Back-End Web Developer with PHP Salary in 2024
How statistics are calculated
We count how many offers each candidate received and for what salary. For example, if a Back-End Web developer with PHP with a salary of $4,500 received 10 offers, then we would count him 10 times. If there were no offers, then he would not get into the statistics either.
The graph column is the total number of offers. This is not the number of vacancies, but an indicator of the level of demand. The more offers there are, the more companies try to hire such a specialist. 5k+ includes candidates with salaries >= $5,000 and < $5,500.
Median Salary Expectation – the weighted average of the market offer in the selected specialization, that is, the most frequent job offers for the selected specialization received by candidates. We do not count accepted or rejected offers.
Trending Back-End Web tech & tools in 2024
Back-End Web
What does a back-end developer do?
A back-end developer is in the back end of a more or less invisible system of unseen work, but vital all the same to web development. Back-end developers make sure the website or application works how it should. They have to deal with servers, databases, and application logic. They develop systems and processes. They maintain databases. They deal with bugs. They interface with APIs. They make security systems work correctly.
Specifics differ from firm to firm, but on the back end a back-end developer might oversee some, most, or all of the following:
- Developing the systems and processes to meet the application’s specified requirements
- Maintaining databases, including data storage and retrieval, organization, backups, and security
- Finding and fixing bugs in the back-end code
- Managing any APIs the company uses to integrate applications, both externally and internally
- Conducting performance optimization to increase efficiency and improve the user experience
- Building and managing libraries of code for reuse by developers across the business
- Helping develop the overall architecture of the application’s back-end
- Securing the application from cyberattacks
Back-end developers also work together with front-end developers to transform their function into user-facing content in the app interface. Back-end developers often deal with managers, architects, designers, researchers, IT security and so many others to make web applications work.
In the end, front-end developers aim to make the interface fun, playful, and interactive while back-end teams build up the invisible structures that power the front-end.
Back-end Developer Skills
Ok, so we now know what a back-end developer does (mostly). But what does she need to know in order to do it? In this part, we’ll be looking at the primary skills to look for if you’re hiring a back-end developer, or if you’re hell-bent on becoming one.
Programming Languages
Web developers use a multitude of languages to build the servers, databases, and application logic on servers. Here is the list:
Python
Python is a general-purpose programming language, commonly used for building the non-public, or ‘back-end’, part of software programs and web applications currently charging you for breakfast, dinner, or that retro toy you ordered on a whim on a marketplace site last night. It is a powerful language that is enjoyable to write in, and able to operate well for any purpose you throw at it. Every back-end programmer should at least have a basic level of knowledge about it.
Java
Java, another general-purpose language, is often used in the back-end of application development for the same reason. It’s deployable across many environments and flexible enough to power very large, complex, high-performance software projects.
PHP
PHP is a so-called server-side programming language – this basically means, you create a website using PHP which dynamically loads content at the demand of the user (or the browser requesting the page). PHP dynamically builds the page on the server from content of housed databases. The opposite of this is a static website – which means you create a website, and it’s stored completely on the servers and therefore presented exactly the same to all visitors – even if, in PHP, the display can be different.
Other Languages
True, there are many other programming languages that back-end developers might prefer. There’s Ruby, a high-level language that allows one to build both web and mobile applications in a quick and effective manner, there’s C, a lower-level language (and the most popular language in the world), and there’s .NET, a framework provided by Microsoft to build websites and web apps.
Furthermore, a back-end developer might write code in SQL (Structured Query Language) or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), programming languages that are geared towards database management.
Front-End Languages
Although it’s often the case that the back-end developer works almost exclusively on the server-side in a language like PHP or Java, some basic knowledge of front-end languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript will still come in handy when you work on a web-based project. In general, there are three technical languages that you learn on the front end:
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language): Codes content (text and links) and structure of a web page. All web pages are built with HTML, and its file names always end in .html.
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Because Cascading Style Sheets are a programming language that describes how pages should look – without it, the web would be filled mostly with seas of block text and images with no layout or style. CSS is also the reason that web page content adapts to fit different browser sizes and devices.
- JavaScript: Often abbreviated as JS, developers use it to change animations, dynamically update page content, and on websites run scripts without having to ask the back-end.
These languages will make it easier for you to work with front-end developers and designers and, if there is a bug that uses both front-end and back-end resources, it will help you to diagnose it faster. They are also good skills to learn in general, especially if you want to learn design or become a full-stack developer.
Database Management
Moving data in or out of the application database, a significant part of the back-end developer’s work, comes under the scope of modern database technologies.
Databases can be divided into two types: relational databases and non-relational databases. Relational databases store related data points like a customer such as name, and email or account ID. Relational Databases are data arranged in a tabular manner with relata in the same row and the language used to interact with it is SQL.
Then, in contrast to relational databases, non-relational databases (or NoSQL databases) don’t typically store data points based on their relatedness (though they might relate the data nonetheless). Instead of rows in tables, non-relational databases store their information in Extensible Markup Language (XML) and/or JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). Useful knowledge about NoSQL database programmes, such as Redis and MongoDB, can go hand-in-hand with SQL on the back-end.
