The role of a back-end developer is to provide function to the form of your website. The user accounts, comments sections, search bars, photo galleries, and streaming video that make up what a user can see and interact with on the front end are powered by the data and business logic that’s managed behind the scenes on the back end.

From database migrations to API integrations to setting up the server-side technologies that make a website tick, a back-end web developer may be the talent you need to get your next web project off the ground.

Choosing a back-end web developer

Back-end developers are often defined by the technologies they choose to wield. Here’s a subset of the server-side languages, tools, and frameworks a back-end developer may specialize in:

Languages: PHP, Ruby, Python, JavaScript
Back-end frameworks: Laravel, Rails, Django, Node.js
Databases: Oracle, MySQL, NoSQL, PostgreSQL
Platforms: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure

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It’s generally better to know what technologies you wish to use on the back end of your web app before you start hiring any developers. But if you’re new to all of this and don’t have the time to learn it all yourself, it may be worth your resources to consult with a senior developer or industry expert beforehand, who can help you pick the right technologies for your project’s needs.

Once you know what type of back-end developer you’re looking for, you’ll want to write a solid project description that describes who you’re looking for and the work that needs to be done. Include details about your company, project objectives, deliverables, and scope.

Once the proposals start rolling in, shortlist submissions for things like:

Professionalism: Is this someone you can work with?
Talent: Do they have skills in the specific technologies you requested?
Portfolio: Have they worked on similar projects in the past? Does past work reflect the level of skill you require?
Experience: How many years of experience are you looking for? Do they have relevant experience and credentials?
Feedback: Were past clients happy with their work?

For more tips on writing a back-end developer project description and sample interview questions, check out this in-depth guide to hiring a back-end developer.

Pricing and timing for your project

In order to price your project, it’s important to understand the scope of the work that needs to be done. Back-end development is a broad term that covers a wide range of functions, including:

Database management: Data storage, database setup, and configuration
User management: User accounts, authentication, access privileges, and security
Server-side logic: Any code executed on the server—e.g. the application server receiving and processing user requests sent from the UI
Data integrations: Enabling data flow between different resources, including third-party APIs

How much does it cost to hire a back-end web developer? Hourly rates charged by back-end developers on Upwork range from $35 to $50 for basic back-end support to as high as $100 or more for more-experienced developers.

Setting up the back end of a brand-new app will take longer and cost more than simpler tasks such as a routine server update. Here are a few estimates for popular projects from freelance back-end developers to give you an idea on how to define your project scope:

Project Scope	Hours	Approx. Hourly Rate
Routine Database Fixes	10-20 per bug	$30-$50 /hour
Back-end for a New App	10-100 hours	$50-$150 /hour
Adding New Features	10-30 hours	$50-$150 /hour

The key to finding the perfect back-end developer is to understand that you’re looking for more than a résumé that checks all the boxes on paper. You’re looking for a partner you can collaborate with to bring your project to life.

Get more tips on how to find top talent for your projects >>