The Top Remote QA Jobs

Remote QA jobs, also known as quality assurance, encompass testing software programs to discover or otherwise prevent bugs and other mistakes in software. To a lesser extent, this position may also deal with quality assurance testing, which is where a person tests a product for defects and compares a manufactured product to quality standards. In most cases, virtual options are mostly in the software and IT world.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the QA software industry is expected to grow by as much as 22% over the next 10 years, making it one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. Are you an IT professional or software developer that enjoys catching mistakes and assuring that programs run correctly? Then a remote QA job is one to consider for your vault into the remote world.

Everything You Need to Know About Remote QA Jobs

With a growth rate of over 20%, the QA industry is booming at a rate three times faster than the overall U.S. job market. However, certain positions may require specific skill sets, certifications, or education to ensure employment. Before applying for jobs, familiarize yourself with the various components of a strong applicant to better position yourself for consideration for remote QA jobs.

Education Required

QA professionals and software testers typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or a related field. In some instances, engineering, math, or other STEM degrees may give you the basic education needed to excel in the field. In managerial roles or to garner consideration for a promotion, a master’s degree is often required. However, some employers may pay for you to acquire this degree. Always look for tuition reimbursement programs from various companies if your goals include management or senior positions.

Skills Needed

The hard skills necessary to get remote QA jobs usually involve knowledge of computers and particular programming languages. Again, this will vary depending on the type of role you wish to pursue. But even if you’re a programmer or tester in the QA industry, you should still have a set of soft skills that many employers covet. Peruse this list to see what skills you may already have and what you may need to work on in the future:

Certifications

Although entry-level positions may not require certifications, backing up your resume with one or more of these credentials can help you stand out in a highly competitive industry. Some of the best certifications for remote QA jobs include:

Which one of these certificate programs you choose is highly dependent on your level of knowledge and education. While the CAST and ISTQB certifications are ideal for entry-level jobs or ones with only a few years of experience necessary, others may require six to eight years of on-the-job experience.

Salary Information

According to the BLS, remote QA jobs earn a median annual wage of $110,140 or $52.95 per hour. Top earners take home $124,050, but the lowest earners can still expect a salary in the low six figures.

Software QA vs. Product QA

Although a vast majority of QA jobs deal with software testing, product QA is worth noting. Quality control inspectors examine materials and products for errors or imperfections, although many of these are onsite jobs. However, some QA specialists are now conducting their jobs online. Furthermore, some types of technical writers may examine products for quality assurance and write about or present their findings to management.

Common Remote QA Job Titles

Remote QA jobs come with a seemingly endless variety of titles, which you can see as soon as you search job listings. In most cases, the titles pertain to the specific industry or programming language the job uses. But just so you’re not caught off guard, here are some of the common titles you may see frequently.

Companies Hiring for Remote QA Jobs

With the emergence of the internet as a way for people to connect, communicate, shop, and do virtually everything else, the need for remote QA professionals is always in high demand. So even if you aren’t sure where to start, here are some of the top companies hiring for remote QA jobs.

Ascension

Based in St. Louis, Ascension is a Catholic, nonprofit healthcare provider with 150 hospitals and clinics throughout the Midwest. As of 2020, it’s the largest Catholic healthcare provider in the United States, employing over 160,000 workers and bringing in revenues totaling $22.6 billion. The company has also been named by ComputerWorld as one of the best places to work for IT professionals.

Tech Data Corporation

Headquartered in Clearwater, Fla., Tech Data Corporation is a publicly traded IT distributor and solutions aggregator. The company has over 22,000 employees and brings in annual revenues totaling $35 billion. A list of its clients includes Dell, Cisco, Google, HP, Microsoft, Sony, and more.

Zwift, Inc.

Zwift, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based IT company that provides an exercise app for runners, joggers, and bikers. Through its interface, it tracks the distances of runners while also allowing them to connect with other “Zwifters” for an all-inclusive exercise experience without the hindrances of a traditional gym membership.

How Virtual Vocations Can Act as QA for Your Next Remote Job Search

If you’re searching for remote QA jobs, you can simply hop on a job board and apply to your heart’s content. However, you’re missing out on numerous benefits that only a job board such as Virtual Vocations can provide.

As a 100% family-owned business, Virtual Vocations is a small company with a big mission: to help you find the perfect remote job. Yet unlike other job boards, Virtual Vocations backs up their listing with a number of other benefits. With a membership, you also have access to:

Register with Virtual Vocations today to discover how our company can help you land your next remote QA job!

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