🌱 The Learning Curve
In the early days, I tested applications by following steps manually, writing test cases, and reporting issues through tracking tools. It was rewarding—but I knew I needed to evolve with the industry. Automation was no longer a buzzword—it was the future.
Rather than fearing automation, I embraced it.
🎯 What I Believe Now
✅ Quality is not just about testing at the end—it’s about building it into the process.
✅ A good QA isn’t just a bug-finder—but a quality partner.
✅ Continuous learning is the only way forward in tech.
🌟 The Evolution of a Software Tester: From Manual QA to Automation Expert
In the ever-evolving world of software development, quality has never been more critical. Behind every smooth user experience lies the dedication of a tester who ensures every feature works as intended. But what happens when that tester decides not just to find bugs—but to transform how testing is done?
This is the story of growth, learning, and innovation—of a Software Tester becoming a QA Engineer, and eventually an Automation Tester.
| Criteria | Software Tester | QA Engineer | Automation Testing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Finding bugs & verifying functionality | Ensuring overall software quality & process improvement | Automating test cases to reduce manual effort |
| Test Types Performed | Manual Testing (Functional, UI, Regression, etc.) | Manual + Involved in Process Audits & Improvements | Automated Functional, Regression, Performance, etc. |
| Skills Required | Test case writing, execution, defect logging | Testing + Analytical + Process-oriented skills | Scripting, Programming, Tool expertise (Selenium, JUnit, etc.) |
| Tools Used | JIRA, TestRail, Excel, Bugzilla | JIRA, Confluence, Quality Center, Process Tools | Selenium, TestNG, JUnit, Postman, Jenkins, Cucumber, etc. |
| Process Involvement | Mainly in Test Execution Phase | Throughout SDLC: Requirements to Release | Mainly in Test Execution, CI/CD Integration |
| Automation Role | Minimal/None | Can guide or review automation strategy | Fully responsible for script development and maintenance |
| Output Responsibility | Defect Reports, Test Cases | Quality Metrics, Test Plans, Risk Reports | Automation Scripts, Test Reports, Logs |
| Coding Knowledge | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but helpful | Mandatory (Java, Python, JavaScript, etc.) |
| Goal | Detect bugs before release | Ensure process + product quality | Speed up testing, increase reliability, reduce human error |
🔹 Phase 1: The Software Tester — The First Line of Defense
Every great journey begins with mastering the basics.
At the beginning, the Software Tester focused on manual testing—writing test cases, executing test plans, and reporting defects. Attention to detail, patience, and domain knowledge were key. Each release tested manually taught lessons in user behavior, edge cases, and the importance of structured processes.
But with growing product complexity and faster release cycles, manual testing alone wasn’t enough.
🔹 Phase 2: The QA Engineer — Building Quality, Not Just Finding Bugs
Transitioning into the role of a QA Engineer, the focus shifted from just testing the product to ensuring quality throughout the development life cycle.
The QA Engineer began:
- Collaborating closely with developers and product teams
- Participating in sprint planning and requirement reviews
- Designing better test strategies
- Creating detailed test documentation and managing defect life cycles
This role was about preventing defects, not just detecting them. Still, there was a need to make testing faster, more reliable, and scalable.
| Current Role | Recommended Next Step | Key Skills to Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Manual QA | Automation Tester / SDET | Selenium, Java/Python, API Testing |
| QA Engineer | QA Lead / Test Architect | Test strategy, framework design |
| Tester | QA DevOps / Performance Tester | JMeter, LoadRunner, CI/CD tools |
🔹 Phase 3: The Automation Tester — Scaling Quality Through Code
The next logical step was automation.
As an Automation Tester, the journey advanced into scripting test cases using tools like Selenium, Postman, and TestNG. The focus now was on:
- Creating robust automation frameworks
- Integrating tests with CI/CD pipelines
- Running regression suites automatically
- Validating APIs and backend systems
The value of automation wasn’t just in saving time—it was in increasing confidence with every release. Automation allowed for early feedback, faster deployments, and seamless collaboration between teams.
🎯 The Outcome: A Full-Cycle Quality Partner
From manually verifying features to becoming a strategic quality partner, this evolution reflects the direction the software industry is moving in.
💰 Salary Range in India (INR)
| Role | 5–7 Years Exp | 8–10 Years Exp |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Tester | ₹6 – ₹12 LPA | ₹10 – ₹16 LPA |
| QA Engineer (Manual + Process) | ₹8 – ₹14 LPA | ₹12 – ₹18 LPA |
| Automation Tester | ₹10 – ₹18 LPA | ₹15 – ₹25 LPA |
| SDET / Lead Automation Engineer | ₹15 – ₹25 LPA | ₹20 – ₹35+ LPA |
| Performance / Security Tester | ₹12 – ₹20 LPA | ₹18 – ₹30 LPA |
| Test Architect / QA Manager | N/A | ₹25 – ₹45+ LPA |
- Software Tester ensured functionality
- QA Engineer ensured end-to-end process quality
- Automation Tester enabled speed and scalability
Each phase built upon the last, creating a well-rounded, future-ready professional ready to tackle modern challenges in testing and quality assurance.
🧠 In Simple Terms:
- Software Tester → Executes tests manually to find bugs.
- QA Engineer → Manages processes and policies to ensure quality across development and testing.
- Automation Testing → Uses scripts and tools to perform repetitive tests faster and more reliably.
🏆 Tips to Maximize Package:
- Learn Selenium, Appium, REST Assured, JMeter, Postman, Jenkins, Git, Docker
- Get familiar with cloud testing (AWS, Azure)
- Improve soft skills: communication, leadership, stakeholder handling
- Apply for product-based companies or international remote roles
🧩 Factors Influencing the Package:
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Metro cities (like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune) offer higher packages |
| Domain Expertise | BFSI, Healthcare, Telecom domains often offer higher pay |
| Skills | Automation (Selenium, Appium), API Testing, Performance Testing, Security Testing, DevOps knowledge, CI/CD pipelines |
| Certifications | ISTQB, Certified Scrum Master (CSM), AWS, Azure QA certifications add value |
| Company Type | Product-based (Google, Amazon, Microsoft) > MNC service companies > startups |