How to Hire Dedicated Back End Developers and Boost Your Business

Dedicated Backend Developers: Who Are Those People Behind the Display?

Backend developers are the unsung heroes of the tech world. They are the ones who work behind the scenes to keep websites and applications running smoothly.

But how do we know which of them are worth their weight in gold?

Three Categories of Backend Developers

When it comes to hiring backend developers, you can pick from three basic types depending on their experience: junior, middle, and senior. Here's a quick overview of each category to help you decide which one is right for your project.

Junior backend developers. These are entry-level employees who are just starting their career and still learning the ropes. They generally have less experience than mid- and senior-level backend developers. Despite being new to the field, junior specialists can make significant contributions to a project. They may not have the same level of expertise as their senior colleagues, who stick to time-tested methods, but they make up for it with their creativity and willingness to learn and experiment.

Middle backend developers. These are skilled developers well versed in back end development concepts and multiple programming languages. They're able to work in teams on complex projects and can be a useful resource for less knowledgeable employees. Mid-level developers work closely with frontend programmers to ensure the final product is consistent and user-friendly.

Senior backend developers. These are the most experienced employees who are considered experts in the field. Senior programmers are crucial members of the software development team and are usually involved in all aspects of the development process, from planning to deployment. Besides, they lead teams of junior and middle developers and are responsible for mentoring and guiding them.

Tech Stack of a Dedicated Back End Developer

We've discussed what kinds of back-end developers exist, but what do they need to know to create quality solutions? Let's explore the key skills and technologies to look for when recruiting.

Core Responsibilities of Backend Developers

The primary role of the backend programmer is to build and maintain the server side of the application — the backend, which is involved in storing and retrieving data, and processing requests from the frontend.

This type of developer is responsible for creating the database, ensuring the security, smooth operation, and scaling of the app to meet user demands. Backend programmers never work independently. To build a fully functioning platform, they collaborate with frontend developers, designers, the project manager, and other team members.

What else are they in charge of?

• Using language features such as lists, sets, and dictionaries;
• Setting up, configuring, and maintaining the web server and backend components that power the frontend;
• Configuring integration with third-party services;
• Designing, creating, and maintaining databases that store information for the web application;
• Identifying and troubleshooting performance bottlenecks and bugs;
• Application Programming Interfaces (API) development;
• Enhancing application performance, increasing its stability, speed, and efficiency.

When to Hire Dedicated Backend Developers?

While there is no hard and fast answer to this question, there is one clear indicator pointing to the moment: when your company is ready to evolve. This may be when you want to launch a revolutionary feature, improve the performance and stability of current products, or start an ambitious new project requiring extra resources.

If that's not enough to give you confidence that your company is ready for hiring back-end developers, check out the other three reasons to say yes to new hires. Once at least one of them applies to your current situation, today is the perfect time to take your company to the next level.

Reason for Hiring #1. Limited Resources

Scarce resources are a common challenge for any growing business. Hiring a dedicated team of programmers can help you allocate your assets more effectively. With their expertise, backend engineers can streamline the development process, optimize server performance, and ensure the security and scalability of your backend infrastructure. By doing so, you can save time, effort, and budget that would otherwise be spent on extensive research and trial and error.

Reason for Hiring #2. Ineffective Existing Team

Here's another situation: you have a great in-house team, but you feel it's falling short. Either the project requires knowledge of the latest technology, or you don't have enough workers, or something else, but it's anyone's guess. Such an unproductive team can cause all sorts of problems for your business, from missed deadlines to bad code. 

Reason for Hiring #3. Unique Requirements

When it comes to the backend development process, there are certain requirements that only developers with the right skills and knowledge can meet. For example, if you're going to build a website that has to scale to millions of users, you'll need a backend developer who has experience with high-traffic sites. Similarly, if your project requires knowledge of a particular language or framework, you should find a programmer with that expertise. The same goes for launching a product for a specific niche or market. 

Revealing the Price: How Much Does a Dedicated Backend Developer Cost?

Short answer: it depends. The cost of a backend developer varies according to their experience, employment type, and geography. Let's take a closer look at these factors to get a better sense of how much you can expect to pay for professional backend developers.

Location

In countries like the US and Canada, developers tend to command higher salaries. This is because the demand for skilled programmers in these regions is high, as well as the cost of living. In contrast, employees in India or China tend to be cheaper, as the supply of specialists is greater and the requirements for workers are lower. However, you can find affordable options in any region of the world. Just be sure to shop around and compare rates.

Experience

The cost of hiring dedicated backend developers increases with experience. Usually, developers with in-depth knowledge and expertise are in greater demand and earn higher salaries.

Employment Type

The three main types of employment are in-house, outsource, and freelance. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and costs can vary wildly.

An in-house team tends to be the most expensive option, followed by outsourced specialists, while freelancers are the most affordable choice. However, there are many other factors to consider beyond cost, such as availability, skills, and fit with your company's culture. The best route for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Where to Find a Dedicated Back-End Development Team?

