Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
SOC Code: 15-1253 Job Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
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.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $94,162 | $129,792 | $165,422 | $201,053 |
| Merced, CA | $92,914 | $128,523 | $164,154 | $199,763 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $97,698 | $125,008 | $152,298 | $179,608 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $88,109 | $113,277 | $138,445 | $163,613 |
| Redding, CA | $72,446 | $101,213 | $129,958 | $158,725 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $83,678 | $108,680 | $133,702 | $158,704 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $83,512 | $108,472 | $133,411 | $158,371 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $83,262 | $108,139 | $132,995 | $157,872 |
| Yakima, WA | $76,086 | $102,024 | $127,941 | $153,878 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $69,659 | $97,032 | $124,426 | $151,798 |
H-1B Filing Data
Top H-1B Employers
| Employer | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS US CORP | 3,938 | $98,668 |
| Tata Consultancy Services Limited | 1,335 | $89,071 |
| CAPGEMINI AMERICA INC | 1,193 | $109,710 |
| Amazon.com Services LLC | 1,029 | $142,087 |
| INFOSYS LIMITED | 950 | $85,379 |
| Accenture LLP | 904 | $114,124 |
| IBM Corporation | 646 | $107,815 |
| LTIMindtree Limited | 614 | $96,861 |
| HCL AMERICA INC | 570 | $100,524 |
| COMPUNNEL SOFTWARE GROUP, INC | 509 | $470,364 |
Filing Trend
| Year | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | $97,598 |
| 2022 | 2,781 | $108,176 |
| 2023 | 9,372 | $136,977 |
| 2024 | 16,709 | $269,445 |
| 2025 | 18,848 | $190,353 |
| 2026 | 2,911 | $337,118 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 | |
| Active Listening | 3.9 | |
| Speaking | 3.9 | |
| Writing | 3.8 | |
| Programming | 3.6 | |
| Monitoring | 3.6 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.4 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.4 | |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.2 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Computers and Electronics | 4.4 |
| English Language | 3.8 |
| Mathematics | 3.3 |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.3 |
| Design | 3.0 |
| Education and Training | 2.9 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 2.7 |
| Administration and Management | 2.5 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 50.0% |
| Associate's degree | 26.5% |
| Some college | 8.8% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 8.8% |
| High school diploma | 2.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 2.9% |
Typical Tasks
- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- 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.
- Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
- Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
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