Hire PHP developers

FatCat Remote uses advanced AI and expert human screening to match you with remote PHP developers. You focus on project — we handle recruiting, contracts, payments, and employee management.

Guaranteed fit: 30-day trial on every hire

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Hire remote PHP developers

Choose and hire PHP developer based on your needs and requirements.

  • Dejan Velimirovic

    Full-Stack Software Developer

    Dejan Velimirovic
    Available immediately
    Dejan is an experienced software architect and developer with over 19 years of experience in web technologies. He excels in product development across healthcare, finance, and SaaS solutions, and has led complex software architecture projects. Dejan is a great fit for you if you seek a highly adaptable, versatile engineer and architect with DevOps expertise.

    Previously at

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  • Milena Brankovic

    Fullstack Developer

    Milena Brankovic – Image
    Available immediately
    Looking for a developer who delivers results fast? Milena, with over 5 years of experience and expertise in Ruby on Rails, ReactJS, and NodeJS, is the perfect fit. She's transformed projects like Calendly and FoxVision, combining speed, skill, and dedication to drive success.

    Previously at

    Calendly Testimonial Logo - FatCat Remote
  • Aleksa Stevic

    Full-Stack Developer

    Aleksa Stevic
    Available immediately
    In over 5+ years of experience in FatCat Remote, Aleksa has shown both strong self-management and teamwork. His extensive experience encompasses both teamleading and individual projects. He is an ideal addition to your team if you are looking for versatility along with a commitment to high code quality and creative solutions.

    Previously at

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  • Nemanja Milićević

    Data Scientist

    Nemanja Milićević - Data Analyst in Serbia, Europe | FatCat Remote
    Available immediately
    With over 4 years of experience in the scholarly publishing industry, natural sciences, and health insurance, Nemanja brings a wealth of expertise to any team. His analytical skills and industry knowledge allow him to provide valuable insights and drive data-driven decision-making. By adding Nemanja to your team, you’ll be equipped with a seasoned data expert who can help you navigate complex datasets and deliver impactful results.
  • Aleksandar Nikolic

    iOS Developer

    Aleksandar Nikolic – Profile Image
    Available immediately
    Seniority verified on Apr 16, 2024
    Aleksandar brings over 11 years of experience in mobile technologies, making "mobile development" his second name. With a focus on Swift and iOS, and backed by a versatile tech stack and engineering background, he's the ideal choice if you need smooth, efficient mobile development combined with adaptability.

    Previously at

    Calendly Testimonial Logo - FatCat Remote

How to hire remote PHP developers?

Experience our in-house-like model and hire proven PHP developer in just 4 steps!

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Tell us what you need

Share the roles, skills, experience and engagement type you're looking for. We’ll use this to match you with talent who truly fit your needs.

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Get matched with vetted talent

We handpick top candidates who are pre-vetted for technical skills, remote readiness, and who meet the requirements you set.

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Interview & choose your match

Review candidate profiles, ask questions, or schedule interviews. You stay in control of the final decision.

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Start working, risk-free

Once you’re ready, kick off the collaboration. With our Managed Hire full-time model, you get a 30-day risk-free trial.

Why hire PHP developer via FatCat Remote

Fast & accurate matching

We’ll match you with vetted PHP developer that suits your requirements. It typically takes 2 working days, allowing you to focus on growth instead of hiring.

Vetted experts

Our rigorous vetting process combines Advanced AI assessments with expert human evaluation to ensure only top talent makes it through.

Anytime replacement

Our 30-day trial lets you work with experts before a longer-term commitment. Plus, cancel or replace the talent anytime without fee.

Talent management

We handle everything from contracts and compliance to payments and performance tracking, allowing you to focus on your project.

Hiring the Best PHP Developers in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking to hire PHP developers or hire remote PHP developers in 2025, you're not alone. PHP remains a powerful backend language that powers over 75% of the web—including major platforms like WordPress, Magento, and Laravel-based applications. Whether you're launching an e-commerce platform or need custom backend APIs, this guide will help you attract, evaluate, and hire top-tier PHP talent.

1. Why Hire PHP Developers?

PHP continues to be a go-to backend technology for startups and enterprises alike due to its flexibility, speed of development, and vast ecosystem. It’s ideal for projects that require fast iteration, CMS customization, or scalable web solutions.

Common Business Use Cases For PHP

  • Web Applications: Secure and scalable apps built with Laravel or Symfony.

  • E-Commerce: Magento, WooCommerce, and other PHP-based platforms.

  • Content Management Systems: Custom WordPress solutions.

  • APIs and Backend Services: Fast backend solutions using RESTful APIs.

Hiring skilled PHP developers can significantly reduce time-to-market, improve code maintainability, and increase overall software stability.

Keywords to remember: hire PHP developers, remote PHP developers, PHP developer for hire.

2. Understanding the PHP Developer Role

What Does a PHP Developer Do?

