With thousands of apps and programs developed every day, manual testing jobs play an essential role in the software industry. In June 2022, around 90,000 new Android apps were released through the Google Play store, in addition to about 36,000 new iOS apps launched that month. All these apps had to undergo manual tests before reaching the market, for the benefit of both the developers and end-users.
But will exploring this field benefit you?
Some Manual Testing Stats To Consider
On average, a manual testing software engineer earns $91,601 annually without bonuses.
An entry-level quality assurance tester earns an average of $58,053 per year.
The projected employment growth rate in 2020-2030 is at an average 9%.
Software testers most commonly hold a bachelor’s degree - 68%.
71% of QA engineers and testers continually spend time sitting while at work.
Annual projected job openings are at 189,200 for both software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers.
The stats sound promising, and you may already have a specific job title in mind, but there’s more to learn about career opportunities in manual testing before you start scouring job ads and creating any job alert. And we’ve got you covered! Read on for a detailed description of the tasks and everything else you need to know about manual tester jobs.
Manual Testing Jobs in a Nutshell
Before delving into detail, we should outline the essentials of what constitutes being a manual tester.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Develop, execute, analyze, and document test cases
Document and report defects to developers
Create and maintain databases of defects
Collaborate with other testers and developers
Skills Required:
Basic computing and file management
Basic software QA methodologies
Database management
Excellent communication skills
Automation experience is a plus
Salary Range
$58,053–$91,601
Tips for Beginners
To start a career in this field, it’s not enough to just do an online search for “manual testing jobs near me,” find that dream job title, apply, and expect a miracle to happen. As a matter of fact, the search results will likely overwhelm you, showing thousands of job ads overflowing with terms you may not even recognize, such as end-to-end testing, functional testing, and regression testing.
So do your homework and work on getting certified in areas that are not above your level of expertise. First off, you should learn the basic principles of software testing. You can start with:
Acceptance testing
White-box testing
Black-box testing
Unit testing
System testing
Integration testing
Of course, theoretical knowledge is one thing and experience another, and employers value experience above all else. Even when applying for entry-level positions, it is a good idea to gain some experience first, for example by taking on freelance jobs.
You should also practice using more specialized software testing tools, including:
Automation tools such as Selenium, JUnit, TestNG, and Bugzilla
Performance testing tools like JMeter and Loadrunner
Test management tools such as TestLink or Quality Center
Having certifications is not required but can give you a competitive edge when applying for manual tester jobs. Consider certifying in/as:
ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level
ASTQB Certified Mobile Tester
ASTQB Certified Performance Tester
Certified Software Tester
Certified Software Quality Analyst
Advanced Level Test Analyst
Advanced Level Test Manager
Certified Associate in Software Testing
Certified Usability Tester Foundational Level
Above-average opportunities for employment in computer occupations have recently been available in the District of Columbia and states that include California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, and Washington. So instead of searching for “manual tester jobs near me,” consider looking for employment in parts of the country where those jobs are actually available.
Manual Testing - Job Description
Disclaimer: While we try to share as many details as we can to help your career development, we can only provide a general job description. Employers will each have their own hiring criteria based on their specific needs.
With that out of the way, let’s answer some of the burning questions.
The Basics of Manual Testing
What exactly is manual testing in QA? Manual testing involves testing processes that help find defects in software systems. They’re considered the most primitive type of testing in software development. Simply put, it’s about trying out software or an app to find bugs and glitches. As a manual tester, you’d pretty much be role-playing as an end-user to check if all the features of the application are working correctly.
Manual testers are responsible for executing test cases without the use of automation tools. While manually testing new apps and software, including their updates, requires more time and effort, it’s an essential task in checking automation feasibility. This is why some of the top companies that do not have separate manual testing positions put the engineering team in charge of manual testing part and QA processes.
QA manual testing jobs involve test development and test execution. This is to identify problems in apps and software before these are released to end-users. Manual testers also determine the causes of these defects and report them to developers.
