As of June 2026, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers has an AI-exposure score of 77/100 (Very High exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
More exposed than 97% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$104,300. About 14,000 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How you compare to similar Computer & Mathematical roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
- Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.
- Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
- Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
- Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
- Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
- Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
- Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
- Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
- Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
- Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
- Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
- Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
- Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
- 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.
- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.
No augmentable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (100%).
No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (100%).
Safer adjacent roles
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Every task scored with what to do about it · 5–10 safer roles with salary, demand & reachability · skill-gap map · a 30/60/90-day roadmap · plus a résumé & LinkedIn rewrite · PDF.
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AI was the most-cited reason for U.S. layoffs through mid-2026 — the workers who adapt earliest fare best. — Challenger, Gray & Christmas, 2026The upside: Workers with AI skills earn a roughly 62% wage premium — adapting pays. — PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer, 2026
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Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers — median pay by US state (BLS OEWS, USD)
Median annual wage, in USD. US national: US$104,300. More states are being added.