How to hire a senior java developer

How to hire a senior java developer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step senior java developer hiring guide:

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

What does a senior java developer do?

Post a senior java developer job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   The senior java developer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A senior java developer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, senior java developers 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.

   This list presents senior java developer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Senior Java Developer	Description	Hourly rate
   Senior Java Developer	Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site... Show more	$39-65
   Developer Analyst	A developer analyst is a professional who is responsible for building application requirements and develops database solutions that allow operational efficiency and user-friendly tools. Developer analysts are required to develop a detailed definition of business solutions that can include database design, data flow, and transaction processing requirements... Show more	$30-54
   Lead Software Developer	A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface... Show more	$41-72

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Java
   • Spring Boot
   • Database
   • Web Application
   • MVC
   • Maven
   • Web Services
   • Junit
   • HTML
   • API
   • XML
   • Spring Framework
   • JQuery
   • GIT

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead a team of 7 people to deliver project which change the entire design of RXP, online payment UI layer.
   • Develop the UI using HTML, CSS, JSP and JavaScript for interactive cross browser functionality and complex user interface.
   • Used Struts/MVC framework to enable the interactions between JSP/View layer and implement different design patterns with J2EE and XML technology.
   • Create web pages using JSP for generating HTML pages dynamically and used CSS to improve the style of the user interface.
   • Involve in development of XML data files where there is data to be load into the placeholders of JSP.
   • Work on the website from start to finish to give it a new look using HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

   More senior java developer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your senior java developer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A senior java developer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, senior java developers' average salary in wyoming is 28% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level senior java developers earn 40% less than senior-level senior java developers.
   • Certifications. A senior java developer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a senior java developer's salary.

   Average senior java developer salary

   $106,767yearly

   $51.33 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level senior java developer salary

   $82,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average senior java developer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$129,900	$62
   2	Washington	$118,579	$57
   3	New York	$111,089	$53
   4	District of Columbia	$110,580	$53
   5	New Jersey	$110,226	$53
   6	South Carolina	$108,580	$52
   7	Maryland	$107,680	$52
   8	Massachusetts	$107,263	$52
   9	Arizona	$104,993	$50
   10	North Carolina	$104,905	$50
   11	Virginia	$103,947	$50
   12	Delaware	$103,371	$50
   13	Pennsylvania	$102,492	$49
   14	Texas	$102,034	$49
   15	Utah	$100,503	$48
   16	Georgia	$100,336	$48
   17	Minnesota	$99,897	$48
   18	Florida	$99,133	$48
   19	Ohio	$98,994	$48
   20	Michigan	$97,861	$47

   Average senior java developer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Flexion Therapeutics	$145,685	$70.04
   2	QuinStreet	$143,041	$68.77	3
   3	Integral Ad Science	$139,364	$67.00	8
   4	Chewy	$139,350	$67.00	7
   5	8x8	$137,836	$66.27	5
   6	Nomura Securities	$137,534	$66.12	16
   7	Bloomberg	$136,454	$65.60	164
   8	Semantic AI	$136,147	$65.46
   9	Tradeweb	$135,906	$65.34	1
   10	Amazon	$135,797	$65.29	754
   11	Invesco	$135,568	$65.18
   12	Barclays	$135,114	$64.96	4
   13	ICAP	$134,759	$64.79
   14	Ci&t	$134,153	$64.50
   15	Safeway	$134,148	$64.49
   16	J.P. Morgan	$134,049	$64.45
   17	Macy's	$133,855	$64.35	2
   18	Deutsche Bank	$133,757	$64.31	9
   19	Citi	$132,863	$63.88	25
   20	Bank of the West	$132,674	$63.79

4. Writing a senior java developer job description

   A good senior java developer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a senior java developer job description:

   Senior java developer job description example

   Here, we believe there's not one path to success, we believe in careers that grow with you. Whoever you are or wherever you come from in the world, there's a place for you at Sherwin Williams. We provide you with the opportunity to explore your curiosity and drive us forward. We'll give you the space to share your strengths and we want you to show us what you can do. You can innovate, grow and discover in a place where you can thrive and Let Your Colors Show! Sherwin-Williams values the unique talents and abilities from all backgrounds and characteristics. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, including individuals with disabilities and Protected Veterans.
   