They’re in charge of documenting application and software defects and maintaining a database that holds this information. They also give valuable feedback on software design by providing input on product design, functionality, and usability.
The Importance of Manual Testing
Why is manual testing important? Even though automated testing is faster, manual testing is still essential in software development. For one, automated scripts can’t identify visual issues that humans can easily see. Moreover, automated tests are restricted to certain boundaries.
On the other hand, manual testing allows for more fluid exploration. Manual testers can try different actions, observe results, and perform subsequent actions based on those results. Furthermore, manual testers can understand issues on a conceptual and emotional level. They can determine what users will see and how they will feel when using the app.
Manual testing is indeed critical in ensuring bug-free software. Still, a proficient tester should have a keen eye toward automation to be able to identify when automation is needed instead of manual testing. Load testing, stress testing, spike testing, and similar performance tests can’t be done manually. They require the use of automation tools.
Manual Testing vs. Automation Testing
Manual testing is more effective in usability, exploratory, and Adhoc testing where the AUT is prone to frequent changes.
Automated testing is suitable for highly repeatable functional test cases. Batch testing and performance testing can only be done through the use of automation tools.
Career Path
Entry-level manual testing includes positions such as application tester or quality assurance analyst. After gaining two to three years of experience in junior manual testing jobs, you can become a senior QA analyst and even a QA team coordinator. Eventually, you can become a specialist and be promoted to a test manager or senior test manager.
But before you get that promotion, let’s look into the daily activities of a manual tester.
Daily Activities
As a manual tester, your daily activities would include:
Examining software project documentation - reading and understanding all documents and guides related to the software so testing areas can be selected
Developing test cases that cover all the requirements mentioned in the documentation
Reviewing the test cases with the team lead or developer
Creating a baseline for the test cases
Manually executing the test cases using black-box testing, white-box testing, or other QA testing tools
Reporting bugs to developers for fixing
Re-testing fixed apps and software - executing failing test cases to verify that the bugs have been fixed
Key Areas of Expertise
There are no special academic degrees required to become a manual tester. That’s what makes this job a good entry point in the IT industry. However, that doesn’t mean it’s an easy career path. You must have basic knowledge of software applications and programming. A willingness to constantly learn and improve your skill set is also necessary.
To develop an area of expertise as a manual tester, you can get certification for advanced skills in manual testing. Appropriate ones include:
The annual salary range for all manual testing jobs in the USA is $58,053–$91,601. A Glassdoor report pegs the average base pay of a manual tester at $67,172.
A software tester’s salary is determined by many factors, including the nature and size of the employer, work experience, performance, and specific roles and obligations.
To give you an idea of the industry range, here are the average base salaries for certain testing positions:
$68,653: Average annual base pay for a software tester
$34 per hour: Average salary for a quality assurance tester
$91,601: Average annual salary for a software test engineer
Manual tester salaries also depend on the location. For instance, manual testers in Washington, D.C., earn a base pay of $78,011 per year, while manual testers in New York City get about $71,603. In Annapolis, Maryland, manual testers get $69,297.
Nationwide, the annual wage for entry-level manual testing jobs is $45,197. Meanwhile, senior manual testers receive about $81,900 yearly.
Manual Testing Jobs - Employment and Advancement Options
Manual testing is suitable for freelancers. In fact, freelancing is a good way to gain experience and acquire skills required by any company looking to hire a manual tester. Freelance manual testing jobs for freshers are commonly posted on freelancing websites.
Management Position Options
Job opportunities for manual testing are currently more geared towards mid-level positions, more than entry-level and senior-level positions combined. While the competition for management positions may be tough, manual testing offers flexible career paths.
Years of experience can qualify you to be a QA director and test manager. Manual testers can become project managers if they have equivalent experience from other industries. They also have a potential future in DevOps and QA engineering.
