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The 13 best sites to hire Java developers in 2023

Updated on May 26, 2023
Platforms to find talented Java developers Toptal
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Find the skilled Java developers you need to drive your business forward with our comprehensive guide to hiring. This guide includes a list of top recommended talent platforms, such as Toptal, Upwork and Hirable, to help you find the right talent for your organization.

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Here are the top 15 sites to hire freelance Java developers:

Based on our research among online hiring platforms

1. Toptal

Toptal is a professional talent matching service, initially created with tech talent in mind. Although it has expanded its pool of talent to include designers and finance experts, the company's bread and butter remains its developer vertical.

If you want to help ensure that your Java application is a success, hiring a Java programmer from Toptal is likely your best option.

Why? Toptal’s trademark system for vetting talent allows for only the best applicants to become a part of their community. According to Toptal, only 3% of applicants make it through their battery of technical tests and their comprehensive vetting process.

2. Hired

Hired helps employers find software engineers and developers quickly through their custom matching software. On Hired, you can use their pipeline to find custom matches. You can create a company profile, search for candidates using their search algorithm (which can eliminate gender and racial identifiers for fairer hiring), and request interviews with candidates.

Why choose Hired? It's great for finding specialized developers (like those experienced in Java development) who are actively searching for new opportunities, have relevant experience (as most candidates on Hired have at least two years of experience), and might even be in your area of the United States.

3. Upwork

Upwork has one of the largest marketplaces of registered freelancers. Employers can easily search through professional profiles, check work history, comments, and reviews for freelancers. Once the project gets going, employers can use a unified workspace to collaborate and use Upwork's secure payment system.

Upwork is a general freelance marketplace, so you should be able to find tech talent through them as well. Java developers are available to hire through the network, and you'll be able to vet and interview them yourself.

4. Gigster

Gigster is a recruiting platform that matches technical talent with the closest matching project possible. Most team members can be assembled through Gigster, including project management team members that can help lead the project and act as a liaison between Gigster's team and your company.

Gigster’s freelancers have worked with esteemed institutions like Google, Microsoft, Y Combinator, and Stanford University, so you can be absolutely certain that your project will be handled with the utmost care.

5. People Per Hour

People Per Hour is another freelance marketplace akin to Upwork. What makes People Per Hour unique is that it holds contests and allows Freelancers to post their own job postings called hourlies.

People Per Hour also has many hireable professionals, confirmed hours, as well as success stories from freelancers and entrepreneurs alike. The ease of posting jobs, contacting freelancers, and paying for hours worked makes People Per Hour a good option for employers interested in searching for and vetting freelance candidates themselves.

6. Dice

Dice is a tech and IT career board. This board constantly attracts software architects, engineers, QA testers, and Java developers. New tech professionals register often on the site, so you're likely to get a large number of responses to your Java developer job posting. Posting a single job listing might seem a little steeper than some, but the cost is well worth the possible exposure.

7. The Muse

The Muse is a job search and job posting tool, but they are also known for their blog that posts high-quality content on a regular basis on a variety of job and skill-related topics. The Muse isn't necessarily tech-specific but they do have large engineering, developer, and remote job listing pools.

The Muse allows your company to create a company profile consistent with your brand story. In fact, The Muse will assist you with your branding so that you are sure to attract some of the top Java developer talent.

8. Startupers

Startupers is a job board helping fill startup job openings. If you're a startup or a young company, you could find Java developers through Startupers that are not only willing to work for a new company but who are excited to adopt an agile, lean, or scrum approach.

Java developers seeking to work in a fast-paced startup environment will be searching job boards like Startupers, making it a great site to find developers of all skill levels.

9. PowerToFly

PowerToFly is a job board with the mission of helping businesses and female tech professionals connect. Brands looking to reach out to diverse communities use PowerToFly to help reach talented technical talent.

Verizon, American Express, and Zendesk have used the PowerToFly hiring platform to quickly hire successful diverse candidates. With potentially one of the largest pools of job seekers registered on this platform, you should be able to find a qualified Java developer in a relatively short period of time.

10. Freelancer

Freelancer is a freelancer marketplace known for having one of the largest number of registered users and total posted jobs. Website development is a popular search category on Freelancer, so you will be able to browse through their pool of Java freelancer profiles, vet and interview candidates yourself, and manage payments yourself. If you're looking for an affordable option, Freelancer might be a solution worth exploring.

11. AngelList

AngelList connects startups with investors interested in providing young companies with funding. What you may not know is that AngelList also has an extensive job board that can assist with connecting developer talent and young tech companies. If you happen to be in the startup phase of your company, consider using the hugely popular AngelList platform to find your right Java developer.