   The Senior Java Web Developer is responsible for the design, development, integration, implementation, and support of web-based application software in a full-stack service-provider environment.This team supports The Americas Group (TAG) division's Marketing and Sales Force Effectiveness tools, including the primary in-house Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, and various Store and Sales Rep applications which help to sell to and service those customers.
   
   This role provides development and technical consulting to management, business users, and technical associates, and works closely with other developers as a mentor.As a technical specialist, this position also works with lead engineers and architects in continuous improvement initiatives, code reviews, and technical strategy.
   Essential Functions
   
   Strategy & Planning
   Acquire and interpret business requirements, create functional specifications, and determine the most efficient and appropriate technologies based on client requirements. Recommends both technical and process improvements and solutions to architect and management team for review. Responsible for implementing, or overseeing implementation of, approved architecture design. Maintains a broad knowledge of new technology, equipment, systems, and frameworks.
   Acquisition & Deployment
   Performs complex programming assignments requiring an advanced aptitude of established programming standards, methods, and best practices. Designs application and database components for development projects. Performs analysis of business models, logical specifications, and/or customer requirements to design and build browser-based web solutions utilizing multiple technologies. Identifies and Mitigates risks associated with projects, which have a high technical complexity and/or involve significant challenges to the business.
   Operational Management
   Maintains and modifies web applications; makes approved changes by amending application documentation, developing detailed programming logic, and coding changes. Provides support for critical web application and server issues. Assists Project Manager in the definition, gathering, development, and documentation of business and/or technical requirements, objectives, deliverables, design specifications and project plans. Collaborates with other programmers, analysts, and designers in conceptualizing and developing new software applications and processes. Participates in software design/code reviews, and helps guide testing best practices Acts as application Subject Matter Expert across all phases of project life cycle.
   Incidental Functions
   Training and knowledge sharing with development teams. Mentoring and coaching junior-level developers and/or Professional Apprentices. Project and task management and reporting as necessary. Giving demos/presentations to management, business, and peer groups as requested. Scheduling and leading communication meetings with project members as needed. Assisting with projects as required to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the team and organization. Participating in hiring activities as needed, fulfilling affirmative action obligations and ensuring compliance with the equal employment opportunity policy. Minimal travel is required Work outside the standard office 7.5-hour workday may be required.
   Position Requirements
   
   Formal Education & Certification
   Bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent) in a Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Information Technology field of study (e.g., Information Technology, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, Computer Systems Management, Mathematics) or equivalent experience.
   Knowledge & Experience
   5+ years of IT-related experience. 5+ years of experience working on all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle. 5+ years of full-stack Java Web development experience: Preferred experience in Java, J2EE, JavaScript, HTML, JDBC or Hibernate. Additional experience in React, Vue.js, Java Spring Boot, Junit, Karate, Maven, Docker/K8S, and/or AWS is a plus 3+ years of experience in Relational Database Management Systems (preferably MariaDB/MySQL or Oracle), including advanced use of SQL and database management constructs. 3+ years of experience with either Microservices or Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture and Object-Oriented analysis and design (OOAD). 2+ years of experience in front-end web design, preferably with a Responsive Design focus. Experience working with customers to build and formulate business requirements.
   Personal Attributes
   Strong written and oral communications skills. Proven ability and initiative to learn and research new concepts, ideas, and technologies quickly. Advanced systems/process orientation with demonstrated analytical thinking, organization skills and problem-solving skills. Ability to work in a diverse, team-oriented, collaborative environment. Ability to quickly learn and apply new tools and technologies. Willingness and ability to train, teach, and lead others. Ability to facilitate or lead meetings, and follow up with resulting action items. Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment. Strong presentation and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment, and to lead and influence cross-organizationally with and without direct authority. Ability to effectively move forward on tasks even with ambiguous or changing requirements. Strong commitment to inclusion and diversity
   Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status now or in the future.
   
   Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace.All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.
   
   As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right senior java developer 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 senior java developer job on Zippia to find and recruit senior java developer 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

   Your first interview with senior java developer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   While interviews are great, you will only sometimes learn enough from a conversation with a senior java developer 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 senior java developer

   Once you've selected the best senior java developer 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 also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new senior java developer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are 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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a senior java developer?