Is it worth studying to become a tester in 2025: career prospects

Home » blog » Is it worth studying to become a tester in 2025: career prospects

The IT industry continues to actively develop, creating thousands of job openings for specialists in various fields. Among the in-demand professions, QA Engineer remains. This specialist is responsible for ensuring the quality of digital products, preventing errors, and identifying vulnerabilities before release to the market.

But is it worth studying to become a tester in 2025 when technologies are becoming automated, and competition in the job market is increasing? What prospects await newcomers? The answer to this question requires a detailed analysis of the market, demand for specialists, salary levels, and future trends.

Demand for the profession: Is it worth studying to become a tester in 2025

IT companies are paying increasing attention to the quality of products, making testing a critically important stage of development. According to the Statista report, by 2025, global spending on software quality control will exceed $60 billion, indicating a growing need for qualified engineers.

The labor market also confirms this trend:

USA — QA job openings have increased by 11% over the past two years (Glassdoor data).
Europe — demand for testing specialists has increased by 15% in 2023-2024 (Eurostat study).
Russia and CIS — on hh.ru and LinkedIn, the number of open positions in the niche is around 8,000 vacancies, with an average salary ranging from 100,000 to 250,000 rubles depending on qualifications.

Despite the development of automated testing, it is impossible to completely replace manual methods. Hybrid approaches (combined checks) require professionals to have skills in analysis and knowledge of programming.

Skills and competencies in demand in 2025

To understand whether it is worth studying to become a tester in 2025, it is necessary to consider the skills that will be in demand by employers. Technological advancements lead to increased requirements for QA specialists.

Basic competencies:

Testing methodologies — understanding SDLC, STLC, test design (Boundary Value Analysis, Equivalence Partitioning, etc.).
Working with bug tracking systems — JIRA, TestRail, Redmine.
Basic programming knowledge — Python, Java, JavaScript.
Working with SQL — queries for database testing.

Advanced skills for competitiveness:

Automated testing — Selenium, Appium, Cypress.
API testing — Postman, REST-assured.
Containerization and CI/CD — Docker, Jenkins, GitLab CI.
Software security — OWASP, vulnerability testing.

Relevant programming languages

Programming knowledge is becoming an important requirement for testers. In 2025, preference is given to languages such as:

Python — the best choice for test automation due to its simplicity and powerful libraries.
Java — used in large projects, especially with Selenium.
JavaScript — applied in frontend testing with Cypress and Playwright.
C# — used in corporate products (Microsoft, Unity).

How much do testers earn in 2025

Before deciding whether to study to become a tester in 2025, it is important to study the data on specialists’ salaries. The amounts depend on experience, level of qualification, and region of work. Current data:

USA: $80,000 — $120,000 per year.
Europe: €40,000 — €90,000 per year.
Russia and CIS: 100,000 — 250,000 rubles per month.
Asia: $30,000 — $70,000 per year (depending on the country).

Manual testers earn on average 30% less than automated testing engineers. For example, in Russia, a Junior QA Manual earns 100,000 rubles, while an automator with the same level of knowledge earns 140,000 rubles.

Pros and cons of the tester profession

Analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of working in the testing field allows for an objective assessment of the career choice’s prospects. The level of competition, growth prospects, and job nature determine how comfortable it is to work in this area.

Career Pros: Is it worth studying to become a tester in 2025

Testing engineers get the opportunity to quickly enter the field of information technology without a deep technical education. The entry threshold remains relatively low: mastering the basics takes from four to six months, making this profession accessible to beginners. Companies are interested in specialists capable of quickly identifying errors, testing software functionality, and ensuring its quality. The demand for testers in the market remains stable because without quality control, it is impossible to release a digital product that meets user requirements.

Career prospects open up opportunities for transitioning to automated testing, DevOps, programming, or project management. Developing skills in related areas increases income levels and expands professional opportunities.

Cons of working as a tester

High competition among newcomers creates challenges at the start of a career. The number of vacancies for Junior QA is limited, and the requirements for candidates are constantly increasing. Having basic knowledge does not always guarantee employment, so novice specialists have to additionally study automated testing and work on creating a portfolio.

The nature of the work involves performing repetitive tasks. The process requires attentiveness and meticulousness but includes many routine operations, which can reduce motivation. Automation partially solves this problem, but without learning programming languages and mastering specialized tools, it will be difficult to do so.

Where to study to become a tester in 2025

Online courses, university programs, and internships are available for mastering the profession.