12. Authentic Jobs

Authentic Jobs is a job board for some of the leading web, design, and creative talent, and has been steadily rising in popularity since its inception. Why? They allow you to post developer positions that are remote or local, so you won't be limited to remote employees or freelancers.

Much of the Authentic Jobs board is populated with listings of front-end, Java, and mobile developer positions which are likely similar to your own needs.

As Java development often involves both creative and technical aspects, Authentic Jobs is a great place to begin your search.

13. X-Team

X-Team matches you with qualified Java 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, so you won't be saddled with having to rifle through resumes or preparing personalized interview scripts.

Honorable Mention: FlexJobs

FlexJobs specializes in remote, telecommuting, part-time, and contract work, and lists jobs that are flexible in nature.

If you're looking for remote talent, FlexJobs could be a good place to start your search. Additionally, FlexJobs charges users in order to use the platform and apply for jobs so you won't be inundated with irrelevant resumes.

As many talented developers seek to work in a telecommuting capacity, using a job board like FlexJobs could prove to be a fruitful endeavor.

Based on facts publicly available as of 01.01.2023

Guide to hiring great freelance Java developers

What is Java Development?

Wikipedia defines Java development as a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. Java is fast, secure, and reliable, which makes it a popular choice for developing Java applications across device types. Java reduces costs, shortens development timeframes, drives innovation, and improves application services.

Review of Java Development

Java has thrived tremendously making it one of the most popular software development technologies out there. In 2022, Java is number 6 in the chart of the top programming languages with 33.27% usage. Java has grown to become the de facto software development platform used in various complex application development and integration of modern technologies. From algorithm development to desktop solutions, Java technology is used for developing mobile applications, desktop applications, website applications, enterprise applications, and more.

Java is a highly competitive technology and it might take years to replace it for any other programming language. Java also enjoys one of the biggest developer communities.

Java’s usage is increasing every day. From mars rover to enterprise applications, Java is foraying into the most complex spaces of the IT industry and showing that it is hard to replace. Java, unlike any other programming language, is a very reliable, tested, and robust technology.

The updates coming to Java and its new versions that are being released periodically offer a solid future that enables developers to get access to handy new features. Java’s expansion in software development for science, mathematics, big data analytics, and aerospace is only going to make it a stronger tech platform.

Importance of Java Development for Businesses

Java’s popularity is down to the fact that it is platform-independent. Most types of computing devices like PCs using Windows, Macintosh computers, Unix or Linux computers, and large mainframe computers, as well as mobile phones, are compatible with a Java Runtime Environment (JRE).

Given that Java is 25-years old, it has become a staple for most developers and organizations. Java is fundamentally object-oriented. Java is a robust, versatile, and very simple language. Java is a complete, all-around universal programming language and is now being used to develop solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud software.

Advantages and Challenges of Java Development for Businesses

Advantages:

  1. Simplicity: When it comes to syntax, Java is less complicated compared to C or C++. Java was created to avoid heavy and awkward features that would lead to operator overloading, storage classes, explicit pointer concepts, etc. The absence of such complications makes it easy to debug and maintain software written in Java.

  2. Mild learning curve: Java requires minimal effort to be mastered. This is down to the fact that other programming languages resemble machine code, whereas Java is more like a human language.

  3. Platform Independent: Java programming software is agnostic of the platform. As long as there is a Java Virtual Machine accessible, the Java code will run on Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Unix, and others. Simply put, developers can assemble and create the code once and then run it across various device types.

Challenges:

  1. Slow performance: The fact that Java uses human-like language that requires translation into machine-level code hinders performance.

  2. Verbosity causes complications: Java is a high-level language which means it’s too wordy. Java’s syntax results in lengthy and complex sentences which are rather cumbersome.

What is a Java Developer?

Bmc.com defines a Java Developer as one who is responsible for the design, development, and management of Java-based applications. Since Java is used so widely, particularly by large organizations, the daily roles vary widely but can include owning a particular application or working on several at one time.

How to Hire a Great Java Developer?

Several platforms make for a great place to hire Java developers. Toptal is one such promising platform to hire skilled, proven Java developers, as each candidate is put through a series of rigorous tests. Many other platforms like Upwork, Arc, Fiverr, Freelance.com, Guru, etc. make for great alternatives.

When it comes to hiring a Java developer, there are three different options:


  • Full-Time java programmers: Hiring a full-time Java developer is wise for companies that are building dedicated Java-based products or have Java-based solutions that need constant updates and upkeep. Hiring full-time Java developers is definitely a smart option as they are assets to your dev team.
  • Part-Time java programmers: Hiring part-time Java developers makes sense for smaller companies that do not require a dedicated resource to build or maintain the software. Hiring part-time Java developers is sensible if you’re looking to hire student developers or someone who can work flexible hours or in different time zones or remotely.
  • Freelance java programmers: Hiring freelance Java developers offer companies the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and skilled developers from across the world. In many instances, hiring a freelance Java developer from overseas works out to be a cost-effective and efficient option.