These days, we see no shortage of talented backend engineers and developers. However, finding the ideal programmers with the right skills and experience can be a challenge.

Where should you start your search? Choose the type of backend development team to partner with. Let's take a closer look at how they differ from each other and what pros and cons they have.

Collaboration Model #1. Freelance Backend Developer

Freelance backend developers are a suitable option for those who want to expand their existing team without spending a fortune. They can build the backend of your website or web app for a fraction of the cost of an in-house developer. Why so? When you employ someone on a freelance basis, you pay only for the work they do — you don't have to worry about benefits, vacation, or other associated costs.

Another perk is that you can get the work done faster. When you have an in-house team, a lot of bureaucracy and red tape slows down the workflow. But with freelancers, you can get started right away.

What disadvantages to consider:

• You don't have enough control over their work;
• Freelancers are less committed to your project than full-time employees, which can lead to quality issues;
• They don't have the same level of access to company resources, making communication and coordination difficult.

Choose if you are:

• A startup founder or small business owner;
• A solopreneur;
• A company on a tight budget;
• A business looking for a specialist with specific experience;
• A company that needs someone who can get to work immediately.

Collaboration Model #2. In-House Development Team

The main advantage of hiring in-house employees is better control over their work. You are more involved in the web development process and make sure the work meets your standards. You can also create a strong team culture and bond with your developers, which can lead to greater results.

What about the downsides?

• High cost, which includes benefits, vacation, training, and overhead;
• A long and expensive hiring process that can put a strain on your company's resources;
• You'll have to provide the team with the necessary equipment and office space;

Choose if you are:

• A medium or large business;
• A company handing massive amounts of data or complex business logic;
• A business looking for complete control over the web app development process.

Collaboration Model #3. Outsourced Backend Programmers

Outsourcing application development can be a great way to get high-quality code on time and on budget. Why? For starters, an outsourced team is more affordable than full-time developers. You don't have to worry about benefits, equipment, and other associated expenses. Since they're not tied to a single location, you can work with developers from all over the world, giving you access to a much broader pool of talent.

Outsourced backend developers are usually more experienced than an in-house team, as they've worked on multiple projects and have a wealth of knowledge to draw from. Since they're not emotionally involved in your project, they can give an unbiased opinion and objective advice.

Any drawbacks?

• Lack of control over work;
• Difficulty in maintaining a consistent degree of communication due to time lag and cultural differences;
• Cost is lower than an in-house team, but higher than freelancers.

Choose if you are:

• A medium or large company looking for a cost-effective solution;
• A company with time-sensitive projects;
• A business seeking backend development help but lacking the in-house resources to do it on their own.

FAQ: How to Hire a Dedicated Backend Developer Talent

For those who want to sum it up, here’s our own hand-crafted FAQ. It briefly explains who, how, and where to look if you need quality backend development.

#1. Who Are Backend Developers?

These are software engineers who design, develop, and maintain the backend of websites and applications. The backend is the server side of a web application, which includes the parts users can't see.

#2. Are Backend Developers in Demand?

Yes. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of computer programmer jobs will grow by 23% between 2021 and 2031.

#3. Is a Back-End Developer the Same as a Software Developer?

Not really. Back-end developers focus on the server side of app development, while software developers can deal with the front-end, back-end, or full stack of an application.

#4. Do Mobile Developers Do the Backend?

Yes! In fact, many mobile developers are backend developers. Backend development is a huge part of mobile development, and it's a must-have skill for all mobile programmers.

#5. What Is a Dedicated Development Team?

A dedicated development team is a type of outsourcing arrangement where a company contracts with a third-party vendor to provide a team of software developers to work on a specific project or projects. The assigned specialists become an extension of the company's in-house development team and work closely with it to deliver the desired software solution.

#6. Do Back-End Developers Get Paid Well?

Yes, they are some of the highest paid professionals in the industry, with an average salary of $130K–$220K per year (in the US).

#7. When Should You Hire a Dedicated Development Team?

• When your company is ready to scale up;
• When you lack resources (time, money, skilled backend developers);
• When your project has specific requirements and your team can't handle them;
• If you need extra help with product development.

#8. How Do I Find Top Backend Developers?

• For freelancers, visit specialized websites, like Upwork or Freelancer;
• For in-house developers, search job boards, like Indeed or Authentic Jobs;
• For outsourced specialists, search social media, ask your partners, or check the top developer rankings on websites like Clutch or TopDevelopers.

Wrapping Up

The war for talent is real, and it's getting tougher. Given the ever-increasing demand for tech skills, it's no wonder that companies are struggling to find and hire backend developers worth their salt.

The good news is that talent is still plentiful — you just need to know where to look. Outsourced and in-house developers are generally the most skilled and experienced, the only difference between the two is cost.

If the price is not critical for your business, and you are willing to invest in training, then choose in-house specialists. But if your budget is limited, deadlines are tight, while the quality must be at the highest level, then take the path of outsourcing.

If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck, Qulix can be your ideal option. Contact us today to find out more about our backend development services.