IT professionals are earning an average salary of $88,448, according to Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary Report, 2024. Do you want to become an IT testing professional and earn a competent salary even though you don’t have technical skills?
It is possible if you choose a career in test automation. Automation testing is in high demand as companies want testing professionals to speed up software delivery.
Let’s dive in to see how to become an automation tester and grow as a software testing professional.
QA Career Path in Automation Testing
Here’s a clear roadmap you can follow to build a career as an automation testing expert:
Junior Automation Engineer
Average Salary : 3L to 6L per year
You’ll likely start here. You may already know how to test software, but lack coding experience. Or maybe you know how to code but still need practice with test planning.
At this level, you won’t build frameworks. Instead, you’ll add tests to an existing test suite. That means assembling tests using pre-built pieces.
Test automation demands coding, architecture knowledge, and testing logic. So junior engineers usually need oversight from senior testers or developers to grow into the role.
Mid-Level Automation Engineer
Average Salary : 4L to 9L per year
Mid-level engineers are self-sufficient. They know how to test and code, and they can enhance existing frameworks without help.
At this stage, you’ll write new functions and classes for test automation. You’ll contribute code to handle new features, services, or app pages.
You’re not expected to build a full framework from scratch yet. But you’re trusted to expand and maintain what’s already built.
Senior Automation Engineer
Average Salary : 7L to 14L per year
Senior engineers handle testing and coding with expertise. They know how to build entire automation projects from zero.
You’ll apply test design patterns and create clean, scalable code. Rather than writing every test, seniors help others write better tests. You’ll coach teammates and ensure everyone writes testable code.
You’ll also oversee monitoring and triaging of tests to spot product issues early and accurately.
Test Automation Team Lead
Average Salary : 9L to 16.9L
Team leads manage people and strategy. You’ll mentor junior engineers and help shape test strategy for the entire team.
You’ll know how test automation fits into the larger software delivery picture. You’ll improve pipelines, shorten test cycles, and increase release confidence.
As a lead, you’ll also interview, hire, and collaborate across departments. You’ll explain automation’s value to business leaders and help everyone support the process.
Test Automation Architect
Average Salary : 17L to 29L per year
Automation architects take a big-picture view. They know the full software delivery lifecycle and design reusable test frameworks from day one.
You’ll apply sound software design principles and use proper abstraction. You’ll choose the right tools and tailor them to the team’s needs.
You’ll support all levels of testing – unit, integration, and end-to-end. You won’t spend much time writing test scripts. Instead, you’ll build tools and frameworks that other engineers use.
Architects often lead automation across departments due to their broad technical and strategic skills.
Top 7 Technical Skills Needed for Automation Testing Careers
Automation testers need some core skills as given below:
1 Programming Knowledge
Every automation tester needs a basic understanding of programming. Without it, writing reliable scripts becomes difficult, and collaboration with developers slows down.
Programming knowledge helps testers support unit testing and contribute to deeper functional testing. The level of coding required depends on the team’s setup and the role’s scope.
For QA teams, hiring testers and developers with overlapping skills helps reduce friction and speeds up delivery.
Strong coding skills are essential for building robust automation frameworks. Familiarity with languages like Java, Python, C#, SQL, and XML is often required. Understanding HTML and CSS also helps, especially when testing user interfaces. The right language to learn will depend on the team’s technology stack.
Coding needs vary by tool. Frameworks like SpecFlow and Cucumber allow testers to write scripts in plain English, focusing less on logic. For tools like Selenium, basic scripting is enough. Tools such as UFT or QTP, however, demand advanced programming skills.
2 Strong Manual Testing Skills
Manual testing remains essential, even in automation-focused roles. It offers insights that automated scripts can’t provide.
Manual testers can spot visual defects or UX issues that automation might miss. These include layout problems and confusing navigation.
Complex test cases with unpredictable flows often require manual execution. These scenarios don’t follow fixed patterns, making automation less efficient.
Cloud-based tools like LambdaTest support manual and automated testing across 3,000+ browsers and devices. This allows teams to detect cross-browser issues early without writing a single line of code.
Automation tools sometimes generate false results. Without manual testing, issues may go unnoticed or misdiagnosed.
Testing gestures or touch inputs is time-consuming to automate and not always reliable. Manual testing saves time and improves accuracy in these situations.
