Introduction

Back-end development is the server-side of an application, handling the database, server, and application logic. It focuses on creating and maintaining the code that powers these elements, ensuring data is stored, processed, and delivered correctly to the user’s front-end interface.

However, supply and demand poses a challenge for companies looking to hire Back End developers, with the demand for qualified, experienced Back 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 Back End Development?

Backend development handles the server-side logic, database, and core functionality of web applications. It ensures smooth communication between the server and client using languages and frameworks like Node.js, Django, and Spring.

Back End Development Skills and Qualifications

Back End developers will often hold a degree in computer science or similar, though this is not essential. When hiring a Back 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 Back End developer may have. Popular certifications include:

• AWS Certified Developer – Associate
• Oracle Certified Professional
• Google Cloud’s Professional Data Engineer
• (ISC)² Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
• Red Hat Certified Specialist in Enterprise Application Server Administration
• IBM Back-End Development Professional Certificate
• Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate
• Microsoft Back-End Developer Professional Certificate

Beyond technical skills, soft skills are vital when choosing your Back 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 Back End Development

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

• Node.js: A popular choice for unifying backend development with frontend JavaScript, often used in conjunction with Express.js.
• NestJS: Builds on Node with TypeScript and a modular architecture; a popular choice for enterprise-grade applications.
• Go: An open-source language designed by Google for simplicity, speed, and concurrency, often used for microservices, cloud-native systems, and high-performance APIs.
• .NET Core: Often used for enterprise-grade systems requiring high performance, security, and native Windows compatibility.

What are some popular stacks in Back End development?

A stack is a bundle of several distinct software technologies that a back 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 Back End development?

Back End development is an essential part of building any web application. It provides scalability and performance for handling user load, and security for protecting data and systems.

• Data management: Manages the storage, retrieval, and organization of data in databases, ensuring its accuracy and consistency.
• Server-side logic: Implements the core business logic, rules, and calculations that power the application’s functionality.
• Performance: Optimizes applications for speed and efficiency through caching and database query tuning.
• Security: Protects sensitive data by implementing secure databases, encryption, and access controls.

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

When hiring traditionally in the US for a local, mid-level Back End developer, the average annual compensation is $223,712, with a range of $68,000 to $300,000 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 Back 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 Back End developers

The first step to hiring a Back 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 Back 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 Back 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 Back End job description or conducting a Back 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 Back End developers with HireDevelopers?

Hiring the right Back 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 Back 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 Back End dev.

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