommendations to others about computer hardware.

Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities

Work Context Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Work Context

Percentage of Top Responses

Electronic Mail — How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

See more occupations related to this work context.


96	Every day

Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?


85	Every day
11	Once a week or more but not every day

Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?


77	Continually or almost continually
23	More than half the time

Work With Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?


67	Extremely important
26	Very important

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?


56	Extremely important
30	Very important
11	Important

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?


78	Every day
11	Never

Telephone — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?


48	Every day
41	Once a week or more but not every day

Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?


44	Constant contact with others
30	Contact with others most of the time
22	Contact with others about half the time

Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?


33	Every day
33	Once a week or more but not every day
30	Once a month or more but not every week

Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.


46	More than 40 hours
54	40 hours

Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?


15	A lot of freedom
63	Some freedom
22	Limited freedom

Structured versus Unstructured Work — To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?


11	A lot of freedom
59	Some freedom
26	Limited freedom

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?


12	Very important results
42	Important results
27	Moderate results
19	Minor results

Coordinate or Lead Others — How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?


59	Very important
11	Important
26	Fairly important

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?


19	Extremely important
30	Very important
26	Important
19	Fairly important

Level of Competition — To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?


54	Highly competitive
31	Moderately competitive

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?


19	Continually or almost continually
33	More than half the time
19	About half the time
15	Less than half the time
15	Never

Frequency of Conflict Situations — How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?


23	Once a week or more but not every day
50	Once a month or more but not every week
15	Once a year or more but not every month

Frequency of Decision Making — How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?


19	Every day
19	Once a week or more but not every day
15	Once a month or more but not every week
44	Once a year or more but not every month

Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?


85	Slightly close (e.g., shared office)

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?


37	Continually or almost continually
19	Less than half the time
37	Never

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?


37	High responsibility
22	Moderate responsibility
26	Limited responsibility
15	No responsibility

Letters and Memos — How often does the job require written letters and memos?


19	Every day
15	Once a week or more but not every day
11	Once a month or more but not every week
26	Once a year or more but not every month
30	Never

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?


19	Every day
11	Once a week or more but not every day
19	Once a month or more but not every week
15	Once a year or more but not every month
37	Never

Degree of Automation — How automated is the job?


59	Moderately automated
37	Slightly automated

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?


37	Once a month or more but not every week
44	Once a year or more but not every month
11	Never

Consequence of Error — How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?


15	Very serious
19	Serious
44	Fairly serious
19	Not serious at all

Public Speaking — How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?


11	Once a week or more but not every day
26	Once a month or more but not every week
44	Once a year or more but not every month
19	Never

Deal With External Customers — How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?


19	Important
22	Fairly important
52	Not important at all

Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?


74	Less than half the time
26	Never

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?


26	Once a year or more but not every month
70	Never

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?


26	Limited responsibility
70	No responsibility

Spend Time Walking and Running — How much does this job require walking and running?


33	Less than half the time
67	Never

Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?


15	Once a year or more but not every month
85	Never

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?


89	Never

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?


89	Never

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)


89	Not important at all

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?


89	Never

Work Schedules — How regular are the work schedules for this job?


93	Regular (established routine, set schedule)

Deal With Physically Aggressive People — How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?


11	Once a year or more but not every month
89	Never

Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?


92	Never

Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?


96	Never

In an Open Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?


93	Never

Outdoors, Under Cover — How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?


93	Never

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?


93	Never

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?


93	Never

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?


96	Never

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?


96	Never

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance — How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?


96	Never

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?


96	Never

Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?


100	Never

Exposed to High Places — How often does this job require exposure to high places?


100	Never

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?


100	Never

Exposed to Radiation — How often does this job require exposure to radiation?


100	Never

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (e.g., operate a jackhammer)?


100	Never

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles — How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, or poles?


100	Never

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?


100	Never

Job Zone Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Title	Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education	Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Related 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.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Job Zone Examples	Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
SVP Range	(7.0 to < 8.0)

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Required
70	Bachelor's degree
15	Associate's degree
7	Post-secondary certificate

Credentials

Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Occupational Interest		Interest
89		Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
83		Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
56		Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
17		Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
11		Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
0		Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Work Styles Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Style
98		Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
91		Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
85		Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
83		Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
81		Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
80		Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
76		Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
76		Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
75		Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
70		Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
67		Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
64		Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
63		Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
62		Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
55		Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
49		Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Extent		Work Value
67		Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
67		Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
67		Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
67		Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
61		Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
56		Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Related Occupations Save Table (XLS/CSV)

15-1211.00	Computer Systems Analysts Bright Outlook
15-1212.00	Information Security Analysts
15-1241.00	Computer Network Architects
15-1242.00	Database Administrators
15-1251.00	Computer Programmers
15-1254.00	Web Developers
15-1299.01	Web Administrators
15-1299.08	Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wage data for Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.
Employment data for Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.
Industry data for Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.

Median wages (2019)	$51.69 hourly, $107,510 annual
State wages
Local wages	ZIP Code:

Employment (2019)	1,469,200 employees
Projected growth (2019-2029)	Much faster than average (8% or higher)
Projected job openings (2019-2029)	131,400
State trends

Top industries (2019)	Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (42% employed in this sector) Information (18%) Manufacturing (11%) (see all industries)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 wage data and 2019-2029 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2019-2029). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

Sources of Additional Information

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