Hire the Top 5% of 

Vetted Back-End Developers

Back-end developers are the people who build and maintain the parts of an application that users do not see. While front-end developers focus on how a website or app looks and feels, back-end developers manage the systems that make everything work, like servers, databases, and overall structure.

They may also handle important areas like security, APIs (application programming interfaces), and performance. If you want to hire a skilled back-end developer, this guide will help you through the process.

The Most In-Demand Back-End Programming Languages

When hiring back-end developers, you will often see these languages listed in job posts:

• Java: A trusted language since 1995, Java is a favorite for building web applications. It offers the power of C++ but is easier to use, debug, and maintain.

• Python: Known for being flexible and easy to learn, Python has been widely used for web development and data projects since 1989.

• Node.js: Created in 2009, Node.js brings JavaScript to the server side. It is lightweight and efficient, making it a good choice for real-time and large-scale applications.

• R: This programming language is mainly used by data scientists for statistical analysis and making graphics.

• PHP: Even though it is less popular today, PHP is still used to build many websites because it is easy to learn and affordable to host.

Commonly Used Back-End Development Frameworks

Frameworks help developers build apps faster and more securely. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Ruby on Rails: A Ruby-based framework that helps developers build applications quickly and easily.

• Django: A Python framework that offers strong tools for database-driven websites and makes web development faster.

• Laravel: A PHP framework that simplifies back-end coding by offering built-in features for common tasks.

• Express.js: A simple but powerful framework for building web apps and APIs using Node.js.

Writing a Good Back-End Developer Job Description

Hiring the right developer starts with a clear job description. Good descriptions save time and attract stronger candidates.

Technical Knowledge

List what candidates need to know. Examples include:

• Strong knowledge of Ruby or another back-end language.

• Understanding of MVC frameworks (Model-View-Controller).

• Experience building secure systems.

Skills

Focus on what you want the developer to do. Use action words like:

• Build connections to external APIs.

• Find and fix bugs in the system.

• Work with team members to design and maintain apps.

You should also mention soft skills. For example:

• Writes clean, easy-to-understand code.

• Quickly handles revisions.

• Understands and improves code written by others.

Soft skills like communication and teamwork are just as important as technical skills, especially for remote teams.

Experience

Think about experience not just as years worked but the types of projects the candidate has done. For example:

• Building secure APIs.

• Working with Ruby on Rails and tools like RSpec and Sidekiq.

• Collaborating in Agile development teams.

The clearer you are, the more likely you will find a developer who fits your needs.

Where to Find Good Back-End Developers

The best developers often spend time in online communities, contributing to open-source projects, and attending meetups and conferences.

Online Communities

Here are some places to find back-end developers:

• Stack Overflow: Full of discussions, job posts, and resources.

• Reddit: Subreddits like /r/PHP, /r/java, and /r/node focus on different programming languages.

• GitHub: Developers share their work and collaborate on projects.

• LinkedIn Groups: Professional groups related to specific skills and technologies.

• Facebook Groups and Codementor: Active communities where developers help each other and share job opportunities.

Some specialized communities include:

• Java: Oracle Java forums and O’Reilly Java resources.

• Python: Full Stack Python and Pyslackers.

• Node.js: Node.js Collection and Experts Exchange.

• R: R-Statistics Blog and R Programming Forums.

• PHP: PHP Roundtable and Symfony Community.

Comparing Back-End Developer Pay: USA vs Asia

The cost of hiring back-end developers can vary a lot depending on where they are located.

• In the United States, back-end developers typically earn between $97,500 and $155,000 per year depending on their experience.

• In Asia, such as in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines, skilled back-end developers often earn much lower salaries, usually between $20,000 and $50,000 per year.

Freelancers in the U.S. may charge between $80 to $120 per hour. In Asia, experienced freelancers may charge between $25 to $50 per hour.

Hiring from Asia can save costs, especially for startups and smaller businesses. However, it is important to consider factors like time zone differences and communication to make sure collaboration goes smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Finding and hiring the right back-end developer is an important investment. Here are key points to remember:

• Write clear and detailed job descriptions.

• Show why your company is a great place to work.

• Build your network through online groups and real-world events.

• Set a realistic budget based on where your candidates are located.

With the right planning and approach, you can find a back-end developer who will help your business grow and succeed.