How to hire a software programmer

How to hire a software programmer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step software 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 software programmer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new software programmer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a software programmer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your software programmer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a software programmer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

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

   This list presents software programmer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Software Programmer	Description	Hourly rate
   Software Programmer	Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.	$26-44
   Applications Developer	An application developer is responsible for creating program applications for devices based on clients' specifications and business needs. Application developers must have excellent knowledge of computer systems, as well as a strong command of programming languages to develop customized programs... Show more	$32-56
   Programmer Analyst	A programmer analyst is responsible for monitoring database performance and software applications, performing basic troubleshooting, and improving program operations as needed. Programmer analysts' duties also include making adjustments on the system based on client's specifications, creating reports for any updates and new system procedures, designing specific technology solutions to improve the business operations, and performing necessary code adjustments... Show more	$26-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Java
   • JavaScript
   • Software Development
   • HTML
   • Python
   • SQL Server
   • CSS
   • Database Design
   • Web Forms
   • XML
   • PL/SQL
   • MVC
   • Html Css
   • JQuery

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead projects on QA that include test planning, design, execution and closure.
   • Hibernate is used to manage data access object between object orient java and relational database.
   • Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
   • Develop style-sheets for UI design and layout using CSS.
   • Develop MVC web application for an automation project using JavaEE and JSF.
   • Develop JavaScript for dynamic user interface and browser compatibility tests.

   More software programmer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your software programmer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A software 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 software programmer in Arkansas may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level software programmer usually earns less than a senior-level software programmer. Additionally, a software 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 software programmer salary

   $71,612yearly

   $34.43 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level software programmer salary

   $55,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average software programmer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$90,884	$44
   2	District of Columbia	$81,074	$39
   3	Delaware	$75,222	$36
   4	Arizona	$75,145	$36
   5	Virginia	$73,827	$35
   6	New York	$73,715	$35
   7	Pennsylvania	$72,608	$35
   8	North Carolina	$71,445	$34
   9	Texas	$70,550	$34
   10	Illinois	$70,485	$34
   11	New Jersey	$70,158	$34
   12	Tennessee	$69,874	$34
   13	Ohio	$69,352	$33
   14	Colorado	$69,287	$33
   15	Georgia	$68,981	$33
   16	Florida	$66,903	$32
   17	Michigan	$66,704	$32
   18	Alabama	$60,576	$29

   Average software programmer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Panaya	$105,459	$50.70
   2	Kiteworks	$100,223	$48.18
   3	Fuhu	$98,422	$47.32
   4	Hitachi Vantara	$95,590	$45.96
   5	8x8	$94,264	$45.32	5
   6	GlobalLogic	$92,196	$44.33	2
   7	ANCILE Solutions, Inc.	$88,508	$42.55
   8	Agilent Technologies	$87,644	$42.14
   9	Take-Two Interactive Software	$86,840	$41.75
   10	Mars	$85,353	$41.04	2
   11	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	$84,351	$40.55	3
   12	Fiserv	$82,999	$39.90	30
   13	Neustar	$82,972	$39.89
   14	Verani Realty	$82,474	$39.65
   15	HCSC	$81,875	$39.36	1
   16	IBM	$81,718	$39.29	297
   17	Esri	$81,304	$39.09	39
   18	Athene	$81,266	$39.07
   19	Idaho Forest Group	$80,229	$38.57
   20	Data	$78,148	$37.57	5

4. Writing a software programmer job description

   A good software programmer 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 software programmer job description:

   Software programmer job description example

   Seeking a .NET Application Developer for first shift, full time work at the VA's Network Security and Operations Center (NSOC) in Martinsburg, WV, working for Portal Services Application Development team.
   Responsibilities/Duties:
   Expected to conduct system analysis and development, with limited support from professional staff, to keep our systems current with changing technologies. Analyze, design, coordinate the development of software systems to form a basis for the solution of information processing problems. Responsible for developing new programs and proofing the program to develop needed changes to assure production of a quality product Provide Level 2 application support Troubleshoot issues and conduct root cause analysis Resolve escalated issues with a sense of urgency Identify potential improvements to reduce the number of problems and enhance supportability. Document code consistently throughout the development process by listing a description of the program, special instructions, and any changes made in database tables on procedural, modular and database level. Establish methodologies (documentation, process and procedures) to be followed during project life cycle Foster teamwork and collaboration across a global development team, project teams, and business and systems partners
   Required Skills:
   Strong experience in C# ASP.NET with .NET Framework 4.0 and above (Experience in multiple projects with capability to independently handle a project) Experience developing applications using .Net Core MVC Experience with OO design/development Experience with building RESTful services Strong understanding of JSON, and XML SQL Server 2016 and above Knowledge of distributed systems and web service paradigms SQL Server Reporting Services experience will be a plus. Should be able to work under challenging environment and ready to learn and adapt to new technologies
   Education/Certification Requirements:
   Bachelor's degree with 0-2years of experience. Additional experience may be substituted for education.
   Clearance Requirements:
   You do not need a current/active clearance to apply but must be able to pass a government security background investigation.
   COVID Policy: New employees will be required to adhere to the Company's and its clients' COVID-19 safety procedures. In the event that the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Federal Contractors is enforced, you must become fully vaccinated or request and be approved for an exemption. Employees working onsite at a client location must comply with our client's COVID-19 requirements.
   
   GovCIO is a team of professionals who want to make a difference. And that can only happen with a diverse, happy, and cared-for team. So, we prioritize your well-being, equity for all and look for ways to make work a better place for each of us every day.
   
   We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability status. EOE AA M/ F/Vet/Disabled

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find software programmers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any software programmers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level software programmers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your software programmer job on Zippia to find and recruit software programmer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit software programmers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   Sometimes, it's not enough to interview software programmer candidates, so you can ask them to do a test project. If you are not a technical person and don't know what a test project should be, you can use these websites:

   • 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 software programmer

   Once you've found the software programmer candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new software programmer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

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 software programmer?