Looking to create dynamic websites, gaming applications, customer relationship management systems and many more, to do so you need highly skilled PHP developers who are experts in PHP development.
With the help of this guide you will get valuable information on all the topics related to PHP developers and the cost factor related to hiring them.
Now, let us understand what PHP is.
What is PHP?
PHP, also known as “Hypertext Preprocessor” which is a widely used open source server-side scripting language primarily designed for web development. It was designed and created by a great Danish-Canadian engineer Rasmus Lerdorf in 1993 and ever since 1993 has been evolving constantly and has transformed into a powerful tool which is used to create dynamic and interactive web pages.
One of the key features of PHP is its ability to interact with databases allowing developers to build data-driven applications seamlessly. PHP also supports various database management systems, with MySQL being the most popular one. This allows developers to create, read, update and delete data stored in databases which enables the easy development of complex web applications such as content management systems (CMS), e-commerce platforms and social networking sites.
Now, let us look into some key features of PHP.
Key features of PHP
The key features of PHP is provided below –
Server-side Scripting
PHP was primarily created as a server-side scripting language which means it is used to generate dynamic content that is sent directly to the client’s web browser.
This allows the developers to create interactive web applications that can respond to user input in real-time.
Database Integration
PHP supports various database management systems, mainly MySQL.
This allows developers to create, read, update and delete data stored in databases which enables the easy development of complex web applications such as content management systems (CMS), e-commerce platforms and social networking sites.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
PHP is a cross platform development tool which is compatible with multiple operating systems, which includes Windows, MacOS and Linux.
It can run on various web servers such as Apache and Nginx, which provides flexibility in the deployment and development environments.
Open-Source
PHP is widely used open source scripting language meaning it is free and easy to use and hosts a large community of skilled developers who are constantly contributing to the ongoing development of PHP.
This results in a large collection of resources, libraries and frameworks allowing developers to use its functionalities easily.
Rich Ecosystem and Frameworks
PHP has vast library of frameworks such as Laravel, Symfony and CodeIgniter which streamlines the development process.
These frameworks provide pre-built modules and components which helps PHP developers to build applications more efficiently and with better structure. =
Security Features
PHP provides various in-built security features to help developers to create secure applications.
The community has taken various steps to ensure the applications are secure by providing guidelines and tools to avoid common vulnerabilities.
Now, after understanding the key features of PHP. Let us look into the skills required by a PHP developer.
What are the Skills Required by a PHP Developer?
The most important thing to keep in mind when hiring a PHP developer is to understand the skills a PHP developer must possess. Some essential skills which are required by a PHP developer are –
Proficiency in PHP
A PHP developer must be well versed in PHP language, which includes the syntax, data types, control structures and handling errors.
It is crucial that they must have familiarity with Object Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts in PHP as it allows developers to create reusable and maintainable codes.
With proper knowledge of PHP’s in-built functions and libraries the development process can be significantly sped up.
Knowledge of Web Technologies
A PHP developer must have a deep understanding in web technologies which include
- HTML – A PHP developer must be well versed in HTML to develop well-structured and semantic web pages.
- CSS – A skilled PHP developer must possess a deep knowledge in styling web pages, which include layout techniques such as Flexbox and Grid and the principles of responsive design.
- JavaScript – Proficient PHP developers are familiar with client side scripting to enhance user experience which includes DOM manipulation and AJAX for loading data.
Database Management
Proficiency in Database Management is vital for a skilled PHP developer, as most web applications rely on data storage. The key database management skill include –
- SQL – A skilled PHP developer must be able to write complex queries to retrieve, insert, update and delete data.
- Database Design – A proficient PHP developer must have a deep understanding of normalization, indexing and the relationship between different tables to create efficient database schemes.
- ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) – A PHP developer must possess familiarity with tools like Eloquent (in Laravel) that simplifies database interactions.
Frameworks and Libraries
A PHP developer must be well versed with various frameworks and libraries that can enhance a developer’s efficiency and frameworks provide a well-structured way to develop applications and they often come with in-built features such as routing, templating and authentication. Some key frameworks are –
- Laravel – PHP developers must have a deep understanding on the powerful features of Laravel like Eloquent ORM, Blade templating and Artisan CLI.
- Symfony – A PHP developer should possess proficiency in the robust framework such as symfony that emphasizes reusable components and follow the best practices.
Version Control Systems
Version Control is vital for managing code changes, especially in collaborative environments. Git is the most widely used system and PHP developers must be comfortable with –
- Basic commands – A PHP developer must be able to understand how to clone repositories, commit changes, push to remote repositories and should also be able to pull updates.
- Branching and Merging – Skilled PHP developers must know how to create branches for new features and must be able fix bugs and should also be able to merge changes back to the main codebase.
Understanding of MVC Architecture
The Model-View-Control architecture is a design pattern that separates an application into three interconnected components. PHP developers who have a deep understanding of MVC architecture are able to –
- Organize code – Keep business logic, user interface, and data management separate, making the codebase easier to maintain.
