Back End Developer in Edinburgh

What is a back end developer?

Back end developers are responsible for creating and maintaining technology at the back end of a website (the server, database and application). The attractive visuals created by designers, UX professionals and front end developers couldn’t exist without the technology provided by a back end developer.

Back end developer job description and responsibilities

A backend developer works alongside front end developers, full stack developers, programmers or UX specialists to create comprehensive digital solutions for business needs. They make sure the website is scalable and that it can still function when hit by large loads—be that traffic or demanding scripts. They are also tasked with maintaining and testing existing back end elements to ensure they’re as fast and efficient as possible. Data storage also comes under their remit, which requires them to have a good knowledge of data security and compliance.

Typical duties include:

Building and maintaining web applications

Assessing the efficiency and speed of current applications

Writing high-quality code

Managing hosting environments

QA testing

Troubleshooting and debugging

Keeping on top of new technologies

Back end developer qualifications, skills and experience

Back end developers should ideally have experience working in a back end environment. Employers will be looking for a minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s degree in a related subject, such as Computer Science.

Professionals should have some or most of the following skills and experience:

Fluent in scripting languages like Ruby, PHP, .Net, C# or Java

Experience with Ruby, Laravel, Django or Express frameworks

Experience with SQL, MySLQ and Oracle database systems

Version control, such as Git, CVS or SVN

Knowledge of SOAP and REST web services

Knowledge and experience with compliance and data security is also important, especially after the implementation of GDPR. Developers should also have some of the following personal qualities:

Good problem solving skills

High attention to detail

Good analytical thinking

Excellent communication

Ability to work well as part of a team

Looking for a back end developer or a back end developer job?

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Robert Half can assist you with your back end developer staffing needs.

Salary for Back End Developer in Edinburgh

52250 - 84750

25th percentile

52250

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

63000

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

84750

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications.

Projected salaries for related positions

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Head of AI

104500

182500

237750

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99250

108000

133000

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88250

104500

133500

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74250

87000

96000

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72750

107250

133500

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69500

87000

110250

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65250

81250

96500

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

58000

76250

104500

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47500

63750

76000

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98500

116000

150750

Fullstack Developer

50500

68500

89500

Front-End Developer

51500

65000

84750

Automation Manager

49250

58000

67250

Automation Consultant

40500

46500

53250

Robotic Process Automation Developer

43500

52250

61250

Robotic Process Automation Consultant

36000

41500

47000

Test Manager

51500

70000

90250

Applications Support

38250

55500

67000

Test Analyst/QA

32750

42750

59250

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The Salary Guide From Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.