Online courses:

Coursera (Software Testing and Automation).
Udemy (Complete Software Testing Bootcamp).
Skillbox, Otus, Netology (Russian-language courses).

Certifications:

ISTQB Foundation Level (international standard).
Certified Selenium Automation Tester (automated testing).

Practice and internships:

Google, Microsoft, Yandex, EPAM offer programs for beginner QAs.
Open-source projects (GitHub) allow you to build a portfolio.

Is it worth studying to become a tester in 2025: conclusions

The growing software market, the need to test new technologies (AI, cloud services, blockchain), and the high demand for QA specialists make testing a good career opportunity. However, success in the profession requires continuous development, learning automation, and working with modern tools. Newcomers need to consider competition and choose courses that provide practical experience and a real portfolio.

The answer to the question of whether it is worth studying to become a tester in 2025 is yes if you are ready to master new technologies and develop professional skills.

Who is Suitable for the Job of a Tester: Figures, Examples, Logic of the Profession

The profession of a tester is suitable for people who see defects before they become a problem. It requires precision, analytical thinking, and persistence in finding patterns. At first glance, the task sounds simple – find bugs. But the specialist takes on the role of a digital quality controller, whose mistake can cost the company tens of thousands of dollars.

Who is suitable for the job of a tester? Those who are not afraid of routine, love structure, and find pleasure in identifying systemic flaws. Here, diplomas are not important, but thinking that cuts through structures like a laser through metal.

What lies behind the scenes of the profession

The field of testing is built on regular hypothesis testing and system behavior analysis. The specialist fills the workday with logic, methods, and sequence: writes test cases, checks hypotheses, analyzes checklists. Here, accuracy is valued over speed.

They build their activities based on software quality control, adapting approaches to the product’s specifics. Development methodologies – Agile, Scrum, Waterfall – set the rhythm, but do not replace thinking. Manual software testing requires attention to detail, while automated testing requires technical knowledge and understanding of code.

Tester skills: the foundation of stability in a team

To understand who is suitable for the profession, it is important to break down the key abilities of a tester.

Hard skills include:

Knowledge of test design principles (Boundary Value Analysis, Equivalence Partitioning).
Ability to write test cases and work with bug tracking systems (Jira, TestRail).
Experience in manual testing and basics of automation (Selenium, Postman, Pytest).
Reading technical documentation and requirements analysis.

Soft skills of a tester are equally important. Self-discipline, perseverance, attentiveness, and responsibility create the foundation of professionalism. Without them, any technical foundation will crumble under the pressure of deadlines.

Who is suitable for the job of a tester: personal qualities

The speed at which a person notices details determines their effectiveness. Testing specialists with high sensitivity to details quickly identify anomalies in software behavior. A superficial approach does not survive here.

The field is suitable for those who think step by step, test hypotheses, and document deviations. Perseverance is important here. Some bugs only appear after 10 repetitions of an action or under certain conditions.

The IT field is suitable for candidates who:

React calmly to monotonous tasks and can see processes through to the end.
Analyze information quickly and logically, without emotions.
Notice small details even under high pressure.
Possess strong self-discipline and internal motivation.
Are willing to learn and adapt to new tools.
Work systematically, can document steps, and test hypotheses.
Feel comfortable in a team and meet deadlines.

This profile helps determine who is suitable for the job of a tester and which qualities influence success in the profession. Those who are not afraid of repetitions, routine steps, and meticulous checks can expect a stable career. The ability to work in a team enhances synergy, especially in large projects with frequent releases.

Career growth in the profession

Becoming a test engineer without a technical education is possible. Courses, practice, and good mentoring provide a start. At the initial stage – manual software testing, then – automated testing, DevOps integration, working with CI/CD.

The specialist’s path typically takes 5-6 years from junior to test lead or QA architect. Earnings increase in proportion to responsibilities. The average salary of a middle tester in Russia is 130-170 thousand rubles. In the USA – from $80,000 per year. Meanwhile, 30% of specialists opt for remote work.

Working in the profession from home became the norm after 2020. Many teams integrate a hybrid model. Products are tested in Jira, cases are stored in Confluence, bugs – in Bugzilla or YouTrack.

Turning theory into practice

Test cases form the basis of control. Checklists serve as checkpoints. Each bug has a cause, not just an error. Testing theory remains meaningless without proper implementation. Only practical application hones the skill.

Development methodologies provide frameworks but do not limit initiative. In reality, such a specialist constantly faces compromises between time, resources, and quality.

