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Manual Application Tester Jobs UK | QA & Software Testing Careers
07/11/2025
Manual Application Tester Jobs in the UK – Build a Rewarding Career in Quality Assurance
In the rapidly moving digital environment today, any application must function correctly and maintain customer satisfaction. That is where manual application testers are extremely important, as it is part of their job to verify that the software works correctly before the end user. If you are detail-oriented, enjoy finding solutions to problems, and have an interest in technology, then Manual Tester jobs in the UK may be the next step in your IT career.
What is a Manual Application Tester responsible for?
A manual application tester role is to manually test software, without automation tools, to locate bugs, usability issues, or system errors. Manual application testers work closely with developers, business analysts, and QA teams to ensure an application meets quality and business standards.
Key responsibilities:
- Design and execute test cases
- Perform functional testing, regression testing, and user acceptance testing
- Document and follow up on bugs
- Review and ensure accuracy in user stories and requirements
- Provide constructive feedback to developers
These roles are critical across multiple industries, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and telecommunications, to maintain performance, security, and reliability of software products.
Skills Needed for Jobs as a Manual Tester in the UK
If you want to work as a Manual Application Tester, you will need both a mix of technical and soft skills, such as:
A strong ability to analyze and problem-solve
Knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)
Experience with tools such as JIRA, TestRail or Bugzilla
Good documentation and reporting skills to document test case results and provide test summary reports
A good attention to detail and being patient
Great communication and being a team player
Automation testing is growing; however, manual testers will always have a place to validate user experience, user interface design and functional correctness — areas where a human can still provide insights that machines cannot do.
Why Manual Testing as a Career in the UK?
In the UK, there is still strong demand for QA testers and manual testing professionals in the IT industry, as there will always be a need for reliable software solutions. Startups and large enterprises require testers to ensure the software is fit for live use from the outset.
Benefits of a career as a Manual Tester include:
- Strong job demand across all industries
- Opportunities to evolve into automation testing or QA leadership roles
- Ability to work flexibly — hybrid or remote working can be achieved
- Exposure to varied projects and domains
Entry level testers can start earning around £25,000 – £30,000 per annum, with experienced Manual Testers earning £45,000+ depending on the set sector, skills set and level of experience.
Opportunities for Advancement
Manual testing is a great place to begin for the change in different IT paths, including:
- Automation Test Engineer
- Quality Assurance Lead
- Business Analyst
- Software Developer in Test (SDET)
- Project/Program Manager
Certifications like ISTQB or Agile Testing will elevate your credentials and possibly qualify you for higher paying roles.
Where to Locate Manual Application Tester Jobs in the UK
To begin your job search, you should check out the IT Job Board UK where IT professionals can connect with the best employers in the UK.
You’ll find up-to-date job listings for Manual Tester, QA Engineer, Software Testing and Application Support roles matching your skills and career objectives.
Suggestions for Gaining a Manual Tester Role
- Create a portfolio of test cases or sample -projects
- Learn some SQL, basic HTML and API testing
- Have knowledge of the Agile methodology
- Be aware of your ability to pay attention to detail and communicate ideas in an interview
- Gain certification to enhance your CV
In Summary
A Manual Application Tester career involves technical work, analytics, yet allows you to be part of ensuring the software meets a level of excellence. If you are wanting to foray into the IT world or wanting to build your QA expertise, Manual Tester jobs in the UK allow for security, growth & long-term job fulfilment.
FAQs for Manual Application Tester Jobs
1. What does a Manual Application Tester do?
A Manual Application Tester checks software manually to find bugs, usability issues, and performance problems before release. They ensure the software functions correctly and provides the best user experience.
2. What skills are required for Manual Tester jobs in the UK?
Essential skills include knowledge of software testing processes, writing test cases, reporting bugs, and working with tools like JIRA or TestRail. Attention to detail and analytical skills are also vital.
3. Is manual testing still in demand in the UK?
Yes. Many companies still rely on manual testing for areas where user experience and visual design are critical. Manual testers are essential for validating software quality before automation testing begins.
4. How much does a Manual Application Tester earn in the UK?
Entry-level testers earn around £25,000–£30,000 per year, while experienced manual testers can earn £40,000–£50,000+ depending on the company and project scope.
5. How can I start a career as a Manual Tester?
You can start by learning the basics of software testing, taking ISTQB or Agile testing certifications, and applying for entry-level QA or Manual Tester jobs through trusted portals like IT Job Board UK.
6. Where can I find the latest Manual Application Tester jobs in the UK?
Visit IT Job Board UK to find verified listings for Manual Tester, QA Engineer, and Software Testing jobs across the UK.
