15 MIN READ

The 14 best sites to hire Back-end developers in 2024

Updated on April 25, 2024
Platforms to find talented Back-end developers
Toptal

What we liked the most:

  • 98% Hiring Success
  • Fast Matching within 48 hours
  • Risk-Free Trial for up to 5 Days
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CyberCoders

What we liked the most:

  • Pre-screened candidates
  • Can interview within 5 days
  • Job board partnership available
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Upwork

What we liked the most:

  • Secure payments
  • Fixed-price protection
  • Expert-Vetted program
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Kelly Wilson
Written by Kelly Wilson

Strategist and entrepreneur, with experience in hiring developers across various industries. Kelly has established herself as a trusted expert in identifying and recruiting top tech talent. She shares advanced tips on how to identify the right talent, create hiring strategies, develop your tech teams and much more.

Expertise: IT Recruiting, Tech, Marketing

Ready to strengthen the backbone of your applications? Our platform presents a curated list of top talent websites where you can find experienced back-end developers. Whether you need experts in Java, Python, or Ruby, our platform connects you with developers who excel in building scalable and efficient backend solutions. Simplify your hiring process, explore diverse skill sets, and find the perfect back-end talent to power your applications.

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Here are the top 14 sites to hire freelance Back-end developers:

Based on our research among online hiring platforms


1. Toptal

Toptal always comes highly recommended because their specialists find the perfect fit every time. Toptal has gained its industry respect by requiring all of its backend developers to endure a vetting process that is so difficult that only 3% even pass.

This means that there is no guesswork involved when hiring the services of Toptal. With Toptal, you can hire backend developers quickly without skimping on quality.

Furthermore, they are host to some of the finest backend developers in the world. Between the vetting process and the testing, you are sure to be introduced to incredible talent, with a few wits too. Finding the best backend developers can be an arduous task, but Toptal is there to take the work out of your hair.

Key points:

  • Enjoy a risk-free trial for up to 5 days.
  • Completed over 60,000 projects for 25K+ satisfied clients.
  • Trustpilot rating of 4.8 out of 5.

2. CyberCoders

CyberCoders is a tech recruiting platform. Employers can post freelance backend developer jobs as well as full-time positions. Recruiters can help match employers to potential backend developers and backend engineer talent.

While it doesn’t provide a full suite of services like some of the other sites on this list, it is a specialized job board and tech recruiting platform that is worth investigating.

Key points:

  • CC pre-screens candidates and schedules interviews for your convenience.
  • Job board partnerships mean your job openings appear on multiple platforms.
  • Most clients can interview candidates within five days.

3. Upwork

Upwork is home to over 12 million freelance contractors who offer flexible contracts and great skills. The freelance marketplace is a wonderful option to turn to if you want large exposure and a massive database. All of the freelance backend developers on Upwork are skilled backend developers with unique insight and experience.

Combing through the profiles is also an option, however, the sheer number of freelancers may detract from such a proposition. All in all, Upwork is a great place for hiring managers who want to find freelance backend developers and don't mind working.

Key points:

  • Paid Talent Scouts and free Talent Specialists can help locate qualified candidates.
  • You can post open positions or filter developer profiles.
  • Upwork awards top developers with Expert-Vetted and talent badges.

4. Ruby Jobs

Ruby is a popular programming language used by backend developers. If your stack involves Ruby or Ruby on Rails, then you may want to consider taking a more targeted approach and searching Ruby-specific job boards.

While there is less volume on a niche job board like Ruby Jobs, you’ll have a much better time finding the right Ruby backend developer through it. However, If you’re looking for a Java backend developer, for example, you’ll have to search elsewhere.

Key points:

  • Post jobs inexpensively, and your listings remain active until filled.
  • You’ll get volume discounts for posting multiple jobs.
  • You can browse resumes and then screen and vet your selected developers.

5. Gigster

Gigster is a recruiting platform. Gigster sets clients up with product managers, who act as liaisons between clients and Gigster backend developer talent. This makes the process much smoother, especially for inexperienced managers.