- Enhance Collaboration: Allow front-end and back-end developers to work independently on their respective components.
Communication and Collaboration
A php developer must have effective communication skills as it is vital for a successful project execution.
PHP developers should be able to –
- Collaborate with Team members – They should be able to work closely with designers, front-end developers and project managers to ensure that the project is created seamlessly.
- Communicate with team members – They should be able to communicate properly with other team members to properly finish the project in time.
These were some essential skills which are required by a PHP developer, now let us understand why there is a strong demand for PHP developers –
Why are PHP Developers in Demand?
Yet another important thing to keep in mind when hiring PHP developers is to understand why they are in demand.
The PHP developers are in demand due to the widespread use of PHP in web development, which are used in almost 80% of websites globally. PHP is used in various industries such as e-commerce, healthcare, and education which showcases the versatility of the scripting language.
PHP also offers a large variety of highly efficient frameworks that streamlines the development process which allows the developers to build applications seamlessly and efficiently. These frameworks utilizes the best practices and modern development methodologies which are attractive to employers.
As the businesses are continuously trying to enter the digital market the demand for PHP developers remains strong, particularly for those PHP developers who hold proper experience in popular frameworks and modern development practices. Many companies seek PHP developers for short-term projects, leading to numerous freelance opportunities which further heightens the demand for PHP developers.
PHP is continuously evolving, with new features and improvements being introduced in recent versions (like PHP 8.1), which keeps it relevant and modern. PHP adapts to current web development trends, such as server-less architecture and micro services, ensuring its relevance in the changing tech landscape which makes the demand for PHP developers everlasting.
Now, after understating why the PHP developers are in demand, let us look into some things to keep in mind when hiring PHP developers.
8 TIPS to Keep in Mind when Hiring Php Developers
Here, are 8 tips to keep in mind when hiring PHP developers –
Define clear job requirements
The most important tip to keep in mind when hiring PHP developers is to create a well-detailed job description that outlines the job requirements, the required skills, and your preferred qualifications.
Include the details about the different type of projects they might work on, the technologies they will use and your preferred level of experience required.
Clearly differentiate between essential and nice-to-have skills when choosing the perfect candidate for your project or company.
Assess Technical Skills
Yet another important tip to keep in mind when hiring PHP developers is to properly check their technical skills before hiring them.
Conduct coding assessments that require the candidates to solve problems related to PHP development, make use of platforms such as HackerRank or Codility that will help you in creating standardized tests.
Make sure to create assessments that mimic real-world tests that give you insight into their practical expertise.
Evaluate Framework knowledge
Another important tip to keep in mind when hiring PHP developers is to evaluate their knowledge in relevant frameworks related to PHP.
Make sure to check their experience with popular PHP frameworks, also inquire about specific projects where they have utilized these frameworks.
Discuss features of frameworks like Laravel (e.g., Eloquent ORM, Blade templating) or Symfony (e.g., service container, routing) to gauge their depth of knowledge.
Check Database Skills
Another important tip to keep in mind when hiring PHP developers is to check their proficiency in database skills.
Check their skill to write to write complex SQL queries, ask them to optimize a given query or how they would design a database for a specific application.
Question them about their experience with DBMS tools such as MySQL and their understanding of different concepts.
Check Problem Solving Abillities
Yet another important tip to keep in mind when hiring PHP developers is to check their ability in problem solving.
Provide the candidates with hypothetical scenarios that require problem-solving, such as how they would handle a performance issue in a web application or how they would debug a specific error.
Evaluate their thought process and approach to problem-solving, also look for candidates who can widen their reasoning and consider multiple solutions or approaches to the problem in hand.
Assess Soft Skills
Another important or vital tip to keep in mind when hiring PHP developers is to assess their soft skills.
Evaluate their ability to explain technical concepts in simple terms. This is especially important when working with non-technical team-members.
Question them about their experience of working in teams, how they handle conflicts, and their approach to giving and receiving feedback. Look for candidates who demonstrate reasonability and adaptability in different scenarios.
Cultural Fit
Another vital tip to keep in mind when hiring PHP developers is to check if they can adjust to the cultural environment of the company.
Clearly communicate your company’s values and culture during the interview process. Ask candidates how they align with these values and what kind of work environment they are well suited to work in.
Consider how the candidate’s personality and work style will fit within the existing team. You can even involve team members in the interview process to assess their communication and collaborative skills.
Review Past Work & References
The final and a crucial tip to keep in mind when hiring PHP developers is to check their past work experiences and references given by past employers.
Request candidates to provide a portfolio of their work, including links to projects. This provides solid evidence of their skills and experience.
Contact references to gain insights into the candidate’s work ethic, reliability, and ability to meet deadlines. Ask specific questions about their technical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
These are 8 vital tips to keep in mind when hiring PHP developers. Now, let us look into the cost to hire PHP developers.
