| Degree Required | High school diploma |
| Education Required | Some employers require certificates in computer science, such as information technology or related areas |
| Key Responsibilities | Test video games for bugs, report findings on performance |
| Job Growth (2020-2030) | 13% (for all occupations related to software development)* |
| Median Salary (2021) | $45,045** |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com
What Kind of Training Do I Need?
The most important training required to be a video game tester takes place not in a classroom, but on your own leisure time; you must be experienced, knowledgeable and well-versed in video game playing. Because testing a given game requires you to beat each level and defeat every villain, you must be a skilled game player with solid hand-eye coordination. According to industry information published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), you'll also need computer knowledge and strong communication skills to compose and submit game reports on company databases (www.bls.gov).
The BLS notes that a college education isn't required to work as a video game tester, but some employers may prefer testers with certificates in computer science. Numerous colleges offer certificates and associate's degrees in information technology, database management or related areas. These programs cover basic computer skills like database queries and management, software applications, multimedia and web development.
Some schools also offer one or several courses related to video game design and development, which can often be taken as electives. Sample topics covered in these courses include video game testing concepts, quality assurance, level design and character animation.
How Much Could I Earn?
According to the salary information website PayScale.com, the middle half of video game testers earned an hourly wage of $10.30-$20.01 in December 2021. Combined with overtime pay and bonuses, this resulted in a middle salary range of $23,000-$57,000. The BLS does not currently collect salary information for video game testers. However, as per video gaming industry information published in fall 2011, quality assurance testers earned about $49,000 annually in 2010 (www.bls.gov).
A computer support specialist is a popular career choice in the computer and technology field that also does not necessarily require a secondary degree. These specialists may work with an organization's IT department to troubleshoot networking problems or may provide technical assistance directly to customers. Another related career is that of web developer, a professional who is responsible for creating both the visual layout and technical code of a website. Educational requirements for web developers vary, but can be as little as a high school diploma.
