Technology
A back-end developer builds the server-side logic, databases and APIs that power web and mobile applications. The role matters because reliability, speed and data accuracy in a product depend on how well this layer is designed and maintained.
Median pay
$134,040a year
Software developers, QA analysts and testers, U.S. BLS, May 2025
The role
Companies hire one when a product needs new APIs, a slow service needs to scale, or an existing team lacks server-side capacity.
Typical responsibilities
Core skills
Tools and systems
Related titles
Typical background
Typically 2 to 6 years building production services, with a computer science degree or equivalent hands-on experience.
At a glance
The essentials for planning the hire: level, background, how you can hire and what the role typically pays.
Request talent
Share a few details and a technology recruiter will be in touch. There is no obligation and no cost to talk.
What happens next
Request talent
Takes about two minutes. A specialist recruiter will call you back within one business day.
By submitting, you agree that RUS Recruiting may contact you about this request. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Send your resume once and a technology recruiter will match you to back-end developer roles that fit your experience, pay expectations and the way you want to work. We only put you forward for roles you have said yes to, and it is always free.
FAQ
Straight answers to the questions employers and candidates ask about this role.
Still have a question?
Talk to a recruiter about your role or your search. We reply within one business day.
A back-end developer builds the server-side logic, databases and APIs that power web and mobile applications. The role matters because reliability, speed and data accuracy in a product depend on how well this layer is designed and maintained. Typical responsibilities include: design and build APIs that front-end and mobile clients consume; write and maintain server-side services that handle business logic; model data and tune database queries for speed and accuracy.
Look for REST API design, SQL, database modeling, unit testing, authentication and security and microservices. Experience with Node.js, Python, PostgreSQL, Docker and Git is common in this role.
Yes. A back-end developer is one of the roles employers most often hire on contract, for projects, busy periods, leave cover and vacancies. Contract-to-hire is also an option if you want to work together before making a permanent offer.
Choose a back-end developer when the main work is APIs, data and infrastructure behind an existing interface. Choose a full-stack developer when one person must deliver both the user interface and the server logic, such as on a small team or early product.
Match the language to your current stack, such as Java, Python, Node.js, Go or C#, rather than listing several. Strong developers move between languages, but ramp-up time is shorter when the primary language and framework already match your codebase.
Related roles
Every role in the practice is recruited by the same specialist team.
