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Software Developer Jobs in Manchester | Skills, Salary & Career Growth
12/01/2026
Software Developer Jobs in Manchester: Skills, Salary & Career Growth
Introduction
Manchester has rapidly established itself as one of the UK’s leading technology hubs outside London. With a strong digital economy, growing startup ecosystem, and major investments from global technology companies, software developer jobs in Manchester are in high demand across multiple industries.
The city offers a strong balance of career opportunities, competitive salaries, and lower living costs compared to London, making it an attractive destination for software developers at all career stages. This guide explains everything you need to know about skills, salaries, career paths, and job opportunities for software developers in Manchester.
What Does a Software Developer Do?
A software developer designs, builds, tests, and maintains software applications that solve business and user problems. In Manchester, developers work on a wide range of products, including:
- Web and mobile applications
- SaaS platforms
- Enterprise systems
- E-commerce solutions
- Cloud-based applications
Key Responsibilities
- Writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code
- Developing frontend and backend components
- Debugging and fixing software issues
- Collaborating with designers, testers, and product teams
- Maintaining application performance and security
- Participating in Agile and DevOps workflows
Skills Required for Software Developer Jobs in Manchester
Core Technical Skills
Manchester employers typically look for developers with experience in:
- Programming languages: Java, Python, JavaScript, C#, PHP
- Frontend technologies: HTML, CSS, React, Angular, Vue.js
- Backend frameworks: Node.js, Spring Boot, .NET, Django
- Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
- Version control: Git, GitHub, GitLab
- APIs: RESTful and GraphQL APIs
- Cloud basics: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
Soft Skills
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Team collaboration and communication
- Ability to learn new technologies quickly
- Time management and ownership mindset
Software Developer Salary in Manchester
Manchester offers competitive software developer salaries, while still maintaining a lower cost of living than London.
Average Salary Ranges
- Junior Software Developer: £30,000 – £40,000
- Mid-Level Software Developer: £45,000 – £60,000
- Senior Software Developer: £65,000 – £85,000
- Lead / Principal Developer: £85,000 – £100,000+
Developers with cloud, DevOps, or data engineering skills often command higher salaries.
Software Developer Career Growth in Manchester
Typical Career Progression
- Junior Software Developer
- Software Developer
- Senior Software Developer
- Lead Developer / Technical Architect
Career Expansion Options
- Full Stack Developer
- Cloud Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- Engineering Manager
- Technical Consultant
Manchester’s growing tech scene offers long-term career stability and progression.
Industries Hiring Software Developers in Manchester
- Technology & SaaS companies
- FinTech & Financial Services
- E-commerce & Retail
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Media & Digital Agencies
- Gaming & Creative industries
Both startups and established enterprises are actively hiring.
Companies Hiring Software Developers in Manchester
Manchester hosts:
- Fast-growing startups
- UK tech scale-ups
- Global technology companies
- Digital agencies
- Consulting and IT services firms
Permanent, contract, and hybrid roles are widely available.
Remote & Contract Software Developer Jobs
Many employers in Manchester offer:
- Remote software developer jobs
- Hybrid working models
- Contract and freelance roles
Contract day rates typically range from £350–£600 per day, depending on experience and technology stack.
How to Get a Software Developer Job in Manchester
Practical Tips
- Build a strong GitHub portfolio
- Focus on in-demand programming languages
- Gain experience with cloud and APIs
- Practice coding interviews and system design
- Apply via specialist IT job boards and recruiters
- Attend Manchester tech meetups and events
Education & Certifications
While a computer science degree is beneficial, many Manchester employers prioritise skills and experience over formal qualifications.
Useful certifications include:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner / Developer
- Microsoft Azure Developer
- Scrum or Agile certifications
Future Outlook for Software Developer Jobs in Manchester
Demand for software developers in Manchester will continue to grow due to:
- Expansion of digital and SaaS businesses
- Increased cloud and AI adoption
- Growth of e-commerce and fintech sectors
Software development remains one of the most secure and future-proof IT careers in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are software developer jobs in Manchester in demand?
Yes, software developers are in high demand across technology, fintech, retail, and digital industries in Manchester.
Q2. What is the average salary for a software developer in Manchester?
Software developers typically earn between £45,000 and £60,000, with senior roles earning £80,000 or more.
Q3. Is Manchester a good city for software developers?
Yes, Manchester offers strong job opportunities, competitive salaries, and a lower cost of living compared to London.
Q4. Can freshers get software developer jobs in Manchester?
Yes, many companies offer junior and graduate software developer roles.
Q5. Are remote software developer jobs available in Manchester?
Yes, many Manchester-based employers offer remote and hybrid roles.
