Technology
A QA engineer tests software to find defects before customers do, using manual checks and automated test suites. The role matters because catching problems early protects release quality, customer trust and the cost of fixing issues in production.
Median pay
$134,040a year
Software developers, QA analysts and testers, U.S. BLS, May 2025
The role
Teams hire one when releases ship with frequent bugs, developers are testing their own work, or a new product needs a repeatable test strategy before launch.
Typical responsibilities
Core skills
Tools and systems
Related titles
Typical background
Typically 2 to 6 years in software testing, with a computer science degree or equivalent. ISTQB certification is a plus.
At a glance
The essentials for planning the hire: level, background, how you can hire and what the role typically pays.
Request talent
Share a few details and a technology recruiter will be in touch. There is no obligation and no cost to talk.
What happens next
Request talent
Takes about two minutes. A specialist recruiter will call you back within one business day.
By submitting, you agree that RUS Recruiting may contact you about this request. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Send your resume once and a technology recruiter will match you to QA engineer roles that fit your experience, pay expectations and the way you want to work. We only put you forward for roles you have said yes to, and it is always free.
FAQ
Straight answers to the questions employers and candidates ask about this role.
Still have a question?
Talk to a recruiter about your role or your search. We reply within one business day.
A QA engineer tests software to find defects before customers do, using manual checks and automated test suites. The role matters because catching problems early protects release quality, customer trust and the cost of fixing issues in production. Typical responsibilities include: write test plans and cases from requirements and user stories; run manual and exploratory tests on new features; build and maintain automated regression test suites.
Look for test automation, test case design, regression testing, API testing, defect tracking and exploratory testing. Experience with Selenium, Cypress, Postman, Jira and TestRail is common in this role.
Yes. A QA engineer is one of the roles employers most often hire on contract, for projects, busy periods, leave cover and vacancies. Contract-to-hire is also an option if you want to work together before making a permanent offer.
A QA engineer covers test planning, manual testing and automation. An SDET is more developer than tester, writing frameworks and code-level tests. Hire an SDET when automation is the main need and the codebase is complex, and a QA engineer for broader quality coverage.
Most teams need both. Manual and exploratory testing finds issues scripted tests miss, while automation protects against regressions at speed. Look at release frequency: frequent releases need strong automation, and early-stage products often benefit more from manual exploration.
Related roles
Every role in the practice is recruited by the same specialist team.
