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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.io
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 01.01.2023