Java Developer Salary

The cost of hiring Java developers depends on various factors. Rates usually vary based on expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.

According to Upwork, the cost of hiring Java developers is as mentioned below:

  • Beginner: $25 per hour

  • Intermediate: $49 per hour

  • Advanced: $160 per hour

In Stack Overflow’s latest developer survey, programming with Java pays a salary of around $65,580. Java developers that freelance typically charge an average of $61-80/hr.

Find the best Java Developer for your business needs

Here are the skills or requirements to look for before hiring a Java developer:

  • To understand Java systems from Java 8 iteration onwards.

  • To have a basic understanding of core concepts like Object-Oriented Programming, Design patterns, Abstract classes, and Serialisation.

  • Java developers should know how to use Java build tools to automate source code applications.

  • To have a good understanding of how to compose server-side applications using EE components.

  • To be aware of the testing processes too and know how to use tools like TestNG and Selenium.

  • To update their skills by learning DevOps tools.

  • Java developers should have knowledge about blockchain as this is the next big thing for Java.

  • To invest in developing soft skills that are crucial to their work.

  • Time management is critical for Java coders as they usually work under deadlines and a well-defined time frame for every phase of the application development cycle.

Choosing the right site to hire Java developers for your project

Finding the best sites to find developers is no easy endeavor. Unless you're a battle-worn recruiter, you likely won't know how to navigate the complexities of hiring a developer. That's completely okay—there's plenty of sites and services to help you along the way.

Java is a popular programming language and the top freelancer sites should help you find great talent for software development.

Matching services like Toptal, and to a lesser extent, Gun.io, are great solutions for employers searching for tech talent, and for those who are looking to place their trust in very experienced tech professionals. For those short on time with high-quality developers as a priority, Toptal, Gun.io, and Hired are superb choices.

Employers looking for full-time developers may also benefit from utilizing Stack Overflow and GitHub's job boards, which can provide wonderful exposure to the developer community.

Freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer, and Guru allow you to instantly connect with developers, but you'll have to care for the hiring details yourself. If you have ample time to devote to screening candidates and are confident in your ability to interview developers, they are a great choice. Otherwise, you should steer clear from marketplaces and job boards alike.

Job boards, marketplaces, and matching services all have their uses. Which site will best serve you will depend on your specific situation. If you're building a complex app, it's a good idea to consider hiring an app development company instead of using a freelancer or building your own team from scratch.

Ultimately, which sites you employ depends on a multitude of factors, such as:

  • How quickly you need to hire a developer (i.e. your timeline)
  • How much experience you have hiring Java developers
  • Whether or not you're equipped to test technical skills
  • How many developers you need to bring on
  • What level of experience those developers need
  • Whether or not you're open to remote workers
  • What your budget constraints are
  • How important quality is to your project(s)

FAQ

Is learning Java easy?
Java is easy to learn, given that it is easier to write, compile, debug, and learn compared to other development and programming languages. Since Java is object-oriented, it enables developers to build modular programs and reusable code that make the overall task of Java development a whole lot easier. Another significant advantage of Java is its ability to be platform-independent and the ability that it can be moved easily from one computer system to another.
What is the difference between Java and Javascript?
Java is an object-oriented programming language and is typically used to create applications that operate in a virtual machine or browser. Java is often known as “Write Once, Run Anywhere”. JavaScript is an object-based scripting language. Java is a stand-alone language where code has to be compiled and is used to perform complex tasks. Java also requires more memory to function. JavaScript is easier in comparison, as the code is all text. JavaScript cannot be used to navigate through more complex tasks and requires lesser memory to operate.
What applications use Java technology?
Java is one of the most popular programming and developing languages, given its myriad applications. Java is used to develop Mobile Applications, Desktop GUI Applications, Web-based Applications, Enterprise Applications, Scientific Applications, Gaming Applications, Big Data technologies, Business Applications, Distributed Applications, and Cloud-based Applications.
What are the skills required for Java Developer?

Skills required for a good Java developer include:

  • Understanding of an MVC framework, such as JSF;
  • Knowledge of The Java Persistence API (JPA) and how it connects to relational databases and object-oriented programming;
  • dependency injection to turn regular Java classes into managed objects;
  • JAX-WS API set SOAP;
  • build tools, unit testing frameworks, version control such as with Git;
  • and an application server configuration management.
These sites can help you hire a Java developer.

What is a Java developer salary?

According to research from Developers For Hire, Java Developers earn around $64,000 for entry level programmers, $98,000 on average in the center, and $109,000 for senior developers. Hire top Java developer for your next project.

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