How to become a tester from scratch

You can start a career without a specific education. The key is a systematic approach to learning. You will need to master the terminology, learn to create test cases, understand bug reports, and grasp the product lifecycle. Initial courses usually include manual software testing, basics of automation, working with Jira, Postman, Git, and SQL.

The first six months are a period of laying the foundation. At the start, it is worth honing skills in practice: joining open-source projects, solving cases in PractiTest, documenting bugs, and preparing reports.

Working as a tester from home is a reality even in entry-level positions. All you need is a reliable laptop, internet, and the ability to work in Asana, Notion, or TestLink. The level of remote job opportunities has increased by 48% over the past two years. Companies are increasingly transitioning to hybrid formats.

Common mistakes of beginners and how to avoid them

A significant portion of candidates misunderstand who is suitable for the job of a tester. Chasing high salaries and the myth of an “easy entry” lead to disappointments. Without an interest in details, perseverance, and an analytical approach, a person quickly burns out or stagnates.

Beginners often skip theory, get confused in priorities, and fail to describe the steps to reproduce bugs. As a result, the team’s and client’s trust is lost.

Only systematic preparation, attention to detail, and constant adaptation to market requirements help maintain the pace. Those planning a career in this field benefit from structural thinking and quick adaptation to new tools.

Developing in the profession

Specialization requires continuous updating of knowledge. New frameworks, automation tools, CI/CD approaches emerge every year. Working with code, knowledge of Java, Python, JS increase the specialist’s value in the market.

Who is suitable for the job of a tester in the long term? Those who see learning as part of everyday life. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Skillbox, Otus, and Stepik teach automation, test design, and DevOps. Career growth leads from QA Engineer to architect, strengthening the role, scope of influence, and leadership requirements.

Who is suitable for the job of a tester?

The job of a tester is ideal for people with analytical thinking who appreciate order and precision. If you can express your thoughts clearly, are not afraid of routine, and strive for constant development, you will find your calling in testing. Attention to detail, the ability to quickly grasp tasks, and readiness for changes are the key qualities that will ensure stable career growth in this in-demand field.

August 26, 2025

Как найти хорошую удаленную работу: советы профи

The global labor market has changed its trajectory. Online platforms have replaced bulletin boards, workplaces have become virtual, and schedules have become flexible. In this context, the question of how to find a good remote job has acquired not just idle, but strategically important meaning. The article will break down everything, from methods to mistakes, from numbers to technologies.

How to Find a Good Remote Job: Adapting to the Digital Economy

The transition to remote work has opened doors for millions of specialists, but at the same time has increased the requirements for self-organization and qualifications. According to McKinsey, over the past five years, the number of remote job vacancies has increased by 43%. However, only 17% of applicants successfully pass the selection process. The reason is the lack of knowledge of basic principles of remote job search and distorted expectations.

To begin with, a clear revision is required. Remote job search includes:

Analysis of in-demand professions for remote work.
Selection of reliable platforms and communities.
Creating a strong resume.
Mastering self-presentation through cover letters and interviews.

The main filter is not the quantity of vacancies, but the alignment of skills with employer requirements. The less deviation, the higher the chances of employment.

Platforms and Methods: Where and How to Search for Remote Jobs

Starting a remote job search from scratch requires a reference point. Trust is gained not through social networks, but through structured platforms. Specific resources offer different collaboration formats, from contracts to freelancing.

Main platforms include:

hh.ru and Superjob – stable offers from Russian companies with employer verification.
LinkedIn – an international market focusing on career growth.
Upwork and Freelancer.com – platforms for freelancers in the IT sector and creative industries.
We Work Remotely and Remote OK – vacancies from Western employers with payment in foreign currency.

It is worth searching simultaneously on 3-4 platforms, regularly tracking updates. Using filters, setting up notifications, and analyzing offers speed up the results.

How to Find a Good Remote Job: Selection Criteria

Where and how to find decent remote employment if some offers are deceptive and others lack prospects? One must look deeper. Salary is important, but not the only criterion. The real value lies in stability, a clear task system, and opportunities for professional development.

Evaluating an offer requires checking the following points:

Presence of legal documentation or contract.
Transparent KPI and payment system.
Communication in work channels (Slack, Notion, Trello).
Portfolio of projects and employer reputation.

Clear job descriptions, meeting schedules, test tasks, and adequate management are signs of a normal remote environment. Deceivers spend time on promises, not on facts.

