Software quality assurance (SQA) is the process of testing, reviewing, and fixing code to prevent live product issues. The average salary for a software quality assurance engineer in the U.S. is approximately $92K–$147K/year.
As your business builds its product, your team will encounter bugs at nearly every step. If these issues aren't spotted early, they can affect multiple functions, making them harder to fix.
Hiring SQA engineers can be difficult for hiring teams who don't have the technical knowledge to properly vet potential hires. To make matters worse, this role is very in-demand, with openings growing by nearly 18% by 2033. In other words, you'll need to really nail the hiring process to find a good fit.
What Does Software Quality Assurance Include?
Software quality assurance involves testing and improving software as developers write the code to prevent functional and compliance issues after release. Through the SQA process, an analyst will:
Inspect Code
Manually inspect code or create automations that can spot errors in written code before they become problems.
Test Code
Conduct tests to ensure the code is functioning correctly across all expected use cases and edge cases.
Ensure Compliance
Review and test code for security and accessibility requirements to meet regulatory standards.
Mitigate Risk
Intervene early to resolve any defects found and create solutions to prevent them from recurring.
SQA prevents and resolves potential issues before implementation. It starts during planning and ideation and continues through software improvements after release.
Quality Assurance vs. Quality Control: What's the Difference?
Many use quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) interchangeably, but they're not exactly the same:
🛡️ Quality Assurance (Proactive)
🔧 Quality Control (Reactive)
Why Is SQA Important?
SQA helps spot errors or blind spots in code as software is written. It catches functional, security, or compliance errors so your team isn't scrambling to create patches after implementing your software.
Critical Benefits of SQA
📈 Continuous Improvement
Resolves issues early with multiple smaller fixes, rather than larger undertakings as projects approach completion.
⚡ Improved Quality
Provides frameworks for developers to create higher-quality output as their work continues.
🔒 Compliance
Ensures software complies with security protocol, accessibility standards, and project goals.
💰 Reduced Costs
Saves costs with preventive measures instead of resolving costly issues like data leaks post-release.
😊 Customer Satisfaction
Creates a better end product for improved customer satisfaction and retention.
🏆 Enhanced Reputation
Creates a higher-quality product upon release, boosting your company's reputation.
Types of SQA Engineers
Even within the SQA profession, there are different roles. These engineers may have special expertise best suited for certain types of projects or software needs:
Manual QA Engineers
Complete tasks themselves and actively review, test, and alter the code. Unlike automation QA engineers, manual engineers don't build automated QA processes—they do it themselves. On a typical day, a manual QA engineer reads through code, tests sections for errors, then creates plans to prevent similar errors in future projects.
Automation QA Engineers
Create automated workflows that QA software for the company. For example, an automation engineer working on product accessibility would create an automated tool that reviews front-end code and reports features like font contrast that don't comply with WCAG guidelines.
QA Specialists
The jacks of all trades in SQA. They combine manual and automated strategies for a "best of both worlds" approach. These professionals choose manual or automated processes based on their goals—using automation to audit processes while preferring to review code themselves.
What Are the Requirements for a QA Engineer?
Many talented QA engineers might not have a related degree, learning coding independently or through experience. Here's what to look for when vetting SQA engineers:
🎓 Education
If your company requires formal education, look for candidates with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a related field. Certifications from ISTQB are valuable for candidates without degrees.
💼 Experience
Those with 5+ years of experience are typically considered senior QA analysts. Ask about past work experience, challenges, and successes to understand what candidates can do.
🛠️ Skills
Look for automation, programming, defect management, and software testing skills. Familiarity with scripting languages, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud platforms is essential.
SQA Engineer Salary by Experience Level
SQA engineer salaries in the U.S. increase with experience, ranging from $70K to $173K per year:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (USA) |
|---|---|
| 0-1 years (Entry) | $70,000 – $112,000 |
| 1-3 years (Junior) | $77,000 – $125,000 |
| 4-6 years (Mid-Level) | $85,000 – $138,000 |
| 7-9 years (Senior) | $89,000 – $144,000 |
| 10-14 years (Staff) | $96,000 – $155,000 |
| 15+ years (Principal) | $108,000 – $173,000 |
💡 Average Across All Experience Levels
The average salary for SQA engineers across all years of experience is approximately $92,000–$147,000/year. Salaries vary by location, industry, and company size.
Key Metrics for Measuring SQA Effectiveness
How do you know if your SQA process is effective? Measure these key metrics throughout each SQA project:
📊 Defect Density
The proportion of mistakes in the code compared to project size. An increase means the team is making more mistakes, even on smaller projects.
🎯 Test Coverage
How much of the software analysts check during QA tests. If the team can't test thoroughly, the final project may have more issues.
🔍 MTTD (Mean Time to Detect)
The mean time it takes to discover a bug after it's introduced. The shorter this metric, the better your early detection is working.
🔧 MTTR (Mean Time to Repair)
The mean time to fix a bug after discovery. This should be short, especially for customer-reported bugs.
📈 Customer-Reported Issues
If customers report more issues than normal post-deployment, more mistakes are slipping past the SQA process.
✅ Automation Test Pass Rate
The percentage of automated tests the software has passed. If pass rates drop, it indicates increasing issues after each cycle.
Signs Your Team Needs SQA Help
If you see success metrics falling or stagnating, consider whether your team has enough resources. Red flags include:
🐛 Frequent Bugs in Production
Engineers make more mistakes or don't catch as many defects as they should. Bugs are shipping to customers.
