Are you interested in adding a back-end web developer to your current team, but you’re not sure where to start? This article will help. In it, we’ll discuss:
- What a back-end web developer does
- How to write a back-end web developer job description
- What to pay a back-end web developer
- What skills to assess in a back-end web developer
Let’s get to it.
What Does a Back-End Web Developer Do?
In this ever-evolving world of technology and the internet, having an online presence is vital to every company. You can achieve an online presence through social media, especially professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. But having a website is also necessary for providing and advertising products and services.
To build and maintain a functional and attractive website, you need web developers.
Back-end web developers can help you create a website that functions well for your customers. While front-end developers focus on visuals, aesthetics, and appearance, back-end developers concentrate on what goes on behind the scenes.
Back-end development involves using programming languages to build the foundation of a website and to develop its servers and databases. Once a website is up and running, they maintain it, ensuring it works correctly for clients, customers, and other users.
Back-End Web Developer Job Description
The job description for a back-end web developer may differ depending on the company or current business needs. But in general, they’ll be responsible for:
- Writing code, developing prototypes, and running tests to fix issues
- Managing servers
- Managing website data and generating analytics
- Performing routine maintenance and debugging entire back-end systems
- Strengthening security, preventing hacks, and ensuring data privacy
- Ensuring browsers are communicating correctly
- Troubleshooting to improve the website as needed
- Optimizing websites to enhance performance across multiple devices
- Working with front-end developers to integrate front-end functionality
- Creating APIs to help other developers understand the code and systems
- Staying informed on new technologies and incorporating them into the website
A good back-end developer job description includes the expected responsibilities as well as the minimum qualifications for the role.
RELATED: How to Write a Web Developer Job Description
Skills and Qualifications
Back-end web developers are in high demand. But the qualifications to look for may vary depending on your preferences and business needs.
Many companies look for prospective candidates to have a bachelor’s degree. However, a significant number of other companies are focusing on skills-based hiring. Most successful back-end web developers learn their skills on the job, and many professionals are self-taught. But what are these skills?
As with any position, soft skills—like problem-solving, communication, and the ability to work in a team—are necessary for success. But many industry-specific skills and qualifications are required of back-end developers.
Some of those skills and qualifications to consider when acquiring a back-end web developer for your team include the following:
- Foundation in computer science and web design
- Experience writing secure web applications and developing web servers
- Working knowledge of back-end programming languages, like Python, Java, or PHP
- Experience working with frameworks, hosting, and databases, plus creating APIs
- Understand the fundamentals of front-end technology and its languages, e.g., HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Required skills and minimum experience both impact what compensation you should offer a back-end developer.
What to Pay a Back-End Web Developer?
Like with any position, total compensation may vary depending on the industry and location of a job. The annual compensation will also depend on the company and seniority level of the role. And, of course, candidates with more experience will be looking for a higher base pay.
On average, a back-end web developer can make an annual income of $73,110. Salary.com indicates that the average salary range falls between $61,723 and $84,359, and these numbers vary depending on education, skill level, and how many years of experience candidates have.
When deciding what to pay a back-end web developer, take the time to research what competitors in your geographic area are offering.
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Hire a Web Developer Today
Whether you’re looking to improve the functionality of an existing website or start from scratch, hiring a back-end web developer may be the next best move. If the thought of finding a developer on your own is too much, Insight Global can help. Fill out the form below, and one of our hiring partners will reach out soon!
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