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Manual Software Tester Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer - Specialist

Prairie Du Sac, WI · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Develop and maintain technical documentation including user manuals and technical guides. * Support ... Knowledge of testing methodologies including unit, integration, and automated testing frameworks.

Lead Software Engineer

Janesville, WI · On-site

$100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Leads the engineering, design, testing and implementation of software solutions that provides a ... Participate in development of software user manuals * Perform other duties as assigned ...

Quality Engineer I

Madison, WI · On-site

$61K - $122K/yr

Create, maintain and execute test cases/test scripts (manual and automated) for the user stories ... software testing. * Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or ...

Create, maintain and execute test cases/test scripts (manual and automated) for the user stories ... software testing. * Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or ...

Senior Staff Quality Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$89K - $121K/yr

... software releases, and championing a strong quality culture across the organization. Responsibilities : • Lead the design and implementation of comprehensive manual and automated testing strategies ...

Senior Staff Quality Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$89K - $121K/yr

... software releases, and fostering a strong quality culture across the organization. Responsibilities : • Lead the design and implementation of comprehensive manual and automated testing strategies ...

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Manual Software Tester information

See Madison, WI salary details

$10

$42

$61

How much do manual software tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for manual software tester in Madison, WI is $42.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.89 and $49.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Manual Software Tester vs Automated Software Tester?

AspectManual Software TesterAutomated Software Tester
CertificationsISTQB, CSQA, or similarISTQB, CSQA, or similar
Work EnvironmentTesting teams, project-basedTesting teams, often with scripting tools
Tools & SkillsManual testing, test case executionAutomation tools (Selenium, QTP), scripting
Industry UsageCommon in software developmentGrowing in agile and continuous integration

Manual Software Testers focus on executing test cases manually to identify bugs, while Automated Software Testers develop scripts to automate testing processes. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but differ in tools and techniques used. Manual testers are essential for exploratory testing, whereas automation testers improve efficiency through scripting and automation tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manual software tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manual Software Tester, you need a solid understanding of software development processes, test case creation, and attention to detail, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with bug tracking systems (like Jira), test management tools, and basic SQL or scripting is often required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills help testers efficiently identify and report defects while collaborating with development teams. These skills are crucial to ensure software quality, minimize defects, and deliver reliable products to end users.

How do you become a manual software tester?

To become a manual software tester, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and developing skills in testing methodologies, attention to detail, and understanding of software development processes. Gaining experience with testing tools and learning basic programming or scripting can be beneficial, and some roles may require certifications like ISTQB. Entry-level positions often require demonstrating strong analytical skills and the ability to follow test plans and document defects clearly.

What are the most common challenges faced by manual software testers, and how can they be addressed?

Manual Software Testers often encounter challenges such as identifying subtle bugs, managing repetitive testing tasks, and ensuring thorough coverage under tight deadlines. To address these, it's important to develop strong attention to detail, maintain organized documentation, and communicate effectively with developers and team members. Leveraging test case management tools and participating actively in sprint meetings can help testers stay aligned with project requirements and improve overall testing efficiency.

Is manual software testing in demand?

Manual software testing remains in demand as it is essential for identifying user experience issues and verifying functionality, especially in projects without automated testing. While automation skills are increasingly valued, many companies still rely on manual testers for exploratory testing and quality assurance, making the role relevant in various industries.

What is a manual software tester?

Manual software testers are professionals who assess software applications for defects or bugs by executing test cases manually, without using automated tools. They validate that the software behaves as expected and meets specified requirements by simulating real user scenarios. Manual testers document issues, provide feedback to developers, and help ensure the final product is reliable and user-friendly.

What are popular job titles related to Manual Software Tester jobs in Madison, WI?

For Manual Software Tester jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Manual Software Tester job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,838 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

$15/hr

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Prism Computational Sciences, Inc. is looking for a Software Tester. 

This is a part-time position for a high-school student interested in STEM with an hourly rate of $15.00. Initial duties include executing test cases, detecting, documenting and tracking software defects, and reporting bugs and errors to our development team. 

The position includes flexible work hours not to exceed three (3) hours per day or eighteen (18) hours per week when schools are in session. Applicants will need a work permit from the school’s office before they can be employed at Prism Computational Sciences, Inc. The work permit establishes a minor's proof of age and ensures that the employer, parent/guardian, and minor are aware of the employment of minors' laws and regulations.

If interested, contact Viktoriya Golovkina at vgolovkina@prism-cs.com.