⏰ Missed Release Deadlines
Engineers and SQA analysts cannot complete projects on time due to overloaded schedules.
📉 High Customer Churn
Customer churn increases due to software defects or long waiting periods for fixes.
📋 Lack of Structured Testing
Engineers stray from protocol, or the protocol doesn't exist. No consistent testing approach.
How to Implement Software Quality Assurance
Once you've identified the need for software quality assurance, here's how to implement it effectively:
Develop a Plan
Meet with stakeholders and share why the team needs SQA support. Reach agreement on scope of work and project expectations to inform your hiring and execution plan.
Implement the Plan
Hire your SQA engineers and identify their roles. Share the plan including the project's goal and how you'll measure their performance.
Evaluate Performance
As the team works, measure performance based on the SQA metrics you defined. Gather feedback from the SQA team, customers, and other stakeholders.
Make Improvements
Analyze feedback and findings to communicate updates with stakeholders. Update the SQA process based on this data to continuously improve.
Best Tools for Software Quality Assurance
The right tools help SQA engineers test faster, collaborate better, and catch bugs before they go live:
| Tool | Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Selenium | Web app automation testing | Cross-browser testing |
| TestRail | Test case management | Organizing test efforts |
| Jira | Issue tracking & agile PM | QA-specific integrations |
| Postman | API testing | Automation & mock servers |
| Appium | Mobile app automation | iOS & Android testing |
| Cypress | Browser testing | Developer-friendly setup |
| BrowserStack | Cloud-based testing | Cross-device testing |
| LoadRunner | Performance testing | Simulating user load |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring SQA Engineers
If you're unfamiliar with hiring SQA engineers, here are the most common mistakes employers make:
Hiring Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Starting Long Contracts
SQA needs constantly change. Avoid being locked into long contracts—if an analyst finishes early, you're paying for nothing.
❌ Hiring More Than You Need
Start with a smaller team, then see if they need help. Otherwise, teams struggle to share responsibility and fill schedules.
❌ Promoting Within for Specialized Roles
Unless you have the perfect candidate, internal promotion for specialized roles creates issues like limited experience or overlooking code mistakes.
❌ Spending Too Much on In-House Vetting
Thoroughly vetting SQA engineers can be very expensive in-house. Consider using pre-vetted talent networks.
❌ Not Hiring Remote SQA Professionals
SQA professionals have niche experience. Don't limit your search to your company's area—it restricts your talent pool.
❌ Excluding Overseas Engineers
Don't overlook candidates because of location. Global engineers, especially from Eastern Europe, are among the most talented in the world.
4 Tips for Finding the Right SQA Engineer
As you build your dream SQA team, keep these tips in mind:
Define Your QA Needs Early
If you have specific QA needs, you can provide more information to potential hires and find a better match for your projects.
Prioritize Stack Experience
Include information about your tech stack—scripting languages, project management tools, and development platforms.
Look for Proactive Communication
Ask for examples where candidates proactively raised issues or resolved bugs. This reveals thoroughness and attention to detail.
Hire from Trusted Platforms
Internal hiring can be complicated and costly. Work with a vetted developer platform that can screen prospects and conduct technical interviews for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an SQA engineer and specialist?
SQA engineers and specialists work in similar roles, but an engineer conducts more general quality assurance tests, while a specialist may have a preferred field, such as security testing, accessibility, or performance optimization.
What is the primary goal of software quality assurance?
The main goal of software quality assurance is to spot and resolve functional, quality, and compliance issues in software before shipping it. This proactive approach prevents costly fixes post-release and improves customer satisfaction.
What are the 5 P's of quality assurance?
The five P's of quality assurance are: People (hire trained engineers with required skills), Processes (create internal methods with defined goals), Procedures (build defined protocols for consistent resolutions), Premises (supply proper equipment and resources), and Products (review outcomes to ensure they meet requirements).
Why is a quality assurance tester needed on a software development team?
QA testers work proactively to improve processes and fix errors in the code. This allows other team members to create a higher-quality product in less time by catching issues early rather than scrambling for fixes post-release.
How much do SQA engineers cost to hire?
In the U.S., SQA engineer salaries range from $70,000–$173,000/year depending on experience. Entry-level engineers (0-1 years) typically earn $70,000–$112,000, while senior engineers (15+ years) can command $108,000–$173,000. The average across all experience levels is $92,000–$147,000/year.
How quickly can I hire an SQA engineer through a vetted platform?
The average matching time through vetted platforms like Boundev is just 24 hours. You can work with QA specialists in manual testing, automation, or both. If it doesn't work out, you can switch hires at no cost during the trial period.
Fix Your SQA Talent Gaps with Boundev
Software quality assurance analysts spot and resolve bugs throughout development. With their help, your team can tackle smaller adjustments early, instead of working overtime to see which defects might have branched out to break your final code.
If the SQA hiring process is making your head spin, you don't need to do it alone. At Boundev, only 1.2% of applicants make it through our screening process, so you can trust our developers to provide expert support.
We match you with qualified SQA engineers in 24 hours. Whether you need manual testing, automation QA, or specialists who do both—we'll find the perfect fit for your team.
Hire Vetted SQA Engineers
Access pre-vetted QA engineers who've passed rigorous screening. Get matched in 24 hours with talent that catches bugs before your customers do.
Start Hiring