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Choosing a new career may sometimes be confusing, especially when it comes to IT. Questions about salary, required skills, and where to start can cloud your decision-making process. This article aims to shed light on the Software Tester profession, known as one of the easiest ways to the IT industry. If you're intrigued about this career path but still have questions, take a seat and read on.
— Who is a Software Tester and what he does
— Software Tester Salary in Indonesia and other countries
— Is tech experience required to become a Software Tester?
— Career Prospects of a Software Tester
— How to Become a Software Tester
A software tester is someone who checks computer programs to make sure they work correctly. They look for bugs and security issues to guarantee the software runs smoothly and remains safe from cyber attacks. Testers can do this with automated tools or by hand.
Example: your company is developing a new photo editor, and you need to test it. While testing, you notice that the lightning function makes a photo darker. This means you found a bug! Now, you need to report it and communicate with the development team so they can eliminate the bug. The final result: the lightning function makes photos lighter. Everything is correct!
Here are some obligations of a Software Tester:
↘ Understanding Requirements. Testers carefully read the software requirements to figure out what it should do.
↘ Creating Test Plans. Before testing, testers make a plan that outlines how they'll test, what they'll test, and when.
↘ Designing Test Cases. Testers create detailed step-by-step guides based on requirements to check the software thoroughly.
↘ Executing Test Cases. Testers run the tests to make sure the software behaves as expected.
↘ Finding Bugs and Issues. Testers actively search for mistakes or problems in the software to prevent users from facing them.
↘ Regression Testing. Testers re-test the software after fixes to ensure no new issues appear.
↘ Collaborating with Developers. Testers work closely with developers to eliminate problems.
↘ Ensuring User-Friendliness. Testers provide feedback to improve the software's ease of use.
↘ Testing Across Different Devices. Testers check if the software works on various devices and environments.
↘ Security Testing. Testers assess vulnerabilities to prevent security threats.
Software tester salaries vary depending on location, experience, and industry. We’d like to share the salaries of software testers across different regions. But before that, let's figure out what a tester should be able to do in the junior, middle, and senior stages.
✅ For Junior Software Testers, it’s enough to have a foundational understanding of software testing principles along with basic knowledge of testing techniques. They should be adept at executing test cases, reporting bugs, and collaborating effectively with team members.
✅ Middle Software Testers are expected to have advanced skills in creating comprehensive test plans and test cases. They should be experienced in test automation and demonstrate strong analytical abilities.
✅ Senior Software Testers possess extensive experience in designing intricate test scenarios, conducting root cause analysis, and ensuring that quality assurance processes align with industry standards. Sometimes, seniors play a leadership role, mentoring junior testers.
No, let’s get down to the numbers.
Indonesia:
→ Junior Software Tester: Rp.15 million to Rp.20 million per month
→ Middle Software Tester: Rp.20 million to Rp.30 million per month
→ Senior Software Tester: Rp.30 million to Rp.40 million per month
Annual demand growth rate: 8 to 10%
USA:
→ Junior - $4,167 to $5,833 per month
→ Middle - $5,833 to $7,500 per month
→ Senior - $7,500 to $10,000 per month
Annual demand growth rate: 5 to 7%
Europe:
→ Junior - $3,333 to $4,583 per month
→ Middle - $4,583 to $6,250 per month
→ Senior - $6,250 to $8,333 per month
Annual demand growth rate: 6 to 8%
Australia
→ Junior - $3,750 to $4,583 per month
→ Middle - $4,583 to $5,833 per month
→ Senior - $5,833 to $7,083 per month
Annual demand growth rate: 7 to 9%
Great Britain:
→ Junior - $2,917 to $4,167 per month
→ Middle - $4,167 to $5,417 per month
→ Senior - $5,417 to $7,083 per month
Annual demand growth rate: 6 to 8%
In short, the demand for Software Testers is growing worldwide, leading to better pay for those in the field. This trend offers promising career paths and high salaries for testers around the globe.
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No, you don't need tech experience to become a software tester. Many companies offer training programs for beginners to learn the necessary skills on the job. Additionally, taking courses can be useful for acquiring knowledge and starting a career. So, if you're interested in software testing but don't have much tech experience, no worries, there are still opportunities for you to enter IT.
The career prospects for software testers are promising, offering various paths for growth. We offer you to look through the different career scenarios below.
↘ Specialization
Testers can focus on specific areas like automation, performance, security, or user experience testing.
↘ Management
Experienced testers can become Test Leads, Managers, or Quality Assurance (QA) Managers, overseeing teams and projects.
↘ Consulting
Seasoned testers may work independently or for firms, advising clients on testing strategies.
↘ Cross-functional Roles
Testers can transition to roles like Business Analyst or Scrum Master, collaborating closely with stakeholders.
↘ Technical Leadership
Those with strong technical skills may lead testing initiatives as Test Architects or Principal Testers.
↘ Entrepreneurship
Some testers start their businesses or develop testing-related products/services.
To wrap it up, there are many points a Software Tester can move to, depending on his preferences and professional experience. With plenty of opportunities available, you can choose the path that best suits you.
Whether you're new to the field or an experienced professional switching careers, becoming a Software Tester follows a few important steps.
#1. Learn Software Testing Basics
Understand the fundamentals of software testing, including methodologies and tools. This knowledge forms the foundation of your testing career.
#2. Take Courses
Enroll in software testing courses to gain structured learning and practical experience. These courses provide valuable insights and hands-on experience in testing techniques and methodologies.
#3. Gain Experience
Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in software testing. Real-world experience helps you apply theoretical knowledge and develop your skills further.
#4. Build a Portfolio
Create a portfolio showcasing your testing projects, including test cases, bug reports, and automation scripts.
#5. Get Certified
Consider obtaining certifications like ISTQB to validate your skills and enhance your credibility as a Software Tester.
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In conclusion, becoming a Software Tester is a fantastic choice! With the steps we've covered and some helpful courses, you'll be well on your way to a rewarding career. The demand for testers is growing, and the pay is great too. So, don't hesitate to dive in and start your journey in the IT industry.
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