16 MIN READ

How to hire freelance C++ developers in 2023

Updated on September 27, 2023
Platforms to find talented C++ developers Toptal
What we liked the most:
  • World-class talent
  • Two-week trial period
  • No-risk engagements
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

C++ is a powerful programming language commonly used in high-performance applications such as video games, operating systems, and scientific computing. Our guide to hiring C++ developers includes a list of top recommended talent platforms to help you find the right talent for your organization's needs in this specialized field.

Find the best site to hire the right C++ 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 5 sites to hire freelance C++ developers:

Based on our research among online hiring platforms


1. Toptal

Toptal is one of the premier matching services for talented software developers and engineers. Its process is quite unique; Toptal only accepts 3 percent of the C++ developers who apply. This boils down to their comprehensive vetting process that is tailor-made to attract the best in the software development industry.

The pool of talented C++ developers that Toptal has is almost second to none. If you want to find great C++ developers with years of experience who have a great skill set, use Toptal. If you need to fill other positions on your development team, Toptal can help with that as well. Consider searching for Python, Node.JS, Javascript, PERL, SQL, Linux, and Objective-C developers at Toptal, too.

Key points:

  • Ensure the right team composition during your risk-free trial period.
  • Add and remove team developers with Toptal’s easy scaling.
  • Sourcing developers with unique skills is easier with Toptal’s global network.

2. Upwork

Upwork is a freelance marketplace that hosts millions of great software developers. Upwork is a general marketplace so that you will find qualified C++ candidates with their extensive search tools and responsive features.

Upwork also uses an advanced payment system and unified workspace to make hiring freelancers simple. Use Upwork to begin your search for a great C++ developer. You can find developers from across the world or in the United States.

Key points:

  • Screening and vetting Upwork applicants is usually your responsibility.
  • Talent Scouts can perform talent-matching services for a fee.
  • Look for talent badges and Expert-Vetted status that identify Upwork’s top talent.

3. Hired

Hired can help you find C++ developers quickly. How? They have an algorithm that matches you to the best C++ programmer candidates for the job.

However, Hired isn’t simply a job board. It is also a recruiting service that offers enterprises a fully-curated hiring experience.

If you want to use a software development job board or if you want to hire a nationally-recognized recruiting service, Hired is a great fit.

Key points:

  • Choose an unlimited annual subscription or pay for single listings.
  • Developer profiles list desired salaries and work roles for informed negotiations.
  • You can view various skill assessment test results for each developer.

4. Gigster

Gigster is another premium recruiting platform that matches C++ developers with high-level software development and mobile application projects. Their freelancers have years of experience and have worked with esteemed institutions like Google, Microsoft, Y Combinator, and esteemed startups, so you can help be certain that your project will be handled with the utmost care.

Key points:

  • Gigster will present a free technical proposal for your consideration.
  • Hiring fully managed teams reduces budget, completion, and quality concerns.
  • Gigster’s scrupulous vetting rejects 99% of developers who apply.

5. C++ Jobs

If you’re intent on using a job board and doing the hard work of hiring yourself, then it’s best to use a niche job board to find C++ developers on C++ Jobs.

While larger, more general job boards might see greater traffic, we believe you’re likely to get better results from using a job board that targets your specific audience (in this case, C++ programmers).

Guide to hiring great freelance C++ developers

C++ is the most commonly used programming language in existence. 
“C++ is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world: it is second only to C. Therefore, C++ tools abound for many hardware and software environments and at a wide variety of price points.”

It is capable of powering everything from space crafts to search engines, so having the right software developer on your side can be a major advantage.  

As a business owner, it can be difficult to find a specialist proficient in C++ who can support the needs of your company. Fortunately, there are ways to hire C++ developers you can depend on to help your business succeed. Finding the right expert doesn’t have to be hard, especially if you use platforms like Toptal to quickly hire world-class talent. Freelance marketplaces can match you with freelance C++ developer talent with experience, recommendations, and industry knowledge. Tech job boards can help instantly connect you with talented C++ developers.

What Is a C++ Developer?

C++ developers are software developers who specialize in using C++ as a primary coding language.

There is a high demand for C++ programmers, especially in the fields of science, technology, and engineering. Since the programming language is so versatile, C++ developers can be found working in a wide range of settings.

It can be difficult to hire top C++ developers, primarily because there is such a high demand for them. However, by utilizing popular hiring platforms, you can narrow down your search for candidates and potentially find the right programmer within a few days.

What Does a C++ Developer Do?

As the world becomes more technologically oriented, the field is expected to expand significantly in the coming years. A C++ developer may be tasked with completing the following processes:

  • Identifying code errors

  • Creating software or mobile applications to a client’s specifications

  • Staying up-to-date on any changes to C++

  • Repairing and maintaining C++ code in existing apps and software

  • Managing multiple projects (senior-level programmers)

Why Hire a Dedicated C++ Developer?

If you need to create or maintain software or applications regularly, you may benefit from hiring a dedicated C++ developer, especially if your company develops programs using the C++ language. C++ is commonly used in fields that utilize databases, financial technology, telecommunications, medical technology, and application development. By hiring an experienced C++ developer, you can ensure your projects are adequately completed and remain ahead of your competitors.