PHP developers write, test, and maintain server-side code. Their tasks may range from integrating databases and building APIs to customizing CMS platforms or working on microservices architecture. A great PHP developer will also understand front-end basics, DevOps workflows, and security best practices.

Common Roles

  • Backend Developer (PHP): API development, REST integrations, security.

  • CMS Developer: WordPress, Drupal, Joomla.

  • E-commerce Developer: Magento, WooCommerce.

Experience Levels

LevelExperienceCore ResponsibilitiesAutonomy

Junior PHP Developer

  • 0-2 years

  • Assist in coding tasks, bug fixes, and basic features.

  • Requires supervision.

Mid-Level PHP Developer

  • 2-5 years

  • Develop features, manage databases, follow MVC architecture.

  • Moderate independence.

Senior PHP Developer

  • 5+ years

  • Lead architecture, mentor juniors, ensure scalability/security.

  • Operates autonomously.

3. Must-Have Technical PHP Skills

Before you hire a PHP developer, ensure they possess the right mix of hard and soft skills for your tech stack and team culture.

Core PHP Language Knowledge

PHP developers must have a solid grasp of the PHP syntax, functions, error handling, and object-oriented programming (OOP). Familiarity with newer versions (PHP 8+) is a strong indicator of up-to-date knowledge. Discover how PHP 8 is enhancing web development efficiency.

PHP Frameworks

  • Laravel: The most popular modern PHP framework that offers elegant syntax, built-in security, and great community support. It's ideal for building scalable and well-structured web applications.

  • Symfony: Known for flexibility and robustness, ideal for enterprise-grade applications with complex architecture needs.

  • CodeIgniter: A lightweight and fast PHP framework that’s great for simple, performance-focused applications.

PHP Tools

  • Composer: The dependency manager for PHP projects. It helps developers handle external packages and libraries efficiently.

  • Xdebug: A powerful tool for step-debugging and performance profiling. It helps developers identify bottlenecks and logic errors.

  • PHPUnit: A testing framework that ensures high-quality, test-driven development practices in PHP environments.

PHP Libraries

  • Monolog: A logging library that integrates with most frameworks. It enables centralized logging for better observability.

  • Guzzle: A robust HTTP client for PHP, used for API integrations and web service communication.

Testing and Debugging

Developers should be comfortable writing unit, integration, and functional tests using PHPUnit. Debugging with tools like Xdebug helps track down issues and optimize performance before deployment.

Version Control

Knowledge of Git is critical. Developers should understand branching strategies, pull request workflows, and version control best practices for collaborative development.

Soft Skills

  • Communication: Ability to articulate technical solutions to non-technical stakeholders.

  • Problem Solving: Creative approach to solving bugs and system design challenges.

  • Teamwork: Collaborative mindset that contributes to team success.

  • Accountability: Owns outcomes and handles feedback professionally.

  • Adaptability: Willingness to embrace changing tools and project scopes.

👉 Read more:

4. Freelance vs. Full-Time vs. Agency: Which Hiring Model Works?

Choosing the right hiring model depends on your project size, urgency, and budget.

PHP Freelancer

  • ✅ Flexible and affordable.

  • ❌ May lack long-term commitment or structured delivery.

Full-Time PHP Developer

  • ✅ Deep product knowledge, cultural alignment.

  • ❌ Slower hiring cycle, higher HR/legal burden.

PHP Developer hired from FatCat Remote

  • ✅ Vetted developers, rapid matching, legal/admin taken care of, and 30-day trial.

  • ❌ CET; UTC+01:00 timezone

Use Case Guide:

  • Short MVP or side projects → Freelancers.

  • Scaling tech team or long-term product → Full-time or FatCat Remote.

  • Urgent need for pre-vetted talent → FatCat Remote.

5. Where to Find PHP Developers

Take a look at the best sites to find and hire PHP Developers:

Hiring Platforms

The best platforms for hiring reliable freelance PHP programmers in 2025 are those that combine a large talent pool with strong vetting processes and transparent client reviews. Here are the top options, each with distinct strengths: Toptal, FatCat Remote, Fiverr.

LinkedIn, GitHub

Best for mid to long-term contracts

Stack Overflow

Developer-focused job listings

PHP.org/Jobs

Niche community with PHP specialists

Pro Tips:

  • Attend PHP conferences and meetups.

  • Ask for referrals from devs in your network.

  • Look at active contributors on GitHub or Stack Overflow.

6. Screening & Interviewing PHP Developers

Go beyond resumes by testing both real-world coding and communication.

