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Entry Level Software Tester Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Software Engineer - Setup

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$147K - $220K/yr

... testing practices and understand basic software engineering principles Growth mindset - you're excited to learn from senior engineers, ask thoughtful questions, and continuously improve your ...

Validation Engineer I

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site +1

$20 - $23/hr

This is an entry-level, remote position. Successful candidates have a bachelor's degree within an engineering discipline, a passion for technology, and exposure to system/software testing in the life ...

Entry Level Software Tester information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$21

$47

$76

How much do entry level software tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level software tester in Santa Rosa, CA is $47.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.54 and $57.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry-Level Software Tester Do?

An entry-level software tester works to test a computer system or program and ensure that the development does not have bugs or other issues. As an entry-level software tester, your responsibilities include analyzing and reviewing system specifications, reviewing the results of executed test scripts, and documenting and reporting technical issues. Other duties include collaborating with QA engineers, executing automated and manual test cases to analyze the results, performing analysis of software, troubleshooting problems, evaluating product code to ensure that it meets all specifications, creating logs to document any defects in the testing phases, and helping to create test plans and strategies.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level software testers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level software testers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex software systems, identifying subtle bugs, and effectively communicating issues to development teams. To overcome these, it's helpful to ask clarifying questions, thoroughly review documentation, and practice using testing tools. Building strong relationships with developers and other QA team members can also make it easier to resolve issues and learn best practices. Embracing continuous learning and seeking feedback can accelerate your growth in the role.

What does an entry level software tester do?

An entry level software tester is responsible for evaluating software applications to ensure they work as intended and meet quality standards. This typically involves executing test cases, reporting bugs, and working closely with developers to resolve issues. Entry level testers may also help write simple test scripts and document their findings. Their main goal is to help deliver reliable, user-friendly software products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Software Tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Software Tester, you need a basic understanding of software development principles, attention to detail, and familiarity with testing methodologies, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Experience with test management tools (like Jira or TestRail), bug tracking systems, and a grasp of scripting languages or automation tools are typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset help testers identify issues and work efficiently within a team. These skills ensure high-quality software releases by systematically detecting and reporting defects throughout the development cycle.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Tester jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Software Tester jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Software Tester jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Entry Level Software Tester jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Entry Level Software Tester jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Entry Level Software Tester job openings:
Software Engineer - Setup

Software Engineer - Setup

Apple

Bodega Bay, CA • On-site

$147K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple devices have revolutionized how people live, connect, and work. It’s not by chance! By thoughtfully blending beautiful, premium hardware with intuitive, innovative system software, we design and build a uniquely impactful user experience. The leading edge of this user experience is made up by the essential apps, components, and frameworks of System Experience.
Come help dramatically improve the first experience that every iPhone, iPad, and Mac customer sees - the Setup experience. Work with an energetic, hard-working, fun team of managers, engineers, cross-functional teams, and world-class designers to deliver the best system experiences on the planet!
Description
We’re the System Experience Setup team. We build Setup Assistant, the software that guides every iPhone, iPad, and Mac customer to set up their new device. Setup Assistant is the front door to these products - it is the most visible, critical piece of our customer onboarding process. We work with multiple cross-functional teams to continuously evolve the setup experience, which includes introducing many new hardware and software features.
We're looking for a software engineer to join our team and solve impactful problems alongside experienced engineers. As an engineer on the Setup team, you'll contribute to feature development and bug fixes while learning our codebase and development practices. You'll have opportunities to work on user-facing features that millions of customers interact with, all while receiving mentorship from senior team members. You'll also collaborate with talented engineering and cross-functional partners in a supportive environment designed to help you learn, grow, and deliver great user experiences.","responsibilities":"Strong engineering fundamentals - you write clean, well-structured code with good testing practices and understand basic software engineering principles
Growth mindset - you're excited to learn from senior engineers, ask thoughtful questions, and continuously improve your technical skills
User-focused thinking - you care about building features that provide real value to users and consider the end-user experience in your work
Collaboration skills - you work well with others, communicate clearly about technical concepts, and contribute positively to team discussions
Problem-solving approach - you can break down complex problems into smaller pieces, research solutions, and ask for help when needed
Preferred Qualifications
Customer focus - you make high-quality, user-centric product decisions
Drive for customer impact - you are deeply motivated to build the best essential user experiences for billions of users
Excellent communication and collaboration skills across disciplines and teams.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Computer Science or equivalent skills and work experience
Foundation for growth - you have 1-3 years of software engineering experience and are ready to take on increasing responsibility
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $147,400 and $220,900, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976