Cost To Hire PHP Developers
The cost to hire PHP developers has various factors to it. The table provided below summarizes the cost factor –
| Employment Type | Experience Level | Location | Estimated Cost (Annual/Hourly) |
| Full-Time | Junior | North America | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Europe | $30,000 – $50,000 | ||
| Asia (e.g., India) | $10,000 – $25,000 | ||
| Latin America | $20,000 – $40,000 | ||
| Full-Time | Mid-Level | North America | $70,000 – $100,000 |
| Europe | $50,000 – $80,000 | ||
| Asia (e.g., India) | $25,000 – $50,000 | ||
| Latin America | $40,000 – $60,000 | ||
| Full-Time | Senior | North America | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| Europe | $80,000 – $120,000 | ||
| Asia (e.g., India) | $50,000 – $80,000 | ||
| Latin America | $60,000 – $90,000 | ||
| Part Time | Junior | North America | $25 – $40 per hour |
| Europe | $15 – $30 per hour | ||
| Asia (e.g., India) | $5 – $15 per hour | ||
| Latin America | $10 – $20 per hour | ||
| Part Time | Mid-Level | North America | $40 – $70 per hour |
| Europe | $30 – $50 per hour | ||
| Asia (e.g., India) | $15 – $30 per hour | ||
| Latin America | $20 – $35 per hour | ||
| Part Time | Senior | North America | $70 – $120 per hour |
| Europe | $50 – $80 per hour | ||
| Asia (e.g., India) | $30 – $50 per hour | ||
| Latin America | $35 – $60 per hour | ||
| Freelance | Junior | North America | $20 – $50 per hour |
| Europe | $15 – $40 per hour | ||
| Asia (e.g., India) | $5 – $20 per hour | ||
| Latin America | $10 – $30 per hour | ||
| Freelance | Mid-Level | North America | $50 – $100 per hour |
| Europe | $30 – $70 per hour | ||
| Asia (e.g., India) | $15 – $40 per hour | ||
| Latin America | $20 – $50 per hour | ||
| Freelance | Senior | North America | $100 – $200 per hour |
| Europe | $70 – $120 per hour | ||
| Asia (e.g., India) | $40 – $80 per hour | ||
| Latin America | $50 – $100 per hour |
Now, after understanding the cost to hire PHP developers, let us find out where to find the best PHP developers.
Where to find the Best PHP developers?
The table below provides the summarizes where to find the best PHP developers –
| Platform/Resource | Description | Advantages |
| A professional networking site where you can post jobs and search for candidates. | Large pool of professionals; advanced search filters. | |
| Indeed | A popular job board for posting job listings and searching resumes. | Wide reach; user-friendly interface. |
| Glassdoor | A job board that also provides company reviews and salary information. | Insight into company culture; attracts quality candidates. |
| Upwork | A platform for hiring freelancers across various fields, including PHP development. | Access to a global talent pool; flexible hiring options. |
| Freelancer | Similar to Upwork, it allows you to post projects and receive bids from freelancers. | Competitive pricing; diverse skill sets available. |
| Toptal | A platform that connects businesses with top freelancers in tech and design. | Rigorous vetting process; high-quality talent. |
| Many developers share their work and insights on Twitter; you can find talent through hashtags. | Real-time engagement; discover developers’ expertise. | |
| GitHub | A platform for developers to showcase their work and collaborate on projects. | Access to open-source projects; evaluate coding skills. |
| Facebook Groups | Various groups dedicated to PHP development where you can post job openings. | Targeted audience; community engagement. |
| Local Tech Meetups | Community meetups focused on PHP and web development. | Personal connections; potential candidates may attend. |
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Along with eBizneeds kick start your dream PHP web development process and transform it into reality. Our PHP web developers are expert in all the fundamental languages related to PHP web development and will make the development process of your app stress-free.
We have proficient PHP developers who are extremely skilled in all the relevant web technologies related to PHP and related frameworks which will make your experience with us seamless and streamline it to success.
Conclusion
Take into account all the skills which are essential for a PHP developer and understand why these PHP developers are in demand.
Properly define your job requirements, assess their technical skills and make sure to check their soft skills to find the perfect fit for your project or organization.
Understand the cost to hire PHP developers and research all the best places to find skilled PHP developers.
FAQs
Look for proficiency in PHP, experience with frameworks (like Laravel), database management skills, and familiarity with web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
Costs vary by experience and location, ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 annually or $5 to $200 per hour for freelance work.
You can find PHP developers on job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed), freelance platforms (Upwork, Freelancer), and developer communities (GitHub, local meetups).
Essential skills include PHP proficiency, knowledge of web technologies, database management, experience with frameworks, and understanding of MVC architecture.
PHP developers are in demand due to the widespread use of PHP in web development, its versatility across industries, and the continuous evolution of the language and its frameworks.
Naveen Khanna is the CEO of eBizneeds, a company renowned for its bespoke web and mobile app development. By delivering high-end modern solutions all over the globe, Naveen takes pleasure in sharing his rich experiences and views on emerging technological trends. He has worked in many domains, from education, entertainment, banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate, sharing rich experience in delivering innovative solutions.
