The internet is a network of 1.7 billion websites with 4.5 billion daily active users. These websites are composed of even billions more of webpages. What makes these web pages possible is HTML and another programming language called PHP. 

How Do I Hire a PHP Developer?

PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor. It’s a programming language used on the server-side to manage content and existing databases or even build complete websites. On a more technical definition, it is what precedes HTML in a server. PHP helps servers understand and execute HTML, while the latter is what helps a web page display information to the user. 

What do PHP Developers do?

PHP Developers help a client or a company set up their website by writing, testing, and maintaining code. They may be involved with a team of web developers to achieve the completion of a website. 

PHP developers use various tools, not only coding programs, to build the prerequisite components for a website. PHP developers can also be called backend web developers, working with front-end web developers to integrate the website with the application. 

How many PHP Developers are there? (and other statistics)

There are over 5 million PHP developers in the world, with all generally having the same capability to start and manage websites from scratch. This number increased in 2019, with over 6 million PHP developers actively seeking positions in the job market. PHP developers will still be in demand in the future – close to 80% of all websites are running based on PHP.

How much do PHP Developers Earn? 

PHP developers earn an average of $85,000. Depending on their experience, rates for PHP developers can be as low as $65,000 for entry-level applicants. Mid-level PHP developers earn around $100,000, while the highest earners can hit $120,000 annually. 

PHP developer’s salaries can vary depending on where they’re located. For example, entry-level PHP developers in the US earn about $80,000 annually, while the same level of PHP developers in India earns about a tenth, averaging at $7500 annually. 

Based on experience, PHP developers’ earnings vary. For individuals with more than 5 years of experience, earn more than the average of $80,000 annually. 

It also depends if the PHP developers work under contracts or if they’re freelancing. Freelance PHP developers earn higher than their contracted counterparts, earning 20% more which amounts to $96,000.

Recruiters from companies who are prioritizing reducing costs rather than maximizing efficiency will want to employ entry-level PHP developers. It does come with risks, and interviewers should establish strict systems to find out whether the candidate will be able to meet the requirements for the job. For newer companies, there’s more leeway for choosing candidates.

What Interview Questions Recruiters Should Ask a PHP Developer?

Recruiters who are hiring aspiring PHP developers can save time and energy by assessing which skills candidates already possess. A quick glance at their resumes should provide information on what experiences these candidates already have.

Recruiters aren’t necessarily required to have a background in PHP, but questions like “How would you explain PHP to someone who doesn’t know anything about websites?” measure their ability to look at a bigger picture.

An ability to simplify complex topics while still retaining the same level of logic is an important skill for anyone working in an organization, as most projects require collaboration and communication. This is expected as there is always the possibility of other staff lacking the necessary knowledge to comprehend complex technical jargon.

What Backgrounds Should Recruiters Consider?

Recruiters can ask about an applicant’s educational background. The most ideal candidates will have undergone training at universities with dedicated IT and software development programs. Candidates get the necessary on-the-job training experience while they spend their time at the academe, and give them knowledge of how the real-world working environment is.

Recruiters who interview individuals without the necessary educational background can focus instead on previous work experience. That’s where a portfolio becomes extremely useful. An individual with an extensive and proven track record will always be a more favorable candidate than one who doesn’t have. 

When looking at portfolios, recruiters should also consider what companies they’ve worked for, as obscure companies won’t really give much exposure for the candidate, unless recommendation letters are involved.

What is The Ideal PHP Developer’s Personality?

PHP developers are very similar to software architects, Java Developers, and pretty much anyone working with computers. They have INT- personalities based on the Myer-Briggs Type Indicators. PHP developers should be able to grasp abstract concepts easily, as they will be laying the foundation for websites using information based on the business’ needs and objectives. 

Although PHP developers (or software developers, in general) prefer working alone, they will eventually have to collaborate with several people so they’re all in the loop. Recruiters and interviewers should be able to see a pattern in a candidate’s responses – the latter would have to outline steps to solve a problem. A PHP developer will approach a problem using logic.

Aside from logical and analytical skills, the best PHP developers have persistence. PHP developers will write code for extended periods of time – it’s a mentally daunting task, but the ones who can stick out until project completion are the best candidates for the role.