What Does A Software Tester Do?

Every year more and more software is released, and many years ago it was only small programs that ran on PCs. Today, however, there are millions of apps, websites, and even video games. The software tester is the last matter before the product goes to the customer and therefore has a lot of responsibility. Today, we will look together at what a Software Tester does. We also clarify the Software Tester salary, a Software Tester education, and which industries you should take a closer look at as a Software Tester. Here we go!
 

Definition: What is a software tester?

The software tester tests software. This means that it checks programs such as apps or video games for so-called bugs, i.e. programming errors, and problems. Even if it sounds fun to be able to test games all day, for example, there is a lot more work behind it than you initially think. The software tester puts the software through its paces using various methods and – this must not be forgotten under any circumstances – decently documents the problems found. He is also in close contact with the programmers who create the software.

In short: a software tester checks programs using defined methods and gives feedback.
 

 

How do you become a software tester? Requirements and skills

Are you interested in the profession of a software tester? But you are not yet sure what training you need and what you have to be able to do?
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Training & studies

Many software testers have a background in computer science. A computer science degree is definitely a great ticket for a software tester job. A degree in computer science will give you, as a software tester, the know-how you need to understand your fellow programmers. Other courses of study that deal with software development are also well suited.

However, a degree for software testers is not required – it just gives you better chances compared to other applicants. An internship may even help you more than studying: Anyone who has already gained valuable practical experience in testing is definitely an attractive candidate.
 

Qualifications & skills

In addition to a professional qualification, you should have various skills to be successful as a software tester:

• Good knowledge of English
• An eye for detail
• Patience
• Good communication

 

What are the tasks of a software tester?

We have already mentioned the tasks in a Software Tester job: Logically, you test software. But how exactly can the everyday work of a software tester look like?

First of all, you use different methods in testing. As a software tester you rarely just sit down for half an hour and click around a little: There is a system behind it, you are pursuing a certain goal. Terms such as unit tests, integration tests, user acceptance tests, or even system tests should not be foreign words to you.

And even if your job title is “Software” tester, you have a lot to do with hardware. For example, different smartphones have to be tested during app development: Does the app work on the Google Pixel and the Samsung Tablet? Does the app run on the latest iPhone as well as on the older models?

Often certain program errors can only be reproduced with a lot of patience. A software tester may come across a bug by accident and then spend the rest of the day trying to re-trigger the bug. Because once the product is shipped to thousands of customers, some people are bound to stumble upon this problem – so it’s your job as a software tester to give the programmer clear instructions when something isn’t working.

Good communication and documentation is very important for this. In small teams, it may be enough for the tester to go to the programmer and tell him what didn’t work. In larger teams, on the other hand, project management software such as Jira is used. The software tester must also determine the priority of the problems found, because often not all errors can be corrected before release and prioritization must be made.
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How much does a software tester earn?

The average income of a software tester in the US is $5,922 per month. Really good software testers, on the other hand, earn about $8,000 to $9,000 per month.

Your salary as a software tester depends on your experience, your qualifications and the size of the company. Large companies often pay significantly better than small startups. In return, you will have the opportunity to take on more responsibility in small companies.
 

 

Potential industries for software testers

Today, thousands of companies make software: the most obvious are apps, computer programs or video games. But the fun doesn’t stop here – software is now found almost everywhere: Cars, airplanes, space rockets, printers, cameras, complex kitchen appliances, websites…

Wherever programming is done, you are needed as a software tester. As a good tester, you have a great chance to get a good software tester job.
 

Application as a software tester

The career of a software tester is a little different than what we are used to from many other professions in software development. In the case of a programmer, for example, it is more or less clear about what he should have studied. Software testers are more relaxed about this – so some of them may be missing some crucial ideas for an application.

Experience is important for software testers. So you should ideally have both a degree or training in software development. But even if you don’t have an education or studies, you will most likely get a job as a software tester through an internship. The companies want to see that they can rely on you. An internship shows that you have an idea.

Since you are supposed to search for and document errors, your application documents should definitely be free of errors. A typo won’t get you out of a job interview if the rest is top-notch – but it adds a good impression.
 

Conclusion

Finally, let’s summarize what we’ve learned.

• Software testers check software, document errors, and set priorities with the team
• There is no fixed career for software testers – internships are an advantage.
• Your starting salary as a software tester will be around $70,000 per year.

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