Freelance Opportunities
Whether you’re a newbie or a pro in the business, you’re likely to find a remote freelance job that matches your skillset. Manual testing requires minimal equipment and tools to perform tasks in a small home office.
Take note, though, that working freelance requires an end-to-end understanding of the software life cycle. Most manual testing freelance jobs may also require coding experience and software development skills. For software testing jobs, you would also need to invest in a testing platform like Lambda Test.
If you have enough credentials and have already built a reputation in the industry, you can directly approach leading software companies and take on projects as a freelancer. There are also crowdsource companies that allow you to select projects on a pay-per-bug model. That means your earnings will depend on the number of bugs you find. The more bugs you detect, the higher your payout will be.
Manual Testing Jobs - Education
While a bachelor’s degree isn’t necessarily a must for landing a manual testing job, an academic background in computer science is certainly desirable in this industry. The following degrees are in demand:
Bachelor of Technology
Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelor (and Master) of Computer Applications
Bachelor of Science in Computers
If you don’t have a degree in Computer Science, you can opt to get certifications like ISTQB and CSTE. They aren’t required, but they add to your credentials. You can get certification in QA and manual testing from the following certifying organizations and companies:
American Software Testing Qualifications Board
American Society for Quality
International Software Certification Board
IEEE Computer Society
Human Factors International
Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals
IBM
Microsoft Corporation
NI
Aside from pursuing certifications, you can also take courses online, for example:
uTest - This site offers a range of courses from basic tester knowledge to more specialized skills. Take the introductory course, then get certified for other courses such as Mobile Device Testing, Charles Proxy Testing, and API Testing.
Udemy - Consider taking the highest-rated courses like Mehta’s Best QA Manual Software Testing course. This course includes lessons on Live Project, Agile, Jira, and API.
StickyMinds - Membership in this site gives you access to articles and presentations from experts and software professionals. It also enables you to keep up with the latest trends and information on manual testing.
You can also find self-study guidelines on manual testing. There are plenty of videos and documentation online that can help you learn the basics without having to shell out learning fees. Options include Google Testing Blog, Cem Kaner, Satisfice, DZone, Selenium Easy, Software QA Test, and TechTarget.
Manual Testing Jobs - Technical Skills
What does software testing also require? A manual tester must have technical skills and basic knowledge in the following areas:
Database Management
Data in software systems is stored in different types of databases such as Oracle and MySQL. A basic knowledge of these databases enables testers to check whether proper data is stored in the backend database.
Linux Programming Language
It’s crucial for testers to have basic knowledge of Linux commands. Most software apps are designed using Linux machines.
Test Management
Manual testers must have the knowledge and hands-on experience in using test management tools. These QA tester tools are used in implementing test management techniques. As each tool addresses specific concerns, companies often use different tools depending on their needs.
Selenium – for testing web applications
Appium – for testing mobile applications
TestLink – for test management
QC, Bugzilla, Jira, Firebug, or Mantis – for managing and tracking defects or bugs
Postman – for API testing
JMeter or LoadRunner – for load testing applications
Software Development and Test Life Cycle
An end-to-end understanding of the software test life cycle is mandatory for manual testing.
Defect Management
Testers must be able to manage and track defects systematically. Understanding the defect life cycle is a key aspect of software testing.
Microsoft Excel
Manual testers must be adept at creating formulas, pivot tables, and charts in Excel.
Other Technical Skills
Other technical skills that aren’t necessary but are good to have are:
Familiarity with automated QA testing tools
Knowledge of continuous integration tools
Creating batch files in Windows OS
VB scripting
Manual Testing Jobs - Non-Technical Skills
What are the skills required for manual testing?
While technical skills are essential in manual testing, some soft skills are also required to efficiently perform tasks. Manual testers need to be patient, creative, and open to new ideas. Aside from that, they must also possess the following traits:
Logical and Analytical Skills
Logic and good analytical skills are essential in understanding testing processes and creating and solving test cases. These skills are required in dissecting complex software systems into smaller units.
