Manchester’s tech sector exploded by over 50% in the past two years. The city now employs 105,098 tech workers—one-third of all Tech Jobs Manchester and outside London. Starting salaries hit £45,000 for developers, with experienced professionals earning £75,000+. Over 10,000 digital and tech businesses call Manchester home. Why is Manchester outpacing London’s growth rate? The answer lies in ambition, affordability, and unprecedented opportunity.
Manchester’s Tech Market Reaches Historic Highs
Manchester has cemented its position as the UK’s top digital tech city outside London. The tech sector contributes £5 billion to the local economy, with projections to reach £7 billion by 2029. Net tech employment increased 3,001 jobs in 2024 alone—the second-highest growth nationally after London.
Major employers are urgently recruiting across all specialisms. Google, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, The Hut Group, BooHoo, and Roku maintain major operations in the city. American streaming giant Roku recently announced plans to open a massive technical and engineering hub. PwC committed to creating 1,000 tech-focused jobs over three years, with many roles starting immediately.
Demand for software developer jobs Manchester, cyber security jobs Manchester, and data analyst jobs Manchester has soared across fintech, healthtech, and eCommerce. Graduate tech jobs Manchester and entry-level tech jobs Manchester dominate hiring as five universities produce 35,000 tech-ready graduates annually.
Manchester’s employment rate sits at 71.4% for those aged 16-64, with job numbers forecast to grow at 1.3% annually through 2028. The city is expected to record the joint-fastest employment growth of all UK towns and cities.
Want to explore opportunities? Browse the latest tech jobs on Manchester Digital’s job board and discover roles across 10,000+ companies.
From Industrial Past to Digital Future
Manchester made history in 1948 by building the world’s first stored-program computer at the University of Manchester. The “Baby” computer launched the digital age. Today, tech vacancies Manchester represent the city’s transformation from cotton mills to code.
Families who once engineered steam locomotives now build artificial intelligence systems. The shift from manufacturing to IT careers Manchester demonstrates remarkable resilience. Manchester’s reputation as the “capital of the North” extends beyond football—it’s now officially the UK’s top digital tech city.
Local pride surges as tech opportunities Greater Manchester attract global talent, reversing decades of brain drain to London. The city ranks third nationally for tech job growth, behind only London and Cambridge.
Did You Know? Manchester ranks third in the UK for tech job growth with average wage rises 52% higher than the national median salary. Tech workers earn £49,410 annually compared to the UK average of £32,500.
Discover Manchester’s economic growth story. Read our comprehensive business news and analysis covering the sectors driving the city forward.
Real Success in Manchester Tech
Emma Chen graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2020 with a computer science degree. At 22, she secured her first entry-level tech jobs Manchester role as a junior developer at a fintech startup in Spinningfields earning £28,000.
Within 18 months, her salary jumped to £52,000 as she transitioned into cloud infrastructure specialist roles. By 2024, she led a team of eight engineers earning £75,000 annually—a 168% increase in under five years.
“Manchester gave me opportunities London couldn’t match,” Emma explains. Affordable living costs, genuine community, and companies willing to invest in graduates made the difference.
Her journey mirrors thousands of professionals benefiting from Manchester’s tech boom. Training programmes, coding bootcamps like Northcoders and Tech Educators, and employer-sponsored certifications accelerate career progression.
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IT support jobs Manchester professionals report similar trajectories. Average salaries reach £35,000-£45,000, with senior roles commanding £55,000+.
Explore training pathways. Check our education and skills development guide for courses, bootcamps, and apprenticeships available across Greater Manchester.
Why Manchester’s Tech Market Thrives
“Manchester’s tech ecosystem outperforms UK averages across every metric—job creation, salary growth, and business formation,” states Jason Moss, CompTIA’s senior vice president for EMEA. The city launched over 13,800 tech startups in Q1 2024 alone, creating unprecedented demand for software developer jobs Manchester.
