15 MIN READ

The 14 best sites to hire Back-end developers in 2025

Updated on January 13, 2025
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
Go to the site
CyberCoders

What we liked the most:

  • Pre-screened candidates
  • Can interview within 5 days
  • Job board partnership available
Go to the site
Upwork

What we liked the most:

  • Secure payments
  • Fixed-price protection
  • Expert-Vetted program
Go to the site
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.

Find the best site to hire the right Back-end developers in under 60 seconds.

We'll ask 9 quick questions to better understand your needs and then provide you with personalized recommendations. No sign-up required.


1. What type of hire are you making?
Full-time employee answer
Full-time employee
One developer
Freelancer
Contract-to-Hire
Contract-to-Hire
Not sure answer
I'm not sure.
1 / 9

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 01.01.2025

Guide to hiring great freelance Back-end developers

guide to hire 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.”

For any website or mobile application project you might be keen to launch, there will be a front-end and back-end to the app. The fronts and backs of an application are extremely distinct, each with its own architecture and each requiring separate expertise to build. That is why it is so important to hire back-end developers for your next project.

Back-end development deals with the server-side functions of a website or application. It deals with the highly technical aspects of the project’s architecture, such as data storage and security. In other words, back-end developers must have robust knowledge and advanced skills. This can make it difficult to find back-end developers suitable for the job you have in mind.

The recruitment landscape for back-end development can be rocky and uncertain. This is in stark contrast to the saturated job market for front-end development. Filling your team with front-end devs who will create the graphical interface of your application may come as little challenge.

When you need to hire back-end developers, however, you need to equip yourself with the latest industry knowledge and best recruitment methods in order to attract top talent.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are approximately 216,700 jobs in web development and digital design as of 2022. This field, which encompasses back-end development, has a growth outlook of 16% by 2032.

What this means for hiring managers is that the already competitive space of hiring back-end developers will only become more fierce as the industry continues to exponentially increase its output of web applications and mobile apps. Read on to learn more about the benefits of working with the best back-end dev talent and how you can come out on top in the recruitment race.

What Does a Back-End Developer Do?

Back-end developers have specialized skills that take a great deal of time and experience to cultivate. These talented experts understandably respond well to those who recognize their skills, especially if they are working on a high-demand freelance basis. That is why it is important for you, as the hiring manager, to demonstrate that you understand the role when you hire back-end developers.

So what does a back-end developer do once you add them to your project? They:

  • Create and maintain website infrastructure

  • Test and debug various back-end website elements

  • Build databases and data structures

  • Integrate server-side aspects of the website with cloud services (AWS, Azure, etc.)

  • Configure security settings

If you are scouring job boards to find back-end developers for hire, these are just a few of the crucial skills to make sure your chosen candidate possesses. Much of it comes down to an understanding of code - building code, configuring it, adapting it, and integrating the code with other software.

In an article for Forbes, Visartech Inc. CEO Slava Podmurnyi offers an explanation of the role that goes beyond mere coding. “We think of the back end solely as a coding process. However, the back end is a complex term consisting of two mutually supportive aspects: technical structure and business logic.”

“Both of these main back-end components are integral parts of a brand's solution,” Podmurnyi continues, emphasizing that back-end developers have a part to play in shaping the brand as well as the software itself. “However, it's important not to focus only on user engagement features but pay lots of attention to the internal idea of a brand's product—business logic.”

This highlights the need to hire back-end developers who are highly receptive to feedback. The developer you ultimately recruit should have communication skills that make it easy for them to coordinate with front-end developers and implement feedback from the end user.

How To Hire Back-End Developers

Though back-end development is ubiquitous across every web design project, it is not a one-size-fits-all role. That is why the first step to finding and hiring the right back-end developer is company introspection.

Start by identifying the needs of your organization and the scope of your upcoming project. For example, you might consider the programming languages that the team is likely to use when building your app. Common back-end development programming languages include Ruby, Python, and PHP, so look for a candidate who will fit in with your team’s current programming method.

A recruiter who truly knows how to hire back-end developers will also know exactly who to look for in a candidate’s portfolio. This is your chance to get answers to these very important questions:

  • Has the candidate worked on similar projects in the past?

  • Did they leave any projects incomplete?

  • Are they familiar with the tools your company already uses?

  • Will their work process mesh with your project plans?

  • Do they exhibit passion or enthusiasm for back-end development?

Depending on the project and the state of your team, you might need the skills of a highly experienced developer. In some cases, however, it might be more appropriate and cost-effective to seek a junior back-end developer.

As a hiring manager, it is important to know how to differentiate between a budding developer and a grizzled software veteran just by glancing at their application or profile. The telltale signs of a good back-end developer include:

  • Strong time management - How quickly did they complete past projects?

