Full Stack Developers

How to Hire a Full-Stack Developer

Conventional wisdom divides software development into two main areas: the front end (what users see and interact with) and the back end (the server-side logic, databases, and infrastructure). A full-stack developer understands both, offering the ability to develop and maintain complete applications across the entire software stack.

Whether you’re building a mobile app, web platform, or other digital solution, this guide will walk you through what full-stack developers do, how to scope your project, and how to find the right one for your needs.

What is a Full-Stack Developer?

A full-stack developer is an IT professional skilled across all layers of software development. This includes both the front end—user interfaces and user experience—and the back end, which involves servers, databases, APIs, and business logic.

They have the expertise to build a fully functional application from start to finish. While this article focuses on full-stack web developers, the term also applies to mobile and enterprise app developers who work across platforms.

Hiring Full-Stack Developers: In-House, Freelancer, or Agency?

Your choice depends on your project requirements, budget, and how you want to manage the work:

In-house: More control and consistency, higher long-term cost
Freelancer: Flexible and cost-effective for short-term work, pricing varies
Agency: Suitable for larger projects, reliable but less hands-on control and higher pricing

Each option has its advantages depending on your timeline and project complexity.

Scoping Your Full-Stack Development Project

Before hiring, take time to properly define what you’re building. This helps you communicate clearly with developers and get accurate proposals.

Define Project Goals and Objectives

Are you developing an MVP for a startup? Supporting a legacy enterprise system? Clarify your end goal to guide development priorities and hiring decisions.

Identify Key Features and Functionality

List both the user-facing features and the back-end infrastructure you need—everything from dashboards and forms to database handling and server-side processes.

Assess Technical Requirements

Specify the technology stack: preferred languages, frameworks, tools, and infrastructure. Whether it’s LAMP, MEAN, or something else, this ensures you find a developer with the right expertise.

Estimate Time and Budget

Determine how long the project will take and how much you’re able to invest. Consider feature complexity, required integrations, and potential revisions.

Prepare Documentation

Create a brief, wireframes, feature list, data flows, or any other documentation to clearly convey what the developer will be working on.

Cost to Hire a Full-Stack Developer in 2025

Rates vary depending on experience, skill level, and demand. On Rayness Analytica, typical hourly rates are:

Beginner – $20/hour
Intermediate – $32.80/hour
Expert – $100/hour

Choose based on your budget and how critical the developer’s depth of knowledge is to your project goals.

How Do You Write a Full-Stack Developer Job Post?

Use the job post to describe your project scope, timeline, and tech stack. It doesn’t need to be as detailed as a traditional job description, but it should provide enough information for developers to self-assess their fit.

Job Post Title

Use clear, stack-specific titles like:

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

Include:

Scope of Work – Deliverables, expectations, integrations
Project Length – Short-term, long-term, or ongoing
Background – Preferred tools, frameworks, or industry experience
Budget – Hourly or fixed-price terms

Full-Stack Developer Responsibilities

Write scalable, testable, well-documented code across both front end and back end
Integrate UI with server-side logic and database layers
Design and implement full-stack application architecture

Full-Stack Developer Requirements and Qualifications

Skills to consider when hiring:

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

Shortlisting and Interviewing Full-Stack Developers

After you post the job and receive applicants, begin the shortlisting process. Look for:

Relevant experience with your preferred tech stack
Evidence of full-stack work (e.g., portfolio, GitHub, demos)
Communication ability and problem-solving mindset

Use technical assessments or interview questions to confirm capability.

FAQ: Hiring Full-Stack Developers

What should I look for in a full-stack developer?
Proficiency across the software stack, including front-end and back-end skills, plus the ability to manage databases and APIs. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are key.

How do I evaluate a full-stack developer’s skills?
Use code challenges, project walkthroughs, and interviews tailored to your project type. Reviewing their portfolio and GitHub profile can also provide practical insight.

What are the advantages of hiring a full-stack developer?
They’re capable of building complete applications without needing multiple specialists. This offers speed, flexibility, and reduced coordination overhead.

When should you hire a full-stack developer?
Hire one when you need both front-end and back-end work done by a single individual, especially for MVPs, startup projects, or when working with small teams.

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