How to Hire a Full-Stack Developer

Conventional wisdom says a software development project (e.g., web apps, mobile apps, etc.) is best divided into two parts: the front end (everything users see and interact with in their browser) and the back end (the data and the business logic that work behind the scenes to make the app work). A full-stack developer is a generalist familiar with a technology stack's front and back ends.

Whether you’re building a mobile app, a web app, or other software, we’ll examine the role of a full-stack developer and offer some tips and considerations for you during the hiring process.

What is a full-stack developer? 

A full-stack developer is a skilled IT professional who works across all software development layers. These layers include everything from the front-end user interface and user experience to the back-end server, database, and application logic.

Essentially, a full-stack programmer has the knowledge and expertise to build a complete, functioning software application from start to finish. In this article, we’ll focus primarily on full-stack web developers but know that the term full-stack can be applied to other app development projects such as mobile or enterprise.

Hiring full-stack developers: In-house vs. freelancer vs. agency

Choosing between hiring in-house, freelance, or agency developers depends on project needs, budget, and team scalability. Full-time employees provide stability and cultural integration but at higher costs and potential skill limits.

Freelancers offer flexibility and are generally cost-effective for short-term projects, but rates can vary based on their reputation and demand. Agencies handle large projects end-to-end, offering expertise and reliability but at a higher cost and giving you less direct project control. Each model suits different project stages and requirements.

Scoping your full-stack development project

Before you can effectively hire a full-stack developer, you’ll need to determine the scope of the work needed. Properly scoping your project helps define the specific skills and resources you need while ensuring that you can accurately communicate your needs to potential candidates or service providers.

Define the project goals and objectives

Start by clearly defining what you want to achieve. Why do you need a full-stack engineer? Are you a startup looking to build an MVP? Is this about maintaining the software development lifecycle for an enterprise app or something else entirely? Establishing clear goals and objectives helps prioritise the work needed and sets a clear direction for the development process.

Identify the key features and functionality

Detail the project’s key features and functionalities. This involves the user-facing elements and backend requirements such as server-side logic and database management. Knowing these details helps identify the type of full-stack developer you need, whether someone with a particular strength in front-end aesthetics and usability or one with deep back-end integration skills.

Assess technical requirements

Evaluate the technical requirements of the project. This includes choosing the appropriate technology stack, such as programming languages, frameworks, and tools. This assessment will guide you in finding a developer or team proficient in the necessary technologies.

Estimate time and budget

Estimate the time and budget required to complete the project. This involves considering the complexity of the project, the number of features, and the depth of functionality planned. An accurate estimate helps set realistic deadlines and budget constraints, which is crucial for project management and discussions with potential developers.

Prepare documentation

Prepare detailed documentation outlining the project. This should include wireframes or prototypes, a detailed list of functionalities, data flow diagrams, and other specifications to help developers understand what’s required. Good documentation is invaluable for getting accurate quotes from agencies or freelancers and ensuring clarity throughout development.

Cost to hire a full-stack developer in 2025

Full-stack developer rates can vary due to expertise, experience, location, and market conditions.

• An experienced full-stack developer may command higher fees but also work faster, have more specialised areas of expertise, and deliver higher-quality work.
• A contractor still building a client base may price its full-stack development services more competitively.

Rates typically charged by full-stack developers on Rayness Analytica are:

• Beginner. $20 per hour
• Intermediate. $32.80 per hour
• Expert. $100 per hour

Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.

How do you write a full-stack developer job post?

The job post is your chance to describe your project scope, budget, and talent needs. Although you don’t need a complete job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project. Below, we cover the basics of writing a full-stack developer's job description.

Job post title

Create a simple title that describes exactly what you’re looking for. The idea is to target the keywords your ideal candidate will likely type into a job search bar to find your project. Here are some sample full-stack developer job post titles:

• Full-stack developer (MEAN) needed for a single-page app (SPA)
• Seeking a full-stack developer experienced with LAMP
• Full-stack developer (PHP, Laravel, WordPress with Angular components)

Project description

An effective job post should include:

• Scope of work. List all the deliverables you’ll need, from web development to project management.
• Project length. Your job post should indicate whether this project is minor or more extensive.
• Background. If you prefer experience with specific industries, tech stacks, or developer tools, mention this here.
• Budget. Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.

Full-stack developer job responsibilities

Full-stack developer job responsibilities include:

• Writing scalable, testable, well-documented code across the front and back end
• Overseeing integrations between user-facing features, server-side logic, and database systems
• Designing and implementing full-stack software application architecture

Full-stack developer job requirements and qualifications

Be sure to include any requirements and qualifications you’re looking for in a full-stack developer. Here are some examples:

• Web fundamentals: CSS, HTML, and JavaScript
• JavaScript frameworks such as Angular, React.js, or Vue.js
• CSS frameworks such as Foundation or Bootstrap
• Back-end frameworks such as Laravel, Ruby on Rails, Express, or Node.js
• Back-end languages such as PHP, Python, or Ruby
• Technology stacks such as MEAN or LAMP
• Version control systems such as Git or GitHub

Shortlisting and interviewing full-stack developers

Once you’ve posted your job listing and candidates begin to apply, the next crucial step is to shortlist these candidates for interviews. This vetting process involves reviewing candidate profiles for relevant project experience, skills, qualifications, and expertise. Check out our list of complete stack developer interview questions to help with your interview process.

FAQ for hiring full-stack developers

What should I look for in a full-stack developer?

When hiring a full-stack developer, look for technical skills across the software development stack. This includes HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the front end and languages like Python, Ruby, Node.js, or Java for the back end. They should have experience with database management, API integrations, and possibly cloud environments. Soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability are also crucial.

How do I evaluate a full-stack developer's skills?

To evaluate a full-stack developer’s skills, consider conducting technical assessments, including coding tests, project reviews, and problem-solving scenarios relevant to your project's requirements. Reviewing their portfolio and discussing past projects in detail during the interview can also provide insights into their capabilities and approach to software development.

What are the advantages of hiring a full-stack developer?

Hiring a full-stack developer can provide several advantages, such as versatility in handling various aspects of software development, potential cost savings from not needing multiple specialists, and easier project management since they understand client-side and server-side requirements.

When should you hire a full-stack developer?

You should hire a full-stack developer when your project requires comprehensive control over web applications' front-end and back-end. Full-stack developers are particularly beneficial in startup environments or projects where the budget and team size don’t justify hiring multiple specialised developers. They are versatile and can swiftly adapt to changing project requirements, making them ideal for dynamic projects requiring rapid development cycles and a broad range of technical skills.

Front-end vs. back-end vs. full-stack developer: What’s the difference?

Front-end developers focus on a website's visual and interactive elements, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create user-friendly interfaces. Back-end developers work on the server side, handling the database management, server logic, and APIs that power a site's functionality.

Full-stack developers combine these roles, overseeing all aspects of web development from the user interface to the server and database interactions. This holistic approach allows them to manage and troubleshoot various issues.