What does a QA Principal Analyst do?
A QA analyst is typically responsible for the testing phase of the production process to ensure that final products meet the company standards. Duties include identifying whether products are functional, reliable and meet the end user's expectations. Depending on the internal organizational structure of a company, the typical job progression for a QA analyst is in a managerial or executive role.
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required to become a QA analyst. In larger companies, a master of business administration is often preferred alongside extensive experience in quality control. Additional on the job training is usually provided by companies and successful candidates often hold keen attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Depending on the industry, a QA analyst may be required to sit or stand for long hours at a time.
- Design and implement testing plans for products
- Identify procedures and scenarios for the quality control of products and services
- Process product reviews and inform the development team of defects and errors
- Communicate quantitative and qualitative findings from test results to the development team
- Monitor efforts to resolve product issues and track progress
- Ensure that the final product satisfies the product requirements and meet end-user expectations
- Spot areas for improvement to enhance the product's efficiency
- Research the current market for similar products and compare results
- Masters in business administration preferred
- Extensive experience in quality control preferred
- Keen attention to detail
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Creative and innovative thinker
- Diligent and meticulous
- High regard for safety standards and quality control
- Able to sit or stand for long hours at a time
How much does a QA Principal Analyst make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$137,407
/ yrQA Principal Analyst Career Path
Learn how to become a QA Principal Analyst, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
QA Principal Analyst Insights
Ezbob“The job itself was very enjoyable for me and the salary is very good too.”
Availity“The people are really nice and i find the work to be challenging and interesting.”
Merck KGaA“Not really got anything bad to say as this is such a good place to work”
Crytek“This place is amazing you get to work with the best staff and on the highest quality projects!”
Steritech“Management did nothing nor listened and I was always sent to the UP in Michigan instead which is an 8hr drive”
“Salary increase is based on promotion technical interviews and is not done based on your accomplishments”
Semos Cloud“What I love about Semos Cloud is how happy and satisfied everyone is with working here.”
“Digex is a great place to start your career and to develop yourself as a professional.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of QA analysts
The typical day of a QA analyst can vary depending on what project they're working on and what stage the project is in. One day, you might be developing and implementing a test for a specific product, the next day, you might be delivering the test results to the product development team.
According to BitBar, QA analytics is a career that ranks high in employee satisfaction. Advantages of becoming a QA analyst include growth opportunities, positive company cultures, and enriching daily tasks. As a position that is high in demand, job security isn't typically a concern for QA analysts.
The average salary for a QA analyst is $137,407 a year. You can expect salary increases as you gain more experience in the field. For example, a senior analyst can expect to make $207,428 a year on average, while the average salary for a quality team leader is $137,407 a year.
Working as a QA analyst can have its downsides. The field of QA analysis is highly competitive, and depending on what company you work for, your routine may become monotonous. However, many QA analysts find that the upsides, including generous salaries and opportunities for advancement, outweigh the negatives.