How To Hire C++ Developer

You may be considering whether you need a full-time, part-time, or hourly C++ developer. A full-time developer will be at your disposal for the length of a standard workday (7-8 hours). If you don’t need full-time C++ programmers, you may want to consider hiring someone on a part-time or hourly basis, since these individuals will only need to be available when they are needed.

There are many benefits to hiring remote or freelance C++ developers. If you want to save money, hiring such individuals may be the right choice. Instead of having to pay a full yearly salary with benefits to a full-time programmer whose services you may not always need, you can pay a freelance worker as needed.

Hiring a remote developer can also be beneficial, primarily because remote workers can be more productive. Companies that hire remote workers also have higher retention rates because workers appreciate the ability to complete their tasks from home. If you have a core team of in-office workers, remote workers can be used to alleviate some of the work so there is no need to worry about burning out.

The workplace has also changed over the last few decades. Many C++ developers now offer their services on a freelance basis, which allows them to work from any place for any company they choose. For these reasons, you will find that many of the top C++ programmers prefer to work from home (or their desired location), and you may need to offer a remote option if you really want to find the best.

What Skills To Look for When Hiring a C++ Developer

The ideal C++ developer will possess a wide range of hard and soft skills. They should have the following technical skills:

  • Ability to program in C++ and other C-compliant languages

  • Experience deploying software across a wide range of operating systems and platforms

  • Current knowledge of C++ specifications and standards

  • Knowledge of JavaScript, XML, and SQL

A proficient developer will typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field from an accredited four-year college or university.

Hard skills are important, but the right C++ developer will also need soft (non-technical) skills to excel. Look for developers with the following soft skills:

  • Excellent communication

  • Willingness to collaborate with others

  • Capable of solving and analyzing problems

  • Time management and organizational skills

  • Ability to work well under demanding circumstances

You will also want to hire a programmer who fits into your company’s culture.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire C++ Developers?

The cost of hiring a C++ developer will vary based on factors such as their skill level, years of experience, location, and body of work. Of course, specialists with more experience will command higher salaries than those entering the field for the first time. According to Glassdoor, the average C++ developer earned $108,012 annually (including both base salary and benefits).

How To Find Great Freelance C++ Developers for Hire

If you want to hire the best C++ developers, you must choose the right hiring website. The right hiring platform will provide you with in-depth information about potential hires, including years of experience, previous projects and employers, and personal data. You can greatly simplify the hiring process by comparing the best sites and choosing the option that best suits your business’s needs. All you need to do next in the interview process is to select the freelancer you want to work with. Before settling on a hiring site, however, you will want to consider the following:

  • How large your budget is for hiring a C++ software engineer

  • Whether or not you’re open to hiring C++ programmers as remote freelancers or as part of your development team

  • How many freelance or full-time C++ developers you need

  • The type of development projects you need, such as web development, mobile application development, or desktop applications

  • How quickly you need to hire

  • The complexity of your application development project

  • How experienced your company is with hiring programmers

  • Your project management and development process (such as Agile, Scrum, Waterfall)

The process of finding and hiring the perfect C++ developer can be challenging, but by utilizing the right hiring website, you can find someone who will fit into the structure of your company and help you stay ahead of your competition.

Hiring C++ developers - FAQ

What is the difference between C++ and C#?
C++ is primarily used to develop console applications whereas C# is better-suited to develop mobile, windows, and console applications. C++ code is converted into machine code whereas C# compiles to CLR (Common Language Runtime). Memory management in C++ is manually done by the programmer. C# was created by Microsoft during the .NET program whereas C++ is one of the most widely used programming languages around the globe.
Is C++ similar to Java?
Java and C++ are both similar in terms of programming language, usage, and overall complexity. Java and C++ are both used to build applications, operating systems, web browsers, and various sections and functions. They both have similar syntax, making them comparable in the way they are written.
Is C++ a hard language to learn?
C++ is relatively hard programming language to learn. This is primarily due to the multi-paradigm and complex nature of the more advanced syntax that C++ adopts. While C++ is known to be difficult for beginners, it's also difficult for experienced programmers who are learning it for the first time.
What languages are similar to C++?
Technically speaking, both C# and C++ have similar code and syntax. However, C# is much newer. When it comes to programming languages similar to C++, here are a few that can work as effective alternatives: ​​Python, Ruby, Scala, Java, C Programming, GO, and Rust, to name a few.

Please, rate this article

Related Talent Searches

Those interested in hiring C++ developers are usually interested in experts with the skills listed below.

Click on the icons to receive personalized recommendations to hire the best developers for these technologies.

augmented-reality

Augmented Reality developers

Game developers

Game developers

machine learning

Machine Learning engineers

Back end developers

Back-end developers

ASP.net logo

ASP.NET developers

Java developers

Dot net logo

.NET developers

javascript logo

JavaScript developers

python logo

Python developers

php logo

PHP developers

SQL logo

SQL developers

Blockchain logo

Blockchain developers

Ruby on rails logo

Ruby on Rails developers

Stripe logo

Stripe developers

Xamarin logo

Xamarin developers