Government investment in digital infrastructure strengthens the sector. Kao Data’s £150 million data centre in Stockport provides computing power for AI and machine learning expansion. The Greater Manchester Digital Blueprint targets placing 95,000 people in tech roles by 2026.
Graduate tech jobs Manchester benefit from world-class universities. The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Salford University produce talent across computer science, data science, and digital marketing.
However, skills gaps persist in specialist areas. A 2025 survey shows 75% of firms struggle to fill developer roles Manchester in AI, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity. Hiring intentions remain strong, with demand highest for software development, AI, and data roles.
Salary data reveals strong compensation packages across IT jobs Manchester:
- Entry-level developers: £28,000-£35,000
- Mid-level software engineers: £45,000-£60,000
- Senior developers: £75,000-£114,000
- AI engineers: £70,000-£90,000
- Technical leads: £69,755 average
The median tech jobs Manchester salary hits £49,410—52% above the UK’s overall median wage of £32,500.
“The market remains candidate-driven for technical roles,” notes recruitment analyst Phil Rowe. Employers offering remote flexibility, training budgets, and clear progression paths attract top talent.
Experts project sustained growth through 2026, with AI-related tech vacancies Manchester leading expansion. Manchester’s economy is expected to grow 2.1% annually through 2028—faster than the UK’s 1.6% national rate.
“Manchester’s tech ecosystem outpaces the UK average. Demand for graduate tech jobs keeps rising, fuelled by government investment and a thriving startup scene.” — Jason Moss, CompTIA Senior VP EMEA.
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Technology Transforms Lives
Tech jobs Manchester deliver economic benefits beyond corporate profits. Average tech salaries of £49,410 exceed Manchester’s median wage by 52%. This injects purchasing power into local communities, supporting retail, hospitality, and services.
Digital hubs in Spinningfields, MediaCityUK, and the Northern Quarter host networking events, mentorship programmes, and skills workshops. Manchester Tech Festival attracts over 1,000 developers, engineers, and leaders annually for conferences on AI, leadership, and software development.
“Tech companies sponsor youth coding clubs in Moss Side and Longsight,” reports CityCo Manchester, the city centre management organisation. This expands access to IT careers Manchester for underserved communities.
Women in Tech Manchester runs monthly events supporting females entering developer roles Manchester. The sector’s gender split remains 70:30, but diversity initiatives target improvement.
Social enterprises leverage digital jobs Manchester to tackle unemployment. They offer paid training for care leavers, ex-offenders, and long-term unemployed individuals.
Transport improvements enhance connectivity. Expanded Metrolink services connect tech hubs with residential areas across Greater Manchester.
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However, challenges remain. Office affordability pressures small startups, and diversity at leadership levels lags workforce representation. Retention is a growing challenge—40% of leaders cite keeping talent as their top concern.
“Our goal isn’t just creating jobs,” states Manchester Digital CEO Katie Gallagher. “It’s building pathways for everyone to participate in the digital economy.”
“Tech roles changed life for our neighbourhood. Outreach programmes push more women and minorities into developer roles, building real inclusivity.” — Community Tech Mentor
Manchester’s Path to 2030
Manchester’s tech sector shows no signs of slowing. By 2026, experts forecast an additional 10,000 digital jobs Manchester, pushing total tech employment beyond 115,000. The Greater Manchester Digital Blueprint aims to place 95,000 people in tech roles by 2026.
Remote and hybrid work models expand the talent pool. They attract professionals nationwide to software developer jobs Manchester without relocation. Emerging technologies—quantum computing, generative AI, and green tech—will create roles nobody imagined five years ago.
Manchester has ambitions to become a top five European digital city and global influencer. The city’s thriving community of 10,000+ digital and tech businesses provides the foundation.
Will Manchester maintain momentum as regional competitors invest heavily? The answer depends on continued infrastructure development, skills training, and inclusive policies ensuring IT jobs Manchester remain accessible to diverse candidates.