While automation increases speed, manual testing builds deeper understanding. It helps testers detect root causes instead of surface-level failures.
3 Mastery of Automation Tools
Tool knowledge allows testers to deliver faster results without compromising quality. Certain tools remain industry standards.
- Selenium: Selenium supports all major browsers and is widely used for web automation. Its WebDriver makes test execution smooth and fast. As an open-source tool, it offers broad community support.
- Appium: Appium enables mobile automation across Android, iOS, and Windows platforms. It works well with hybrid and native apps.
- HP UFT: UFT supports functional and regression testing. It’s often used in enterprise environments that rely on legacy systems.
- SoapUI: SoapUI is built for API and web services testing. It supports both SOAP and REST protocols. The open-source version provides everything needed to start.
- IBM RFT: This IBM tool supports automation for Java, .NET, SAP, and other platforms. It’s ideal for testing enterprise applications.
- Apache JMeter: Originally a load-testing tool, JMeter now supports API and performance testing. Its flexibility and open-source nature make it a top pick for many teams.
4 Understanding Business Requirements
Clear business understanding is key to building effective test strategies. Without it, testers miss critical features or focus on the wrong metrics.
The tester’s role starts before automation begins. That means understanding how the application functions, from the front end to the service layer.
Key questions to answer include:
- Which technologies power the application?
- Where will users access it: desktop, mobile, or both?
- Which databases are connected?
- Are APIs involved?
- Which features must work on launch day?
- What testing has already taken place?
- What was the last test cycle duration?
- Are there unresolved bugs from past releases?
- What’s the expected delivery date?
Browser compatibility also matters. Teams should use Selenium or a cloud platform to test across real browsers and devices.
5 Troubleshooting Automation Tools
Even the best tools produce errors. Knowing how to fix them is just as important as running tests.
Misconfigured scripts can report false failures or even pass when the app is broken. This leads to delayed releases and missed bugs.
Many testers use templates without understanding the logic behind them. That approach creates risks, especially at scale. A better approach is to learn how the tool works from scratch.
Before launching large-scale tests, confirm that the automation tool supports the app’s architecture. Incompatible tools lead to wasted time, missed bugs, and higher post-release costs.
6 Experience with Test Management Tools
Testing becomes easier with the right test management tools in place. These tools keep everything organised, from scripts to bug reports.
Benefits include:
- Faster bug tracking and issue prioritisation
- Easy sharing of test updates across teams
- Secure, role-based access to test data
- Real-time status updates for leads and stakeholders
- Reusable test cases that save time and improve consistency
Automation improves speed, but test management tools ensure quality and accountability at each step.
7 Knowledge of Development Methodologies
Automation testers work best when they understand the full development cycle. Knowing Agile, Scrum, or DevOps practices helps align testing with business goals.
Daily scrums, retrospectives, and planning meetings aren’t just for developers. Testers need to stay involved and ready with progress updates. This builds trust and ensures the testing phase doesn’t become a bottleneck.
Understanding how features move through the pipeline, from concept to deployment, improves test coverage and career growth.
Non-Technical Skills for Automation Testers
While core technical skills are important, automation testers also need these soft skills:
1. Communication and Collaboration
Clear, direct communication helps testers report issues and work well with cross-functional teams. Strong communication builds trust, reduces confusion, and keeps everyone on the same page. It also helps testers raise concerns quickly and suggest possible fixes.
2. Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
Strong analytical thinking helps testers examine systems, break down functionality, and find hidden issues. This skill allows better root cause identification and improves the quality of test results. Problem-solving adds value by enabling quick, logical responses to unexpected issues.
3. Adaptability and Flexibility
Testing tools, methods, and priorities shift often. Adaptability helps testers adjust quickly to change. Whether working in agile teams or switching between tools, staying flexible ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
4. Time Management and Prioritisation
Testing cycles move fast. Managing time well keeps testing efficient and focused. Prioritising tasks based on risk or urgency ensures critical areas are covered first. This reduces stress and improves outcomes.
5. User-Centric Mindset
Thinking like an end user helps testers go beyond just checking functions. A user-first mindset allows testers to spot usability issues and understand real-world use cases. This leads to better software and happier users.
6 Continuous Learning and Improvement
The industry changes fast. Learning never stops. Keeping up with new tools, trends, and techniques helps testers stay relevant. A growth mindset supports career development and better performance across projects.