Technical Questions

  1. What are the differences between Laravel and Symfony?

  2. How does PHP handle memory management?

  3. How do you implement security measures (e.g., SQL injection prevention)?

  4. Can you explain MVC architecture in PHP?

  5. What is the role of Composer in a PHP project?

Soft Skills Questions

  1. How do you explain technical issues to non-technical stakeholders?

  2. Describe a time you disagreed with a teammate—how was it resolved?

  3. How do you prioritize tasks under pressure?

Situational Questions

  1. How would you debug a critical issue on a live server?

  2. A client asks for an urgent last-minute feature—how do you respond?

  3. You’re blocked waiting for a third-party API. What’s your process?

📘 Must-read:

7. PHP Developer Salaries in 2025

In 2025, PHP developer salaries vary by country, experience, and sector. Here are the latest figures from major markets:

United States

  • Average annual salary: $102,000–$107,000

  • Hourly rate: $59–$120

  • Typical range: $83,000 (25th percentile) to $115,500 (75th percentile)

  • Top earners (90th percentile): Up to $131,000–$136,000

  • Entry-level: $82,500

  • Experienced: Up to $133,938

United Kingdom

  • Median annual salary: £42,500

  • Range: £25,000 (10th percentile) to £68,250 (90th percentile)

  • London salaries are typically higher than the national median

Serbia

  • Average annual salary: 30,000 EUR for full-time mid to senior full time employees

  • Hourly rate: $40–$70

Key factors influencing salary include experience, location, company size, and specialization in frameworks. US salaries remain among the highest globally, with Western Europe and tech-focused regions following closely.

Read more about Software Developer Hourly Rates Comparison

8. Why Hire PHP Developers With FatCat Remote

Hiring with FatCat Remote means skipping the hassle and getting reliable results fast. You can hire PHP developers with a trial and in couple of days.

Why Teams Choose Us:

  • 48-hour developer matching

  • Vetted medior/senior developers only

  • 30-day trial

  • Full legal/admin support for global hiring

  • Flexible team scaling—no long-term lock-in

FatCat Remote is trusted by tech startups and growing product teams that can’t afford hiring mistakes.

Ready to hire? Talk to FatCat Remote and scale your dev team risk-free.

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Why wait? Hire PHP developers now!

Our work-proven PHP developers are ready to join your remote team today. Choose the one that fits your needs and start a 30-day trial.

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FAQ

Have a question?

Read answers to the most common questions about hiring PHP developers.

The cost to hire a PHP developer can vary based on several factors, such as their experience, location, and the complexity of your project. FatCat Remote offers flexible pricing options tailored to your needs, ensuring you get top-quality talent without breaking the bank.

PHP is still widely used, particularly for web development. It powers a significant portion of the web, including popular content management systems like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. Despite the rise of newer languages and frameworks, PHP remains a dominant server-side language, with around 77.5% of websites using it. Its ease of use, extensive libraries, and strong community support contribute to its continued popularity, especially for developing dynamic websites and applications.

At FatCat Remote, we make the process of hiring a skilled PHP developer seamless and efficient. Here’s how you can hire the right talent:

  1. Consult with our team: Start by reaching out to our team to discuss your specific requirements. Whether you need a developer for a short-term project or a long-term position, we’ll understand your needs and match you with the best PHP developer for the job.

  2. Review developer profiles: We offer access to a wide pool of talented PHP developers. You can review detailed profiles, including their skillsets, experience, and past projects, to make sure they align with your project needs.

  3. Interview process: We handle the initial screening and interviews, ensuring that only qualified candidates reach you. You can also have direct interviews to assess their skills and fit for your team.

  4. Onboarding and integration: Once you've chosen your PHP developer, we assist in the onboarding process to ensure smooth integration with your existing team. We provide full support throughout the duration of the contract to make sure everything runs smoothly.

  5. Ongoing support: Even after your developer is on board, FatCat Remote continues to provide support to ensure you get the best results from your hired talent. We can help with any adjustments needed along the way.

Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on what matters most: getting your project done with the best PHP developer talent available.

Hiring PHP developers offers numerous advantages, including access to a widely adopted, cost-effective technology with a strong ecosystem of frameworks and resources. PHP powers major platforms like WordPress and is stable, well-documented, and supported by a large community. Its flexibility allows for the creation of a wide range of applications, and it integrates easily with APIs and third-party services, making it an ideal choice for reliable and scalable web development projects.

The 30-day trial period for hiring a PHP developer on FatCat Remote allows clients to test our service with minimal risk. During this trial, which lasts up to 160 working hours or 30 calendar days (whichever comes first), you have the flexibility to cancel the engagement or request a developer replacement without significant financial consequences. To cancel, you must provide a detailed written notice (via email) at least five working days before the cancellation date, outlining reasons for dissatisfaction such as unmet goals, technical issues, or poor communication.

Finding good PHP developers can be challenging due to several factors. Firstly, while PHP is widely used, it often lacks the same level of modern appeal as newer technologies, leading some developers to focus on more trendy languages and frameworks. Additionally, there’s a shortage of developers who are not only skilled in PHP but also experienced in using its various frameworks effectively. The demand for experienced PHP developers often exceeds supply, especially for more complex, enterprise-level projects. Moreover, as PHP evolves, developers need to continuously update their skills, but some may not stay current with the latest best practices and tools.

A PHP Software Developer is responsible for developing, testing, and maintaining web applications using PHP and related technologies. They work closely with project managers, designers, and other developers to build dynamic, user-friendly websites and applications that meet business needs.