Gigster should be able to match you with a development team in far less time than a typical recruitment agency. However, they do not offer a 48-hour guarantee. If you need a developer in a pinch, try matching services like Toptal.

Key points:

  • Minimize quality, completion, and budget concerns by hiring a fully managed team.
  • Only 1% of developers pass Gigster’s thorough vetting.
  • Pricing varies, but you’ll receive a free, no-obligation customized proposal.

6. WordPress Jobs

WordPress is the largest CMS (content management system) on the web, used by large entities and small companies alike. In fact, over 30% of websites are powered by WordPress. Impressive, right?

As such, one of the best places to find PHP backend developers is through job boards that focus on the WordPress platform (as WordPress uses PHP for its backend). If you’re using WordPress as your CMS or if you’re looking for a PHP backend developer, then you may want to explore WordPress Jobs.

7. Dice

Dice is a technology-focused job board that specializes in top tier backend developer talent. They are used by all types and sizes of businesses to find backend developers who are ready to work and skilled in their craft.

Their number of users guarantees that your posting will be viewed by millions of qualified backend developers who are looking for a great opportunity.

8. Remoteok.com

RemoteOK is a platform to consider if you’re looking to hire back-end developers for your tech project. RemoteOK is a leading remote job that connects employers with some of the best developer talents from across the globe. Founded in 2015, RemoteOK caters to a wide host of developer skillsets that companies can use to hire the right backend specialists.

Notable companies like Amazon, Starbucks, Stripe, to name a few, trust RemoteOK’s developers for their mission-critical projects and tech development. Whether you’re looking for Python developers or a generic software backend engineer or Java backend engineers, RemoteOK will help you find the right person for the job.

RemoteOK also offers flexible pricing and tailored hiring solutions to help companies recruit backend developers with ease.

9. Guru

Guru has a large global network of freelancers—albeit smaller than Upwork’s and People Per Hour’s massive pool. You can explore the profiles of 1.5 million gurus, propose projects, and pay your hired talent with their secure SafePay system.

Guru isn’t focused on backend software developer talent, let alone developer talent, as it is a freelance network comprised of every sort of professional. So, like with Upwork and People Per Hour, you’ll have to narrow your search yourself. Also, as with many freelance networks, vetting and interviewing will be up to you.

10. Drupal Jobs

If you’re looking to hire Drupal backend developers, freelance backend developers, and full-time backend software developers, and have the time to vet candidates yourself, niche job boards can be extremely useful.

Drupal Jobs is a job board solely dedicated to open source content management framework. If you’re looking for web developers proficient with Drupal, you might want to spend some of your time and money posting a job listing through Drupal Jobs.

11. X-Team

X-Team matches you with qualified front-end developers who receive mentorship and educational resources just for being a part of X-Team. Like Toptal and Gun.io, they do the heavy lifting of hiring. You won’t be saddled with rifling through resumes or preparing personalized interview scripts.


12. Authentic Jobs

Authentic Jobs is one of the best job boards to find creative web developer talent. You can find UI and UX engineers, frontend and backend web developers, and backend engineers through the highly-respected job board.

In fact, giant brands like The New York Times have used Authentic Jobs to find top talent. So, whether you’re looking for a Drupal backend developer, a Java backend engineer, or a mobile backend developer, Authentic Jobs is a great place to begin your search.

13. WP Hired

WP Hired hosts thousands of WordPress web development jobs. It’s one of the best places to find qualified backend engineers who specialize in PHP and PERL.

Other than the official WordPress job board (listed above), this is the premier option for companies who are a) willing to undergo the vetting and interviewing process themselves, and b) are in need of a PHP developer, backend specialist.

Honorable Mention: Python Job Board

Do you want to hire backend developer talent? Do you want to create mobile apps or utilize popular cloud platforms? Chances are you will need a Python backend developer.

Python is a flexible object-oriented language. It serves many purposes but is very well-known as a lightweight backend programming language.

If you use cloud technologies or wish to create dynamic mobile apps, Python can be the programming language of choice. Meaning, if you need a mobile backend developer, the official Python Job Board can be a great place to begin your search.