How to Launch a Career in QA Automation
Starting a career in QA automation doesn’t need to be complicated. You just need the right roadmap. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you break in with clarity, skill, and confidence.
Build the Right Educational Foundation
While you can enter the field with just a high school diploma and bootcamp experience, having a degree in computer science or a related field gives you a solid edge.
It equips you with the technical skills that hiring managers expect and helps you grasp core concepts faster.
A master’s degree isn’t a must, but if you’re eyeing senior roles or leadership positions, it can open more doors and increase your earning potential.
Master the Skills That Matter
To stand out in QA automation, you need a sharp skill set that gets results from day one.
That means writing clean test cases, understanding how development teams operate, and knowing your way around tools like Selenium, Katalon, or TestComplete.
Languages like Python, JavaScript, and C# are must-haves on your resume. They’re the backbone of test automation frameworks today.
Learn From the Best: STAD Solutions Automation Testing Course
Automation testing certifications and specialised training give you a competitive edge and shorten your job hunt. But not all courses deliver job-ready skills.
STAD Solution offers a purpose-built Automation Testing Course that prepares you for real-world QA roles.
Designed by experienced QA professionals, this course focuses on practical implementation, helping you master automation frameworks, testing tools, and scripting with zero fluff.
Here’s what you get inside the curriculum:
- Foundation in Software Testing: Learn the basics of manual testing, SDLC, and STLC to build your QA fundamentals the right way.
- Core Programming for Testers: Get confident in Java from the ground up. Learn syntax, logic building, object-oriented concepts, exception handling, and collections, tailored for automation needs.
- Automation with Selenium: Master Selenium WebDriver, TestNG, Maven, and Page Object Model (POM) to create robust automation frameworks used in real projects.
- Framework Design & Integration: Build your own hybrid and data-driven automation frameworks. Integrating with Jenkins for CI/CD and GIT for version control are some skills every QA team needs.
- Real-Time Project Work: Work on live projects to simulate on-the-job scenarios, write scripts from scratch, debug real test cases, and collaborate like a team member in a QA sprint.
- Job Readiness Training: Resume building, mock interviews, recruiter feedback, and placement assistance are included so you hit the ground running.
By the end of the course, you won’t just know automation testing. You’ll be confident enough to apply it in any QA environment from day one.
Head over to STAD Solution’s official website and apply for our next batch. Flexible timing, expert mentors, and affordable pricing make our course a no-brainer for serious learners.
Get Hands-On With Internships
Nothing beats real-world experience. Interning at tech companies or volunteering in computer science departments gives you practical exposure that theory can’t match.
It also builds your confidence, helps you create project samples, and gets your foot in the door for full-time roles.
Apply to entry-level jobs, even if they seem small. Every coding session, bug fix, and test case you write sharpens your edge and fast-tracks your growth.
Closing Thoughts
A career in automation testing is lucrative and satisfying. Upgrading yourself with internationally recognised courses can help you become highly successful in your career.
STAD Solution offers the best course for both beginner and advanced candidates. Get started with the basics, join an entry-level job, level up with advanced courses, and become unbeatable as an automation testing professional.
Explore software testing courses from STAD Solution today!
FAQs
Automation testing involves using specialised tools to execute test cases with minimal human intervention. This field is central to ensuring software quality. It opens roles in quality assurance, test automation engineering, and software development. Our course equips candidates with practical skills for these roles.
A strong foundation in basic programming, scripting languages, and an understanding of automated frameworks are essential. Familiarity with continuous integration systems and software development principles is beneficial. Our course provides in-depth training in these areas to help build your expertise.
Transitioning requires learning new tools and techniques for automated testing. A structured approach to understanding code-based testing frameworks is key. The STAD Solution Automation Testing course is tailored for those moving from manual testing, offering guidance and practical exercises to ease the shift.
The demand for automation testing skills is growing globally. With experience, professionals can advance to senior technical roles, project management, or specialised positions in quality assurance. Our automation testing course prepares you for these future opportunities by providing relevant and current industry knowledge.
Our course delivers up-to-date insights and practical experience in automation testing. It focuses on real-world applications and current best practices, which are crucial for career development. By enrolling in our software testing course, you invest in a solid foundation that supports long-term career growth in this dynamic field.