Server-Side Software
Back-end developers get process versions in server systems. You should be familiar with standard server software such as Apache, Nginx, Microsoft IIS, and Linux-based operating systems. You should know how web servers receive and handle requests for web pages on websites, how they store the data they get, and the basics of keeping them scalable and safe.
APIs
An API – an application programming interface – is a set of definitions and protocols that allows two applications (or pieces of software) to talk to and share data with each other. An API goes out and listens for incoming requests from another application, and then responds by carrying out that request (which could be requesting or modifying some chunk of data in the database of the other app). Every time you see one piece of software reused in another, APIs made it possible. Apps such as Facebook, YouTube, Google and Spotify make tons of their data available through public APIs.
There are plenty of APIs in existence today, the most prominent of which are REST APIs. If you want to be a web developer, you’ll need to have a working knowledge of REST APIs (and possibly SOAP ones), a technology that ties together not only different applications owned by different vendors, but also individual back-end services.
Data Structures and Algorithms
In contrast to other, more concrete technologies that will be discussed below, data structures and algorithms are highly conceptual but still incredibly important. A competent back-end developer must have a decent understanding of these areas to perform his or her job, which is why they appear in the academic curriculum of computer science.
Making a picture in the mind: a data structure is a pattern we use in a computer to organise data. The above examples were arrays, linked lists, trees, and tries; hash tables, heaps, stacks, and queues – the back-end developer will run into most or all of these at some point in their career.
Broadly, an algorithm is a defined process to solve a problem. Every back-end developer is familiar with the foundational algorithms of computer software: you’ll use some form of sorting algorithm; you’ll write some kind of search algorithm for searching texts or databases; you’ll parse and compare strings; you’ll hash stuff to make comparisons between string lengths easier; you’ll use recursive algorithms, or code that’s essentially a textual expression of how a function repeats itself.
Other Important Skills
There is also much more that you can learn in the domain of back-end programming than just those core skills, as listed above. Here are some more skills that you will find useful as a back-end programmer:
- Experience with a version control system — likely Git, as well as familiarity with GitHub
- Knowledge of orexperience with server management
- Communication skills, and an ability to explain complex technical topics to non-experts
- Time management skills, as you’ll likely be balancing several responsibilities at once
- Understanding of cloud computing and hosting
- Understanding web accessibility best practices
- Understanding cybersecurity best practices
Where is PHP used?
WordPress: The Website Warlock
- Once upon a byte, PHP conjured WordPress, the magical platform where websites spring to life with a couple of clicks.
Facebook: The Social Spellcaster
- Believe it or not, the social giant Facebook began its journey swiping right to PHP, casting status and friend request spells.
MailChimp: The Email Enchanter
- In the mystical land of email marketing, PHP brews the potion of communication in the cauldrons of MailChimp.
Wikipedia: The Digital Oracle
- Guardian of knowledge, Wikipedia, trusts PHP to uphold its vast library of secrets, always ready for your curious incantations.
PHP Alternatives
Node.js
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to execute JavaScript code server-side, making it possible to use JavaScript for full-stack development.
// Simple Node.js server
const http = require('http');
const hostname = '127.0.0.1';
const port = 3000;
const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
res.statusCode = 200;
res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
res.end('Hello World\n');
});
server.listen(port, hostname, () => {
console.log(`Server running at http://${hostname}:${port}/`);
});
- Non-blocking I/O enables high throughput
- Unified programming language (JavaScript) for client and server side
- Vast npm ecosystem with numerous packages
- Callback-heavy "hell" can lead to complex code
- Heavy computational tasks can block the event loop
- API is not as stable as in more mature back-end languages
Python with Django
Django is a high-level Python Web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. It's known for its ease of use and a "batteries-included" philosophy.
# Simple Django view
from django.http import HttpResponse
def index(request):
return HttpResponse("Hello, world. You're at the polls index.")
- High-level framework streamlines web development
- Strong emphasis on reusability and "pluggability" of components
- ORM for database abstraction
- Can be slower for performance-intensive tasks
- Monolithic framework can be overkill for small projects
- URL routing can be tricky for beginners
Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails, or just Rails, is a server-side web application framework written in Ruby under the MIT License. Rails is a model-view-controller (MVC) framework, providing default structures for a database, a web service, and web pages.
# Simple Rails controller
class WelcomeController < ApplicationController
def index
render html: "Hello, world!"
end
end
- Convention over configuration reduces setup time
- Integrated testing tools enhance reliability
- Active community and gem ecosystem
- Can be seen as too magical for beginners
- Boot speed and runtime performance may be slower
- Less favorable for microservice architecture
Quick Facts about PHP
PHP: A Scripting Saga Begins
Picture it: 1994, the interwebs were still a gangly teenager, and along comes Rasmus Lerdorf. This guy wasn't planning to change the digital world, mind you — he just wanted to track visits to his online resume (talk about self-promotion!). Thus, he birthed "Personal Home Page/Forms Interpreter" or PHP/FI. Who knew that his little script baby would grow up to power a huge chunk of the web, including a juggernaut we call Facebook?