Based on facts publicly available as of 01.01.2024

Guide to hiring great freelance Back-end developers

Note
“Back-end development is a crucial part of websites since back ends are comprised of databases, authentication/authorization features, application programming interfaces (APIs) and all the different components that, combined with a front-end, allow users to view and interact with applications in their browser.”

This explains why Backend developers are absolutely essential for web development. While a frontend developer works to create the design of your website with HTML, CSS, and web scripting languages, the backend developer makes sure the database is working and that the site transfers data safely and efficiently.

Finding the right backend engineer can feel like an exhausting process, but there are reputable sites and businesses that can make your search for a hiring expert much easier. While all the sites listed here can be helpful to you in some way, you’ll want to evaluate your needs before selecting the service that helps you hire backend developer talent.

Freelance marketplaces can help you find affordable developers in a limited amount of time. Toptal, unlike many of the other freelance marketplaces, also prioritizes quality, only accepting the top 3% of backend developers who apply.

Job boards and recruiting services can help you find permanent hires. Job boards are cost-effective but you’ll be in for a lengthy hiring process.

Ultimately, you’ll want to consider a number of factors before using a website or service:

  • Whether you need a lead backend developer or a junior backend developer
  • What platforms they need to be familiar with (e.g. Magento backend developer, PHP backend developer, or Ruby backend developer)
  • How quickly you need to fill the backend developer position
  • What the timeline is for your project
  • What the budget is for your project
  • Whether or not you feel comfortable hiring a freelance back end developer
  • Whether or not you need a frontend and backend developer

Hiring Back-end developers - FAQs

Why Should You Hire a Back-End Developer?

Today’s consumers expect lightning-fast and accurate results from online applications. Web app performance is critical; over 50% of mobile site visitors won’t wait more than three seconds for the app to load. Back-end developers perform crucial behind-the-scenes work to make speed and accuracy possible. Typical responsibilities include:

  • Building and maintaining databases

  • Developing application programming interfaces

  • Configuring servers

  • Ensuring security

  • Addressing web app development and functionality issues

Malfunctioning apps often cause customers to go elsewhere, meaning you lose valuable client interactions and potential clients. Back-end developers can keep your apps running smoothly, even for those handling high-volume traffic.

How Do I Hire Back-End Developers?

Back-end developers may specialize in various areas, including:

  • Database

  • Security

  • API

  • Web app

  • Middleware

These positions require different skill sets, so you should determine the areas of expertise your project requires before beginning your hiring process. You should also set a timeframe, budget and goals.

You may choose to hire one or more part-time, full-time or freelance back-end developers. Finding qualified candidates is easier when you use top sites to browse developer profiles or post a job opening. If you’re uncomfortable judging a candidate’s skills, you can also take advantage of talent-matching services that vet developer qualifications.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Back-End Developer?

The average yearly salary for back-end developers in the U.S. is $119,704 or $58 per hour. Annual salaries range from $11,500 to $176,000 depending on years of experience, location and skill level. Freelancers typically cost less because you won’t pay overhead or associated payroll costs.

What are the main back-end languages?
Programmers use back-end languages to build internal systems that work in the background of a web application. Software developers should prepare from these eight back-end languages: - C# - Golang - Java - JavaScript - PHP - Python - Ruby - SQL
What's the difference between back-end, front-end, and full-stack?
A full stack developer is a more well-rounded holistic programmer with knowledge and experience across both the front end and back end of a web application. The front end is the visual user interface and how the app or website will look and feel, while the back end is all the data management, code logic, and infrastructure of the app or site.
How many languages does a back-end developer need to know?
Experienced developers suggest that all programmers should know at least 3 programming languages. Mainly, Java, Python, and PHP.
Are back end developers in demand?

The world’s increasing dependence on digital technology and immediate online access means that talented back-end developers will remain in high demand. This demand should increase by 23% by 2031.

Where can I find back-end developers?
  • Toptal
  • CyberCoders
  • GitHub
  • Upwork
  • Stack Overflow

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