Introduction

Front-end development is the creation of the user-facing part of a website or application, focusing on everything the user sees and interacts with directly, such as layout, design, and interactivity. It uses core technologies like HTML for structure, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for interactivity to build a user interface that is intuitive, visually appealing, and functional across different devices.

However, supply and demand poses a challenge for companies looking to hire Front End developers, with the demand for qualified, experienced Front End engineers outweighing the domestic supply within the US. Businesses often amplify this challenge by restricting their search to local tech talent; however, in recent years, the rise of remote, global work has begun to solve this issue.

What is Front End Development?

Front-end development primarily focuses on user experience, building the elements of an application that are directly accessed by end-users with a goal of rendering the entire interface easy to use, fast and secure.

What does a Front End developer do?

A front-end developer builds the visual and interactive parts of a website or application that users see and use directly. They use languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create layouts, implement designs from UI/UX designers, and ensure the user experience is seamless and intuitive across different devices. This involves creating user interfaces, managing interactivity, ensuring performance, and collaborating with designers and back-end developers.

Front End Development Skills and Qualifications

Front End developers will often hold a degree in computer science or similar, though this is not essential. When hiring a Front End developer, it’s most important to look for strong experience in various front-end technologies.

There are also many certifications and qualifications that a Front End developer may have. Popular certifications include:

• Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate
• W3C Front End Web Developer
• Front End Development Libraries Certification
• IWA Certified Web Professional
• PWA by Google Developers Certification
• FreeCodeCamp Responsive Web Design Certification

Beyond technical skills, soft skills are vital when choosing your Front End developer. Problem-solving is crucial, aiding with troubleshooting and continuous learning. Communication is also essential when looking for any new team member, particularly in facilitating clear and open communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Popular Languages & Frameworks for Front End Development

There are many languages and frameworks commonly used for Front End development. Some of the most popular include:

• HTML: The standard markup language for creating web pages, essential for front-end development by giving developers a way to define the content and structure of a website or application.
• CSS: A stylesheet language used for describing the look and layout of a document written in HTML by controlling the layout, colors, fonts, and other visual elements of a website or application.
• JavaScript: A high-level programming language widely used for front-end development to add interactivity and dynamic behavior to web pages and applications.
• React: A popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces (UI), originally developed by Meta to allow developers to create modular UI components.
• Vue: An open-source JavaScript framework for building user interfaces and single-page applications.
• Angular: Developed by Google, this is a comprehensive set of tools for building scalable and maintainable web applications with component-based architecture.
• Swift: Developed by Apple, this is a popular choice for developing high-performance and user-friendly applications for Apple’s platforms.
• Django: A high-level Python web framework for building dynamic and scalable web applications.

What are some popular stacks in Front End development?

A stack is a bundle of several distinct software technologies that a front end developer can use concurrently for rapid application development. Common stacks for front end development include:

• LAMP: Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
• MEAN: MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node.js; a stack based on Java technologies.
• LEMP: Linux, Nginx, MySQL, and PHP; four open-source technologies.
• MERN: MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js.
• PERN: PostgreSQL, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js.

What are the benefits of Front End development?

Front End development is an essential part of building any web application. It can be used to enhance user experience, improve website performance and boost SEO.

• User Experience (UX): A well-designed front-end makes a website intuitive and easy to navigate, keeping users engaged.
• Website Speed: By optimizing assets, front-end developers can improve loading times, increasing user satisfaction and search engine rankings.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Fast loading times and mobile responsiveness are key SEO factors built into front-end development.
• Responsiveness: Front-end development ensures a website’s layout and functionality adapt correctly to various screen sizes and browsers.

How much does it cost to hire a Front End developer?

When hiring traditionally in the US for a local, mid-level Front End developer, the average annual compensation is $121,493, with a range of $80,000 to $330,000 according to Built In. However, even by just expanding to other parts of the United States, salaries can be reduced significantly.

On average, companies hiring Front End developers with HireDevelopers can expect to save between 50% and 80% on salaries and hiring costs, with exact salaries varying based on location and experience. The greatest savings can be found by hiring in Africa and Asia, while companies looking for aligned time zones and a closer cultural match can hire from our extensive pool of Latin American developers.

How to hire Front End developers

The first step to hiring a Front End developer is to decide on a hiring method. Traditional hiring methods include local job adverts, LinkedIn job posts and using your professional network to identify potential candidates.

However, these methods are often time consuming and can be expensive. The median time to hire a developer is around 41 days, with the slowest 10% taking up to 82 days and 38% of companies reporting project delays due to recruitment problems, according to the Linux Foundation’s 2024 State of Tech Talent Report.

Alternatively, many companies are now turning to services like HireDevelopers to cut costs and speed up the hiring process. With HireDevelopers, you can hire Front End developers from anywhere in the world, at any price point, in just 24 hours.

When putting together a job description or job interview for a Front End developer, prioritize technical skills, like familiarity with key frameworks and libraries.

You should also consider using coding challenges alongside a traditional interview during the hiring process – if you’re using a pre-vetted talent pool like HireDevelopers, this has already been done for you. Coding challenges allow you to assess problem-solving skills and coding expertise in a realistic, real-time environment.

If you need help putting together a Front End job description or conducting a Front End job interview, you can check out our helpful and comprehensive guides below. Alternatively, to cut your time-to-hire by 90% and unlock savings of up to 80%, get in touch and book your free HireDevelopers consultation today.

Why hire Front End developers with HireDevelopers?

Hiring the right Front End developer for your team is a huge undertaking, and the process can be intimidating, especially for startups and small businesses.

At HireDevelopers, our pre-vetted, global tech talent marketplace streamlines your hiring journey and cuts time-to-hire by over 90% without compromising on quality or stretching your budget. Receive a custom shortlist of top Front End developers at any seniority level, at any price point and located anywhere in the world within just 24 hours of your consultation.

Plus, we’ll handle all payroll, legal compliance and HR completely for free, giving you more time to start building with your new Front End dev.

Get in touch today and start hiring top-notch Front End developers in just 24 hours.