Back-End Developer
Build the servers, databases and APIs that power apps behind the scenes.
This UK back-end developer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £32,000 - £45,000
- Mid-career salary
- £55,000 - £85,000
- Senior salary
- £90,000 - £140,000+
- Work environment
- Office or remote, deep focus work
- Time to entry
- 1 - 3 years
- Degree required
- Helpful (CS) but bootcamps + portfolio also work
- Category
- Technology
What a Back-End Developer does
Build the servers, databases and APIs that power apps behind the scenes.
- API Engineer - Design and build the APIs other engineers and clients depend on.
- Platform Engineer - Build the internal tools and infra other developers use.
How to become a Back-End Developer
- Look up Back-End Developer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Back-End Developer - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Node, Python, Go or Java
- SQL and databases
- API design
- System design
- Testing