How to hire a java programmer

How to hire a java programmer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step java programmer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a java programmer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new java programmer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a java programmer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a java programmer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A java programmer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, java programmers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of java programmers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Java Programmer	Description	Hourly rate
   Java Programmer	Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site... Show more	$29-49
   Interactive Developer	Interactive developers are considered as the new software engineer breed. They function as a part programmer, part audio/video editor, and part designer interested in 3D technologies... Show more	$33-55
   Mobile Applications Developer	A mobile application developer is responsible for designing programming applications for mobile devices according to clients' specifications and business demands. Mobile application developers must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as computer system commands to develop efficient scripts and smooth navigation of operating systems... Show more	$36-62

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Java
   • Web Application
   • HTML
   • JSP
   • XML
   • Web Services
   • CSS
   • Eclipse
   • User Interface
   • PL/SQL
   • MVC
   • JDBC
   • JQuery
   • Database Connectivity

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Gain working knowledge of Java and J2EE relate technologies through practical application of academic knowledge on company develop managed services applications.
   • Implement the front end using JSP, JSTL, CSS and JavaScript, also used JQUERY for dynamic web content.
   • Design and develop UI using HTML, JSP where users have all the items list for auctions.
   • Maintain software version control through use of SVN software and integrate eclipse tools.
   • Design and develop an eclipse plug-in apply to externalize strings from java source files.
   • Utilize various JavaScript and jQuery libraries bootstrap, AJAX for form validation and other interactive features.

   More java programmer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your java programmer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A java programmer salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a java programmer in New Mexico may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level java programmer usually earns less than a senior-level java programmer. Additionally, a java programmer with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average java programmer salary

   $80,328yearly

   $38.62 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level java programmer salary

   $62,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average java programmer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$90,698	$44
   2	District of Columbia	$84,128	$40
   3	New Jersey	$83,571	$40
   4	Arizona	$82,842	$40
   5	Maryland	$82,470	$40
   6	Virginia	$81,067	$39
   7	New York	$80,275	$39
   8	North Carolina	$79,117	$38
   9	Connecticut	$79,066	$38
   10	Ohio	$78,120	$38
   11	Texas	$77,545	$37
   12	Michigan	$76,786	$37
   13	Minnesota	$76,684	$37
   14	Georgia	$76,014	$37
   15	Illinois	$75,630	$36
   16	Missouri	$73,488	$35
   17	New Mexico	$67,646	$33

   Average java programmer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Barnes & Noble	$97,029	$46.65
   2	Coty	$94,677	$45.52
   3	PMA Companies	$94,588	$45.48
   4	Sentry	$93,202	$44.81	1
   5	JPMorgan Chase & Co.	$91,735	$44.10	261
   6	Oriental Trading	$91,150	$43.82
   7	Open Systems Technologies	$88,437	$42.52	3
   8	Public Employees Retirement System	$88,083	$42.35
   9	Pace Inc	$88,017	$42.32	2
   10	Rackspace	$87,025	$41.84
   11	DSW	$87,004	$41.83
   12	CBS Sports Network	$86,954	$41.80
   13	Randstad North America, Inc.	$86,438	$41.56	20
   14	AdroIT Software & Consulting	$85,772	$41.24
   15	Tractor Supply	$85,476	$41.09
   16	ICONMA	$85,450	$41.08	1
   17	Pinnacle Technical Resources	$85,197	$40.96	31
   18	Arcus	$84,749	$40.74
   19	Tektronix	$84,536	$40.64
   20	DIVERSANT	$84,288	$40.52

4. Writing a java programmer job description

   A java programmer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a java programmer job description:

   Java programmer job description example

   Job DescriptionTwo (2) Programmer/Analysts – not to exceed 900 hours per resource -
   Plans, develops, tests, and documents computer programs, applying knowledge of programming techniques and computer systems: Evaluates user request for new or modified program, to determine feasibility, cost and time required, compatibility with current system, and computer capabilities. Consults with user to identify current operating procedures and clarify program objectives. Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn ways to develop programs that meet user requirements. Formulates plan-outlining steps required to develop program, using structured analysis and design. Submits plans to user for approval. Prepares flowcharts and diagrams to illustrate sequence of steps program must follow and to describe logical operations involved. Designs computer terminal screen displays to accomplish goals of user request.
   Converts project specifications, using flowcharts and diagrams, into sequence of detailed instructions and logical steps for coding into language processable by computer, applying knowledge of computer programming techniques and computer languages.
   
   Enters program codes into computer system. Enters commands into computer to run and test program. Reads computer printouts or observes display screen to detect syntax or logic errors during program test, or uses diagnostic software to detect errors. Replaces, deletes, or modifies codes to correct errors. Analyzes, reviews, and alters program to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements. Writes documentation to describe program development, logic, coding, and corrections. Writes manual for users to describe installation and operating procedures. Assists users to solve operating problems. Recreates steps taken by user to locate source of problem and rewrites program to correct errors. May use computer-aided software tools, such as flowchart design and code generation, in each stage of system development. May train users to use program. May oversee installation of hardware and software. May provide technical assistance to program users. May install and test program at user site. May monitor performance of program after implementation. May specialize in developing programs for business or technical applications.
   
   Programmer-Analyst capabilities with 1-7 years of experience, relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals, performs a variety of complicated tasks, may lead and direct the work of others, may report directly to a project lead or manager, a wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
   
   Thorough knowledge of:
   • Web Services
   • Java 1.5
   • Oracle 10g
   • PL/SQL Plus
   • XML Messaging
   • Struts/MVC
   • Java Stored Procedures
   • Oracle built-in packages.
   
   K. Start and End Dates for the work:
   
   April 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 with two one-year options.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right java programmer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your java programmer job on Zippia to find and recruit java programmer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as dribbble, authentic jobs, working not working, coroflot.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit java programmers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   While interviews are great, you will only sometimes learn enough from a conversation with a java programmer applicant. In those cases, having candidates complete a test project can go a long way in figuring out who's the most likely to succeed in the role. If you aren't a technical person and don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new java programmer

   Once you've selected the best java programmer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a java programmer?