Effective Communication Skills
Good verbal and written communication skills are needed to create effective reports. These reports must convey all actions taken, bugs found and solved, and other issues encountered in a comprehensible manner. Moreover, good communication establishes healthy transparency and earns the trust of developers and stakeholders.
Efficient Time Management
Time management is essential in handling one’s workload. Efficient time management involves organizing tasks, setting schedules, and sticking to them. When done properly, it leads to higher productivity.
Willingness To Learn
Manual testers must have a passion for the field and a willingness to learn. Technologies keep evolving, and manual testers need to constantly upgrade their technical skills with changing technologies.
Ability To Work Independently
Manual testers must be able to work on their own and take ownership of tasks assigned to them. They must take the initiative and complete tasks without direct supervision.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Software development requires collaboration among various groups. As part of the development process, manual testers must be able to collaborate and develop solutions with other teams. They must show flexibility in dealing with software developers and end-users. They must also show adaptability in supporting and developing their test cases.
Conclusion
Indeed, it’s possible to have a flourishing career as a manual tester. To increase your chances of landing a job, make sure you constantly expand your knowledge in QA and testing theories. Focus on continuous learning and gain experience in using various techniques and methodologies.
Exhibit curiosity, imagination, attention to detail, and logical thinking. Practice good communication skills and be open to collaboration with software engineers, developers, and end-users. Having these qualities will enable you to become an effective manual tester.
Manual testing jobs are a good way to enter the IT industry. Your career path can lead to various job positions as you gain experience and knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a manual testing job?
A manual testing job involves checking software products and computer applications for defects without the use of automated testing tools. It requires great attention to detail, so all visible and hidden defects are identified before a software product is released to end-users.
A manual testing job doesn’t necessarily require a degree, but having one in computer science or related courses would give you an edge. What’s critical for this job is knowledge of manual testing concepts and software testing methodologies. In terms of career growth, a manual testing job provides plenty of opportunities for career development.
What are the roles and responsibilities of software testers?
Software testers ensure that an application is free of errors and conforms to the functional requirements specified by their clients. To do this, they develop and execute test cases to assess new software applications and system modifications. They identify defects using bug tracking systems and document these in databases.
They also conduct historical analyses of the results of these test cases. Once the test is done, they report defects and provide feedback to developers. While most of the tasks they do are completed independently, they still need to collaborate with other testers, developers, and clients for effective software testing.
Is manual testing easy?
Software manual testing jobs may seem easy as they don’t necessarily require specialized knowledge. But, while learning the concepts of manual testing is easy, being adept at this job requires practical experience. There are multiple websites that offer courses, free tutorials, and videos on manual testing.
However, the techniques must be put into practice so they can be mastered. Most manual testers start with freelance jobs to gain practical experience and to hone their skills. For those who are new to the job, it would require much time and effort. Also, manual testing requires patience, attention to detail, and deep analysis.
Why do we need manual testing?
In software testing jobs, one of the fundamentals is that 100% automatic testing is not possible. For instance, automation tools are not that effective in identifying usability issues. They are unable to identify user interface glitches as well. On the other hand, manual testers can easily spot visual issues and usability problems.
Moreover, manual testing allows exploratory testing and avoids errors in reporting such as false positives or false negatives. Thus, when it comes to manual vs. automation testing, the former plays a crucial role in the QA process. This makes manual testing a valuable complement to automatic testing.
What are the advantages of manual testing?
While some people overlook the necessity for manual testing, it undoubtedly has many advantages. For one, manual testing helps make sure that software and computer applications are completely bug-free. It allows faster and more accurate feedback on visual issues. Cost-wise, it is more cost-effective for low volume regression and can be a better option for small companies or small-scale projects. It is also more efficient to use when testing small changes in the software.
Furthermore, manual testing jobs don’t require programming knowledge and are easy to learn for new testers. This makes it relatively easy for businesses to employ proficient manual testers.
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