Backend developer salary in 2023: Current rates and forecasts for the future

Backend developer salary in 2023: current rates and forecasts for the future – The market for backend developers is on the rise and continues to attract talent from all over the world. It’s not a coincidence — backend development positions are some of the most in-demand developer jobs available right now.

In fact, as of right now, there are tens of thousands of open positions for this type of developer. But what is the backend developer hourly rate right now, and what will be the backend developer salary in the foreseeable future?

In this article, we will check the average backend developer salary around the world and see what could change in the years to come.

What is the job of the backend developer?

Before we bring up the backend software developer salary, let’s see what these people do. Backend developers are the unsung heroes of the internet. They deal with the server side of things, making sure that websites and apps are running smoothly and securely.

You might not be able to see what they do (unlike front-end developers), but you can feel it when things run well. We also feel when things are going south.

These developers work hard to keep things running quickly and efficiently, and we all benefit from their efforts. 

Factors that contribute to the backend developer hourly rate

There are plenty of factors that will determine the backend developer salary. Let’s see the most important ones.

Experience

Backend developer salaries are primarily determined by their level of experienced. Those with more years under their belt command higher wages as they are able to produce more complex applications and systems.

On the other hand, junior developers tend to be paid less, as they require more guidance and supervision.

Skills

Backend developer salaries are not determined solely by years of professional experience. Additional skills and fluency in multiple programming languages also have an impact. The more skilled they are and the bigger the demand for that skill, the higher they will earn. 

Cost of living

Backend developer salaries largely depend on the cost of living in the country where developers work. In countries with a high cost of living, such as the United States, developers can expect to earn a higher salary than in countries with a lower cost of living, such as India.

How much does a regular backend developer earn in 2023?

It’s an interesting question that might grab your attention for sure!

USA

By default, the US market is the benchmark in the industry. On average, you can expect to pay between $70,000 and $170,000 for specialists or somewhere around $60 per hour.

In reality, an entry-level developer might earn about $40,000, while the ceiling may be hit at $200K for the biggest “geeks.”

Western Europe

It’s another expensive market, and the most experienced talent definitely will exceed $100,000 in the annual remuneration package. Still, you could get talent for about $50,000 in countries like Belgium, The Netherlands, or France. 

Eastern Europe

The sweet spot for finding high-quality, affordable backend developers is in Easter Europe. With wages that are lower than in developed countries but with skillsets that are on par with their more expensive counterparts, you can get the best of both worlds by hiring from this region.

You can get a top-shelf professional for $80,000, while the industry average is between $35,000 and $60,000, which is a very good amount.

Latin America

Backend developers in Central and South America tend to be in similar time zones as the United States, making them a viable option for many businesses.

Their geographical proximity also makes it easier and less expensive to communicate with them compared to developers in other parts of the world.

They charge between $45,000 and $60,000 per year, with more experienced people charging about $90,000 annually.

Asia

Backend developers from Asia are typically the cheapest option on the market, but they may come with some quality sacrifices.

In order to get the best value for your money, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of hiring an Asia-based developer. Still, prices are quite competitive, with a range of $15,000 to $45,000 per year.

Conclusion

Backend developer hourly rate isn’t the only thing that matter, there are many details that might sway your decision towards picking the right team for your next project, but one thing is for sure: you should select precisely to get the best value.