Version Schmersion: PHP Evolves
Fast forward a bit, and PHP's hitting version milestones faster than a toddler learns new words. PHP 3 comes out in 1997, and suddenly everyone's like, "Wait, we can use this for serious stuff?" Then the pivotal PHP 4 arrives in 2000 with the Zend Engine strapped to its back, giving it a nitro boost in speed and reliability. The weird part? Each major version seems to hang around longer than those leftovers in the back of your fridge. I'm looking at you, PHP 5.
From Rasmus with Love: PHP's Handy Gift to Coders
<?php
// PHP letting you slip in and out of HTML like a ninja
echo "<p>Hello, sneakily embedded code!</p>";
?>
This right here is a slice of PHP's party trick — seamlessly jumping in and out of HTML. Early on, Rasmus gifted programmers something akin to a Swiss Army knife in web development. You could churn out dynamic web pages without breaking a sweat. Crank out an echo statement here, mix in some HTML there, and voilà! You've got yourself a website that does the cha-cha.
What is the difference between Junior, Middle, Senior and Expert PHP developer?
| Seniority Name | Years of Experience | Average Salary (USD/year) | Responsibilities & Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior PHP Developer | 0-2 | $40,000 - $60,000 |
|
| Middle PHP Developer | 2-4 | $60,000 - $80,000 |
|
| Senior PHP Developer | 4-6 | $80,000 - $110,000 |
|
| Expert/Team Lead | 6+ | $110,000+ |
|
Top 10 PHP Related Tech
Plain Old PHP
Kicking it off with the grandmaster of backend shenanigans, PHP itself. It's like that old pair of jeans you can’t seem to throw out – it always gets the job done, even if it's not the flashiest in the drawer. PHP continues its reign by powering a substantial chunk of the web, including that one site you swear you only use for cat videos. Remember, semicolons are your best pals here; forget them, and your code will throw more tantrums than a toddler denied candy.
<?php
echo "Hello, World!";
?>
Laravel
Laravel is like a Swiss Army knife for web developers – a tool that’s ready to save the day when you need elegant solutions to complex problems. It's a full-stack framework that brings PHP development into the modern age with an expressive syntax that's music to a coder's ears. Plus, it's got your back with built-in features for security, mail, and even broadcasting events. Artisan Console is its trusty sidekick, automating your repetitive tasks so you can instead focus on inventing a coffee cup that never lets your drink go cold.
Route::get('/', function () {
return view('welcome');
});
Composer
Composer is the magical package manager for PHP that will manage your project's dependencies so you don't have to. Think of it as a personal shopping assistant that not only knows exactly what your project craves but also remembers to check for updates at the checkout. It'll pull in all the necessary libraries while you kick back and bask in the glory of optimized autoloaders.
composer require vendor/package
Symfony
Step aside, Marvel Cinematic Universe; the real hero in town is Symfony with its collection of reusable PHP components. This framework is all the rage for developers who like to mix and match – delivering a tailored experience for your web project. Batten down the hatches and prepare for a stampede of features including Twig, a templating engine so sleek, your HTML will be donning a tuxedo.
$this->render('hello.html.twig', ['name' => 'Fabien']);
PHPUnit
They say you should never trust a skinny chef or an untested application. PHPUnit is like your code’s personal fitness trainer, pushing it to the limits and ensuring your PHP muscles flex without a glitch in sight. Write tests to catch those sneaky bugs before they catch you because debugging at 3 AM is as fun as stepping on LEGOs without shoes.
class StackTest extends TestCase
{
public function testPushAndPop()
{
// Your test code here
}
}
Xdebug
Xdebug is the Sherlock Holmes of PHP debugging, giving you the eagle eyes to spot the 'whodunnits' in your code. This powerful extension allows you to step through your code meticulously, like a cat stalking its laser-pointed prey, and unearth the most elusive of bugs like a truffle pig in a French orchard.PHPStorm
Forget Thor's hammer or Wonder Woman's lasso – PHPStorm is the ultimate weapon for PHP developers. It's an IDE that understands your code better than you understand the plot of "Inception." Autocomplete, refactoring, and a debug mode so potent, you may find yourself developing feelings of affection towards your IDE.Git
Git is not strictly PHP, but that doesn't stop it from being the time-traveling DeLorean for your code. This version control system lets you hop between different versions of your project faster than Marty McFly can say "Great Scott!" Your "oopsie-daisy" moments just turned into "no problemo!" with the ability to branch, merge, and commit faster than a speeding bullet.
git commit -m "Fixed the flux capacitor"
APIs Galore
Need to fetch data like a golden retriever after a tennis ball? APIs are your best buddy. Guzzle – an extensible PHP HTTP client – makes sending requests and wrangling responses as joyful as a walk in the park. Pair it with RESTful APIs, and you'll be exchanging data like Pokémon cards in a schoolyard.Docker
Docker is like the Tupperware for your app – a container system that keeps everything neat, tidy, and fresh. No more "works on my machine" excuses! Package up your environment into neat little containers that can be shipped and run anywhere, from the tempestuous seas of testing to the tranquil waters of production.