Is a Career in QA Automation a Promising Path for High-Pay Benefits?

Decades ago, a developer was often considered the most coveted position in the IT sector. Today, the 'automator' is almost a close second in terms of demand and pay. According to industry reports, the profession of a QA (Quality Assurance) Automation Engineer is gaining momentum, with many companies striving to implement robust automation processes.

Between 2015 and 2023, a significant shift has occurred. The role of a QA Automation Engineer has evolved, and the market has shown a growing preference for individuals skilled in automation rather than those who focus solely on manual testing. This shift is not only driven by the technological advancements in software development but also by the increasing demand for cost-effective and efficient ways to ensure software quality. According to Cherish DEV, test automation engineers are in high demand, as nearly 20% of companies are actively seeking 75% of their processes to be automated. Similarly, Kobiton statistics indicate that 80% of organizations now prioritize automation in their QA processes.

Why is QA Automation a Promising Career Path?

The software development sector is here to stay, and so is software QA. Bugs in software are inevitable, and there will always be a need for QA to identify and resolve these issues. As long as software QA exists, the development of automated testing solutions will continue. The market is witnessing a steady increase in the demand for tools and technologies that can efficiently automate various aspects of the testing process, such as regression testing of mature applications, performance tests, and load tests.

Familiarity with modern tools and platforms is becoming a crucial requirement for QA professionals. The landscape of QA automation is continuously evolving, with new tools emerging and older ones becoming obsolete. However, staying updated with the latest tools and techniques is essential for a QA automation engineer looking to build a promising career. By keeping up with these changes, professionals in this field can remain highly sought after and well-compensated.

Pay and Benefits of a QA Automation Engineer

QA Automation Engineers can command competitive salaries, often on par with developers. Factors that influence the pay and benefits include the individual's skills, experience, and the specific tools and methodologies they are proficient in. A well-versed QA Automation Engineer proficient in UI automation using Selenium/Java/C/BDD, API test automation, mobile automation (iOS/Android), performance testing, cloud technologies (CICD), and new automation tools can achieve a salary of up to 3 LPA (lakhs per annum).

In the current IT landscape, the demand for Software Development Engineers in Test (SDET) is increasing. An SDET must possess a diverse set of skills, including:

UI automation using Selenium, Java, C, BDD API test automation Mobile automation (iOS/Android) Performance testing Cloud technologies like CICD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) Knowledge of new automation tools other than Selenium Advanced programming skills including data structures, algorithms, etc.

With such a skill set, the potential for earning is maximized. However, it's important to note that testing is now a more complex and multifaceted role compared to before, when testers were often domain experts with a deep understanding of a specific application or product. The market has evolved, and the demand for Testers has shifted towards individuals who can navigate and manage multiple modern tools and technologies.

Conclusion

While it's impossible to predict the long-term future with certainty, the current trend indicates a strong demand for QA automation professionals. As long as software development thrives, so will the need for effective QA and automation. Embracing this shift by developing comprehensive skills in automation, testing, and modern technologies can lead to a highly fulfilling and well-paying career path in QA automation.

All the best to those aspiring to enter this dynamic field! Happy testing!