Build the engines that power applications — APIs, databases, and server infrastructure that handle millions of requests.
$55K-$80K
0-2 years
Build API endpoints, write database queries, learn about server-side development.
At the entry level, focus on building strong foundations in Python/Java/Node.js, SQL/PostgreSQL, REST APIs. Understand the fundamentals deeply before moving to advanced topics. Build API endpoints, write database queries, learn about server-side development.
To advance from Junior Backend Developer to Backend Developer, you need to demonstrate mastery of Python/Java/Node.js, SQL/PostgreSQL, REST APIs and start developing skills in Microservices, Message Queues. Take on stretch assignments, seek mentorship, and build a track record of consistent delivery.
$80K-$130K
2-5 years
Design scalable services, optimize databases, build reliable backend systems.
At the mid level, focus on building strong foundations in Microservices, Message Queues, Caching (Redis). Deepen your expertise and start developing leadership skills. Design scalable services, optimize databases, build reliable backend systems.
To advance from Backend Developer to Senior Backend Developer, you need to demonstrate mastery of Microservices, Message Queues, Caching (Redis) and start developing skills in Distributed Systems, System Design. Take on stretch assignments, seek mentorship, and build a track record of consistent delivery.
$130K-$180K
5-8 years
Architect backend systems, handle scale challenges, mentor the team.
At the senior level, focus on building strong foundations in Distributed Systems, System Design, Performance at Scale. Deepen your expertise and start developing leadership skills. Architect backend systems, handle scale challenges, mentor the team.
To advance from Senior Backend Developer to Backend Architect / Principal Engineer, you need to demonstrate mastery of Distributed Systems, System Design, Performance at Scale and start developing skills in Platform Architecture, Technical Strategy. Take on stretch assignments, seek mentorship, and build a track record of consistent delivery.
$180K-$270K+
8+ years
Define platform strategy, design org-wide backend infrastructure.
At the lead level, focus on building strong foundations in Platform Architecture, Technical Strategy, Cross-team Systems. Deepen your expertise and start developing leadership skills. Define platform strategy, design org-wide backend infrastructure.
Uphold Inc.
About Uphold Uphold is a financial technology company that believes on-chain services are the future of finance. It provides modern infrastructure for on-chain payments, banking, and investments....
Included Health
We are seeking a Backend Software Engineer to join our growing Engineering team to help develop our internal suite of products in a fast, accessible, and intuitive way. You will closely partner with...
Thumbtack
Thumbtack helps millions of people confidently care for their homes. Thumbtack is the one app you need to take care of and improve your home — from personalized guidance to AI tools and a...
Abnormal
Abnormal Security is seeking a Full Stack Software Engineer II to join our innovative team, working across the Messaging Security Products (MSP) division, including the Threat Visibility and...
Key skills for Junior Backend Developer (0-2 years): Python/Java/Node.js, SQL/PostgreSQL, REST APIs, Git, Linux basics, Basic Authentication. Build API endpoints, write database queries, learn about server-side development.
Key skills for Backend Developer (2-5 years): Microservices, Message Queues, Caching (Redis), Docker, Database Optimization, API Security. Design scalable services, optimize databases, build reliable backend systems.
Key skills for Senior Backend Developer (5-8 years): Distributed Systems, System Design, Performance at Scale, Event-Driven Architecture, Database Sharding, Observability. Architect backend systems, handle scale challenges, mentor the team.
Key skills for Backend Architect / Principal Engineer (8+ years): Platform Architecture, Technical Strategy, Cross-team Systems, Innovation Leadership. Define platform strategy, design org-wide backend infrastructure.
Backend Developer salaries range from $55K-$80K at entry level to $180K-$270K+ at the Lead level.