How to hire a web developer and programmer

How to hire a web developer and programmer, step by step

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

What does a web developer and programmer do?

Post a web developer and programmer job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the web developer and programmer you need to hire. Certain web developer and programmer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A web developer and programmer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, web developer and 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 shows salaries for various types of web developer and programmers.

   Type of Web Developer And Programmer	Description	Hourly rate
   Web Developer And Programmer	Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site... Show more	$28-48
   Front End Developer	Front-end developers architect and develop applications and websites through web technologies. They are responsible for the implementation of visual elements that every user sees and interacts with on web applications... Show more	$32-59
   Contract Developer	Contract Developers develop secure web applications for data collections, quality measurement efforts, and reporting purposes for large-scale performance, wireframes and UI specifications for interactive and static reporting and analysis features, and developing UI to interact with reporting engines. They are involved with system design and technical documentation and responsible for dot net development... Show more	$32-59

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • C++
   • JavaScript
   • Java
   • HTML
   • CSS
   • PL/SQL
   • Python
   • PHP
   • JQuery
   • Html Css
   • Data Layers
   • Microsoft SQL Server
   • API
   • Application Development

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Configure the revision control system on Linux server; managing subversion repository with GUI and command line interface.
   • Manage troubleshooting, debugging and research relate to production support.
   • Develop different VBA macro tools to automate reporting and assure information accuracy, overlapping avoidance and management control.
   • Used jQuery AJAX to retrieve the data from the database and populate the form.
   • Develop many websites with extensive use of AJAX and JQuery including the company's corporate website.
   • Hand coding HTML5 and CSS3.

   More web developer and programmer duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, web developer and programmers' average salary in arkansas is 37% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level web developer and programmers earn 40% less than senior-level web developer and programmers.
   • Certifications. A web developer and programmer 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 web developer and programmer's salary.

   Average web developer and programmer salary

   $78,037yearly

   $37.52 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level web developer and programmer salary

   $60,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 30, 2026

   Average web developer and programmer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$91,098	$44
   2	Massachusetts	$81,811	$39
   3	Utah	$81,632	$39
   4	New Jersey	$79,466	$38
   5	Georgia	$77,405	$37
   6	Connecticut	$76,285	$37
   7	Pennsylvania	$76,121	$37
   8	Texas	$76,093	$37
   9	Minnesota	$75,185	$36
   10	North Carolina	$74,822	$36
   11	New York	$74,626	$36
   12	Virginia	$74,354	$36
   13	Florida	$73,692	$35
   14	Wisconsin	$72,424	$35
   15	Michigan	$71,721	$34
   16	Illinois	$70,095	$34
   17	Missouri	$69,814	$34
   18	Ohio	$69,625	$33
   19	Kansas	$68,146	$33

   Average web developer and programmer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Pacific Investment Management Company LLC	$105,655	$50.80	1
   2	Holtec International	$93,122	$44.77	2
   3	Ameriprise Financial	$90,139	$43.34	1
   4	Harbor Capital Advisors	$86,058	$41.37
   5	Cedars-Sinai	$84,918	$40.83	7
   6	Port of Seattle	$84,321	$40.54
   7	Fluent	$84,055	$40.41
   8	Vertex	$82,905	$39.86
   9	AmBAR	$82,697	$39.76
   10	Data	$82,299	$39.57	2
   11	Db Systems Ltd	$82,288	$39.56
   12	ICONMA	$82,239	$39.54	3
   13	Consolidated Shoe	$81,682	$39.27
   14	Ssc, Inc.	$81,304	$39.09	1
   15	Member Solutions	$81,218	$39.05
   16	Randstad North America, Inc.	$81,200	$39.04	70
   17	US Merchant Systems	$80,651	$38.77
   18	Buildingi	$80,611	$38.76
   19	S4 Inc.	$80,582	$38.74	4
   20	Kforce	$80,431	$38.67	115

4. Writing a web developer and programmer job description

   A web developer and 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 web developer and programmer job description:

   Web developer and programmer job description example

   Job DescriptionStraCon Services Group is seeking a Unity Developer, Computer Programmer II, in Orlando FL to support our long-term program with the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) in Orlando, Fl. NAWCTSD is the Navy’s principal center for modeling, simulation and training systems technologies.
   
   The ideal candidate should have experience developing code for training software and systems. You should possess excellent communications and analytical skills, knowledge of computer systems and software application development. You will work directly with supervisors, designers, and engineers in the support and creation of interactive mobile, web augmented reality, virtual reality, desktop training systems, serious games, and distributed learning simulations – primarily working within the Unity3D game engine. You will perform mid to senior level development, test, analysis, and validation of software; quickly adapt to changing workloads, collaborate and lead with your team and other business units to provide software solutions, following best practices ensuring a high quality standard. You should also have experience reading and translating technical information and conceptual ideas into high-end interactive multimedia training solutions. This is a fast-paced work environment with plenty of room for creativity and expression.
   • Lead and mentor a team of entry to mid-level unity developers
   • Work closely with 3D artists, designers, developers and software engineers to implement Unity-based features and supporting those features through tooling as needed
   • Support content creation pipelines, tool development, and workflow improvements
   • Build performant, sustainable, and maintainable systems and code
   • Iterate using customer feedback in an Agile environment to optimize for simplicity, comprehension, and functionality
   • Able to define technical features and tasks based on customer needs and functional requirements and break down these features into workable tasks for entry and mid-level developers on your team.
   
   Experience and skills
   • 3+ years’ experience with the Unity 3D platform
   • Experience with diagnostic tools
   • Experience of C# programming and/or other relevant object-oriented programming languages
   • Ability to work well within a dynamic, cross-discipline, and iterative team environment
   • Self-motivated, collaborative, excellent interpersonal and communication skills
   • Positive attitude and an ability to receive and provide objective feedback
   • Excellent written and verbal communications skills
   Preferred Skills:
   • Experience leading, training, facilitating, and coaching a team on Scrum
   • Experience using Jira or other software for task management and reporting
   • Experience using source control tools, such as Bit Bucket, GIT, or Perforce
   • Experience building custom editors, inspectors, and tooling within Unity in a professional product
   • Experience with Unity specific performance analysis and code optimization
   • Experience with Shading language such as HLSL for use in Unity is a plus
   
   Education Requirements:
   • BA/BS Degree in Game Development, Computer Science/Engineering, with Three (3) + years’ relevant experience.
   
   Security Requirements:
   • U.S. Citizenship required
   • Minimum Secret clearance required OR must be eligible to apply and be granted interim DoD interim clearance prior to employment.
   
   About StraCon:
   StraCon is dedicated to supporting our government clients and warfighters by “Enhancing their Operational Capability”. With a proven track record, and an employee focused philosophy, we have developed a culture that believes in the talent of the individual. StraCon employees are empowered to “Make It Happen”. Since 2008, we have provided Program Management, Training Systems Products, Financial Management, Instructional System Design, Data Management, Courseware Development, Engineering, Logistics, Foreign Military Sales Support, and a variety of other technical services for the Department of Defense.
   
   StraCon is an Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action Employer

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right web developer and 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 web developer and programmer job on Zippia to find and attract quality web developer and programmer candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as dribbble, authentic jobs, working not working, coroflot.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with web developer and programmer 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.

   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.

   If your interviews with web developer and programmer applicants aren't enough to make a decision, you should also consider including a test project. These are often the best, most straightforward, and least bias-prone ways of determining who will likely succeed in the role. If you 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 web developer and programmer

   Once you've decided on a perfect web developer and programmer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   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.

   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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a web developer and programmer?