Woman in a suit sits at a desk reviewing spreadsheets as part of her quality assurance technician role

Alternative Careers for Quality Assurance Technicians

Quality assurance is a crucial component of any successful project. But let's be honest, staring at spreadsheets and running test scripts all day can get a bit tedious. In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 6 alternative career paths for quality assurance technicians that will challenge and excite you.

Top 6 alternative careers:

Do you ever find yourself staring at your computer screen, wondering if there's more to life than testing software?

From dealing with bugs that seem impossible to squash to testing endless iterations of code, there is a myriad of obstacles that can get in the way of delivering a quality product.

If you're a QA technician looking for a change, or simply curious about what else you could do with your skills, then stick with us. You’ll need little creativity, some drive, and a willingness to learn something new.

We’ve compiled this list of the top 6 alternative career options for quality assurance technicians, that you can pursue and embark on a new career adventure:

  1. DevOps Engineer
  2. IT Manager
  3. Software Tester
  4. Systems Administrator
  5. Product Manager
  6. Business Analyst

Keep reading to find out more about your role in each of the job options, the potential income it holds for you, and how no-code development can help you in transitioning your career from a quality assurance technician to a role that will excite you.

6 Best Job Alternatives for Quality Assurance Technicians: Our Top Picks

DevOps Engineer

From finding bugs to building bridges, you can be the perfect candidate for a DevOps engineer role.

As the ultimate tech jugglers, DevOps engineers blend software development, IT operations, and automation to deliver top-notch applications and services faster and more efficiently.

With an eye for detail and a passion for ensuring quality, you can manage the integration and deployment of new software while minimizing risks.

Earning Potential

The average salary for DevOps Engineer is around $67,800 per year in the United Kingdom.

Skills To Develop To Transition To DevOps Engineer

Communication, Collaboration, Understanding of relevant tools, Linux fundamentals and scripting, Empathy

IT Manager

As a QA analyst, you're already familiar with the workings of software development. Take your experience to the next level and become an IT Manager. 

You’ll be responsible to streamline operations, leading teams, and ensuring optimal system performance. 

With an eye for detail and a knack for problem-solving, you can ensure the smooth running of systems, manage resources, and direct teams to success.

Earning Potential

The average salary for an IT Manager in the United Kingdom is around $50,400 per year. The potential earning ranges between $33,000 - $80,000.

Skills To Develop To Transition To IT Manager

Strategic thinking, Attention to detail, Research & analysis, Project management, Computer skills

Software Tester

Looking for a career where your eye for detail and ability to find even the smallest bugs is highly valued? Consider becoming a software tester! 

As a software tester, you'll work on cutting-edge software and ensure that it meets all the requirements. From running tests to debugging code, you'll play a critical role in the development of high-quality software.  As a QA analyst, you already have the skills and expertise needed to excel in this field. 

Earning Potential

The average software tester salary in the UK is around $35,000 - $50,000 per year.

Skills To Develop To Transition To Software Tester 

Analytical and logical skills, Project management skills, Attention to detail, Programming skills, Knowledge of software testing tools

Systems Administrator

Tired of the never-ending quest for bugs? It's time to shift gears and become a systems administrator! 

As a systems administrator, you’ll be the wizard behind the digital curtain, keeping computer systems running smoothly and efficiently. You’ll be responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems and servers.

With your background as a QA analyst, you already know your way around systems and protocols. 

Earning Potential

The average salary for a systems administrator is $37,500 per year in the United Kingdom. The earning potential ranges between $32,000 - $61,000.

Skills To Develop To Transition To Systems Administrator

Knowledge of operating systems, Interpersonal skills, Problem-solving, Collaboration, Cloud computing

Product Manager

From testing products to building them, a career as a product manager might be the perfect next step for you. 

As a product manager, you'll be the mastermind behind every step of the process, from research and development to marketing and sales. You'll work with cross-functional teams to bring innovative ideas to life while ensuring they're profitable and align with the company's goals.

With your keen eye for detail and quality, you'll be able to guide the product development process, ensuring the final product meets and exceeds customer expectations.

Earning Potential

The average salary for a product manager is around $62,000 per year in the UK. The earning potential ranges between $50,000 - $120,000.

Skills To Develop To Transition To Product Manager

Analytical skills, Critical thinking, Leadership, Problem-solving, Knowledge of user experience

Business Analyst

Say goodbye to writing test cases and hello to building roadmaps for business success.

As a business analyst, you'll be responsible for helping companies improve their efficiency and profitability by analyzing data, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategic solutions.

Your experience in testing and quality assurance will give you a unique perspective on how software is developed and used, making you a valuable asset to any team.

Earning Potential

The average salary for a business analyst is around $54,800 per year in the United Kingdom. The earning potential ranges between $38,000 - $80,000.

Skills To Develop To Transition To Business Analyst

Business acumen, Decision-making skills, Negotiation, Analytical skills, Critical thinking

Ready to take the leap into new career opportunities, but feeling hindered by your technical abilities? No-code development could be the solution you've been searching for.  Read on to discover how no-code can help you achieve your career goals.

The Most Lucrative and Easy to Learn Skill in 2023 for Quality Assurance Technicians: No Code Development

What is no-code development?

No code development is a sort of web development that allows you to create websites, web apps, mobile apps, task automation, and much more, without writing a single line of code.

How much do no-code developers earn?

The earning potential can range between $30,000 - $130,000 or even more if you have a strong portfolio and advanced skills.

How easy or difficult is it for QA technicians to become no-code developers?

As quality assurance technicians have a tech background, the transition process will be relatively smooth. Moreover, appropriate training, guidance, and practice can easily help them to get a hang of no-code development.

Tips to fast-track your transition to no-code development careers

Know the basics: Before diving into no-code tools, it's important to have a fair understanding of key concepts such as database design, user experience, graphic design, etc.

Invest in courses or guides: Investing in online courses or certifications is an amazing way to fast-track your learning curve. No-Code Foundations Program can help you re-invent your career by learning tech skills without code.

foundations icon

Nocode Foundations

Foundations program is a 6-week cohort-based program designed to help you re-invent your career by learning tech skills without code.

Get hands-on experience and practice: Try out different no-code platforms and build sample projects to gain practical experience and truly master the tools.