Economic confidence shows cautious optimism. A 2025 survey reveals 64% of tech leaders feel positive about growth, though economic uncertainty remains a barrier.
Did You Know? Over 35,000 graduates apply yearly for entry-level tech jobs Manchester, yet 75% of companies struggle to fill specialist vacancies. This highlights both intense competition and abundant opportunities for skilled candidates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are tech jobs Manchester?
Tech jobs Manchester encompass software developers, IT support specialists, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, cloud engineers, AI specialists, UX designers, and digital marketers. These professionals work across fintech, healthtech, eCommerce, gaming, and enterprise technology sectors. The roles span Greater Manchester’s 10,000+ digital businesses.
How many IT jobs Manchester are currently available?
Over 40,000 IT jobs Manchester exist across the city as of October 2025. These span entry-level positions, graduate schemes, mid-career roles, and senior leadership opportunities. Manchester employs 105,098 tech workers—the second-highest concentration nationally after London. Job boards like Manchester Digital list hundreds of live vacancies daily.
What’s the average salary for tech jobs Manchester?
Median tech jobs Manchester salaries reach £49,410 annually—52% above the UK’s overall median wage. Entry-level roles start at £28,000-£35,000. Mid-level developers earn £45,000-£60,000. Senior software engineers command £75,000-£114,000. AI specialists and technical leads reach £70,000-£90,000.
Which companies offer the most tech vacancies Manchester?
Global tech giants lead Manchester’s recruitment. Google, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, and Amazon maintain major presences. British firms including The Hut Group, BooHoo, BBC, Co-op Digital, and ITV recruit heavily. Roku recently announced plans for a massive technical hub. PwC committed to 1,000 new tech roles over three years. Hundreds of startups actively hire for tech vacancies Manchester.
Are training programmes available for entry-level tech jobs Manchester?
Yes, Manchester offers extensive training options for entry-level tech jobs Manchester. Coding bootcamps include Northcoders and Tech Educators. Universities provide short courses and professional development. Government-funded apprenticeships support career switchers. Employer-sponsored training programmes require no prior experience. Manchester Digital hosts regular skills workshops and networking events.
What qualifications are required for IT support jobs Manchester?
IT support jobs Manchester require foundational technical skills. Basic computing knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication matter most. Certifications like CompTIA A+, Microsoft 365, or ITIL help candidates stand out. Average salaries range from £35,000-£45,000, with senior roles reaching £55,000+. Many employers provide on-the-job training for motivated candidates.
Are cyber security jobs Manchester in high demand?
Absolutely. Cyber security jobs Manchester rank among the fastest-growing tech roles. Rising digital threats and a projected 3.5 million global cybersecurity specialist shortage drive demand. Companies urgently need security analysts, ethical hackers, and information security managers. Salaries for cyber security specialists range from £50,000-£90,000 depending on experience.
Can recent graduates find digital jobs Manchester easily?
Yes, Manchester excels at graduate tech jobs Manchester placement. Hundreds of openings appear yearly across the sector. Five universities produce 35,000 tech graduates annually. Employers actively recruit through campus partnerships, graduate schemes, and internship programmes. Entry-level roles start at £28,000-£35,000 with rapid progression potential.
What skills are essential for data analyst jobs Manchester?
Data analyst jobs Manchester require diverse technical capabilities. Statistical analysis forms the foundation. Proficiency in SQL, Python, or R is expected. Data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI matter for presenting insights. Critical thinking and communication skills translate findings for non-technical stakeholders. Average salaries reach £45,000-£65,000 depending on experience.
How do I apply for tech jobs Manchester?
Multiple pathways lead to tech jobs Manchester. Search major job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Totaljobs. Visit Manchester Digital’s dedicated job portal for tech-specific roles. Attend tech meetups and hiring events at Manchester Tech Festival. Apply directly through company websites. Network within the city’s active tech community through meetups and conferences