  • Teamwork skills - How many of their past projects were solo- or team-based?

  • Communication skills - Is their application well-written? Does it convey information clearly?

You may also consider consulting with your current development team when you hire back-end developers. Their input can be invaluable in narrowing down candidates who will bring maximum value to the project. Even if you are only hiring for a temporary or freelance position, keep in mind that this decision can impact the evolution of your business even beyond the current project.

What Skills To Look For When Hiring a Back-End Developer

Back-end development is the most technical aspect of building a website or web application. As such, you will likely be on the lookout for a bevy of technical skills from your list of potential back-end developer candidates. Having one or two skills is rarely enough - the expert you decide to hire will need several proficiencies in order to contribute in this fast-paced field.

In addition to mastering common programming languages like Java, PHP, and Python, your back-end developer needs to have experience with the back-end web frameworks that put those coding skills to use in an efficient and standardized way.

The most common back-end frameworks include:

  • Django, for use with Python

  • Flask, also for Python

  • Node.js, a common framework for JavaScript

  • Ruby on Rails, for use with the Ruby programming language

  • CakePHP, an open-source PHP framework

When you hire back-end developers, make sure that your candidates are also proficient with database management systems. These are the tools used to manage the storage, organization, and retrieval of customer and client data for the website.

The most popular database management systems are:

  • MySQL

  • MariaDB

  • Microsoft SQL Server

  • Oracle DBMS

  • PostgreSQL

Like so many other areas of IT and software development, back-end development is a constantly evolving field. Tools powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming commonplace in web dev, so your chosen candidate should be open to learning these and other emerging tools. According to a survey of 3,240 programmers, approximately 35.4% of back-end developers are already using AI systems daily.

Database management systems in backend development

Tips for Writing a Back-End Developer Job Description

Back-end developers may be more likely to respond to your job postings if you demonstrate that you understand the nuances of their role. When you hire back-end developers, use the job description to provide applicants with opportunities to demonstrate their back-end development expertise. You can accomplish this by including the following requirements in your job description:

  • Proficient knowledge of back-end programming languages

  • Basic understanding of front-end technologies

  • Experience integrating multiple data sources into one system

  • Good understanding of accessibility and security compliance

  • Expertise in data migration and transformation

It can also be effective to pose a technical challenge in your job description. Consider asking applicants to prepare an example of code they wrote for a previous project. By challenging them to explain their code in a potential interview, you can test the candidate’s ability to communicate complex topics clearly and replicate past successes.

Common Interview Questions To Ask When You Are Looking To Hire a Back-End Developer

Asking the right questions during an interview can bring to light a candidate’s interpersonal skills and motivation level for the role. When you hire back-end developers, though, the focus should remain primarily on the technical side of things.

Consider using project simulations and coding tests that reflect the types of situations that may arise during the back-end development of your future projects. Gather input from your current dev team to gain insight into the types of problems they would need a freelance back-end developer to help solve.

If a certain candidate seems particularly promising, you might consider taking the evaluation one step further with pair programming exercises. Match your candidate with another back-end developer to see how they collaborate or match them with a front-end developer to see how they implement ideas from the other side of the dev team.

Ultimately, though, the core of any interview is in the questions asked by the hiring manager. You can gain deeper insight into a candidate’s personality and history with these meaningful questions:

Interview Question/Request:Goal:
How do you overcome communication and collaboration challenges when working in a remote or distributed team?Understand how the applicant ensures timely teamwork, especially if working in a different time zone.
Describe the last project that did not go as you planned and how you adapted.Find out how the candidate responds to setbacks or failure.
How do you keep up with the latest technologies and trends?Determine whether the candidate acknowledges the evolving nature of dev tech and has a willingness to keep working.
Describe one of your favorite features of an app that you use as a consumer.Gauge the candidate’s passion for applications and their development even outside of the work context.
How would you explain [mention a complex coding concept] to teammates with little or no coding background?Find out how the person communicates and if it would complement your team’s style.

The inclusion of questions centering around the candidate’s ongoing education is especially important when you hire back-end developers. Consider also inquiring about which programming languages the candidate is currently learning, as this can reveal whether they have an inquisitive mindset or a “good enough” mindset.

How To Find Freelance Back-End Developers for Hire

When the time comes to find back-end developers to fill crucial roles in your growing IT enterprise, look into the list of the best sites we provide and briefly compare the different options. Consider your desired speed of hiring, your preferred methods for matching with talent, and how involved you wish to be as a hiring manager when it comes to vetting talent. From there, you can easily narrow down your ideal recruitment platform from the list of best sites to hire back-end developers.

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

Find more recommended sites to hire a developer.

Please, rate this article