Skill Development: A Foundation

The labor market demands flexibility and teachability. The broader the horizon, the higher the stability. This is especially true for professions in the IT sector, marketing, analytics, design, where technologies change faster than traffic rules.

Key learning directions include:

Soft skills: self-discipline, time management, cross-cultural communication.
Hard skills: programming, web design, SEO, analytics, languages.

Online courses from Coursera, Stepik, Skillbox, and Yandex Practicum allow you to go through the program without interrupting your main activities. Each of them offers cases, internships, access to a community, and resume assistance. This forms a foundation that enables finding a good remote job in real competitive conditions.

How to Find a Good Remote Job: Applicant Checklist

Tips on finding remote work rarely provide specifics. Below is a list of steps that a successful applicant uses when entering a new format.

Step-by-step algorithm:

Formulate 3-5 strong skills and priority industries.
Prepare an online-adapted resume.
Create a portfolio (even for non-portfolio fields – cases, examples, figures).
Subscribe to relevant Telegram channels and Slack communities.
Send 3-5 applications per day with individual letters.
Analyze received responses and adjust the strategy.
Update skills monthly, including mini-courses and practice.
Monitor industry changes: new services, vacancies, technologies.

A clear action system turns the search into a manageable process with predictable results. Success is not reinforced by the quantity of responses, but by the quality of preparation and focus accuracy. This approach minimizes randomness and removes dependence on “luck.”

Factors Hindering Remote Job Selection

Most rejections occur not due to weak skills, but due to a lack of understanding of the format. Remote job search requires not only motivation but also a systematic approach.

Common mistakes include:

Expecting an immediate response from the employer.
Sending template resumes.
Neglecting the portfolio.
Lack of knowledge of tools (Zoom, Miro, Jira, Confluence).

Only adaptation to specific requirements allows finding a good remote job without burning out in the process.

Balance of Freedom and Structure: Key to Efficiency

The format attracts with flexible schedules but simultaneously requires high self-discipline. Lack of control provokes procrastination, reduced productivity, loss of focus. Without a structured priority system, a candidate loses competitiveness.

Time management ensures stability. The Pomodoro technique, Eisenhower matrix, digital planners like Todoist, Trello, Notion – tools that allow structuring tasks without losing flexibility.

A freelancer or remote specialist with a set productivity system is 23% more likely to achieve KPI goals and 38% less likely to change projects in the first year, according to Hubstaff data.

Professional Development as a Stability Factor

Successful remote job search starts not with responses but with understanding which skills drive a career. The industry dictates rules: in the IT sector, knowledge of stacks, quick adaptation, and contributions to open-source are valued; in marketing – working with analytics and results; in design – a UX approach and a portfolio with real cases.

Growth is only possible through continuous development. Specialists who acquire 2-3 new skills per year receive offers 27% more often. This dynamic is particularly noticeable in digital professions – web development, UI/UX design, digital analytics, targeting, DevOps, mobile development.

How to find a good remote job if skills are outdated – you can’t. Platforms are open, but filters are ruthless. Each interview turns into an exam on relevance.

Handling Responses: Strategy for Precision

Employment in a remote format happens quickly – on average 3-10 working days from the first contact. This process requires strategic preparation. Each resume should match the vacancy not by 100%, but by 120% – taking into account requirements, corporate culture, tasks.

The interview tests personal involvement, not formal data. Employers seek those who think in the company’s logic, not those who repeat the resume text. Analyzing the website, products, tonality – preparation elements that increase the chances of success.

Modern HR specialists use not only Zoom but also asynchronous interviews, voice tests, tasks in Notion. Knowledge of formats is another trump card for an applicant.

Resume as a Digital Packaging

In digital labor market, a resume is perceived not as a biography but as a pitch deck. On the first screen – results, numbers, facts. In 7 seconds, a recruiter decides whether to continue or close.

Effective resume structure:

Header indicating profile and key skills.
2-3 specific achievements (with numbers: revenue growth, conversions, deadlines).
Technologies and tools (e.g., Figma, Python, GA4, Jira).
Examples of cases with results.
Brief list of education and courses.

Lack of specificity – a negative. Using a template from the internet – a negative. Individuality within a business language is key.

How to Find a Good Remote Job: Conclusions

Successful search is impossible without a methodical strategy, continuous skill updates, and clear focus. The market demands not a perfect employee, but a responsible performer who can work in numbers, withstand the pace, and develop along with tasks. To find a good remote job, it is important to think not as an applicant but as a professional who delivers results in any format.

August 26, 2025