Hire MERN Developers: Rates, Skills, and Tips to Succeed

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of web application development is an exhilarating journey, especially with powerful frameworks like the MERN stack stepping into the limelight. Imagine harnessing the prowess of MongoDB, ExpressJS, ReactJS, and NodeJS all together – it’s like having a superhero team of technologies! And guess what? An impressive 29% of web developers are already riding this wave, a figure that’s predicted to soar even higher.

The MERN stack, with its enticing blend of flexibility, versatility, and speed, is catching the attention of everyone and a lot of decision-makers want to hire MERN stack developers – from nimble start-ups taking their first steps, ambitious entrepreneurs looking to disrupt markets, to seasoned enterprises seeking to level up. And what does this mean for you? An increasing demand for MERN mavens, aka MERN developers, ready to turn your innovative ideas into robust web applications.

As ProCoders, we’re here to share our insights. This article cuts to the chase, focusing on what you need to know about hiring MERN stack experts: their rates, essential skills, and tips for a successful partnership. With us by your side, you’ll have access to teams of seasoned MERN developers, ready to deliver bespoke, scalable solutions for your business. Welcome to the MERN world with ProCoders!

Core MERN Stack Technologies

The MERN stack is made up of four core technologies:

– MongoDB: MongoDB is a NoSQL database that is used to store and manage data for web applications.

– ExpressJS: ExpressJS is a back-end web application framework for NodeJS that provides a set of features for building web applications, including routing, middleware, and templates.

– ReactJS: ReactJS is a popular front-end JavaScript library for building scalable, interactive, and fast user interfaces for web applications.

– NodeJS: NodeJS is a back-end JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to run JavaScript code outside of web browsers.

Together, these technologies provide a full-stack JavaScript solution for building web applications, making it a powerful and efficient stack for developers to use and to bring you a more in-depth view, we have created guides to help you choose tech stack for web app development and tech stack for your startup.

Why Choose MERN Technology Stack?

We at ProCoders are not the only ones having a good time enjoying the MERN tech stack. It has become a favoured choice among developers and businesses looking to build scalable and efficient web applications, and it’s not hard to see why.

One of the standout features of the MERN stack is its excellent scalability, a property that allows a system to handle a growing amount of work efficiently. This characteristic is critical for adapting to the evolving needs of web applications. For example, when we worked with FrontEgg, an Israeli SaaS startup, we needed to rapidly scale up the software system to accommodate a surge in user requests and data volume. Thanks to the scalability offered by the MERN stack, we could smoothly manage this increasing workload. In fact, we were able to accelerate the development of FrontEgg’s product features by 25%, demonstrating how scalability can directly impact product development speed.

The MERN stack’s popularity is also driven by its ability to speed up the development process by harnessing the power of JavaScript, This became particularly evident during our work with Quartz, a networking platform described as a “Tinder for Business”. They approached us with an existing project on a tight deadline. Drawing on the MERN stack’s speed and efficiency, we were able to quickly add multiple features to Quartz’s platform, including functionalities for viewing and commenting on presentations, exploring projects, and a rewards system.

In addition, the MERN stack boasts a vibrant, active community of developers which we are a part of and our experts try to share their insights and help fellow developers where possible. This significant backing makes finding necessary support and resources a breeze, thereby simplifying the development process.

Finally, considering cost-effectiveness, the MERN stack is hard to beat. Rooted in open-source technologies, it offers a budget-friendly yet powerful solution for web application development. Throughout our collaborations, both FrontEgg and Quartz enjoyed significant cost benefits. For instance, with our help, FrontEgg saw a 38% decrease in human resource costs. 

All these reasons contribute to making the MERN stack a compelling choice for your development needs.

Services Provided By MERN Stack Developers

If you hire dedicated MERN stack programmers, they offer a range of services to build web applications and software solutions for businesses of all sizes. Here are some of the services provided by our MERN stack developers at ProCoders:

Enterprise Application Development

MERN stack developers can build enterprise-grade applications for businesses that require scalable, efficient, and secure solutions. These applications can include tools for project management, data analytics, CRM, HRM, and other business processes.

Web Application Development

MERN stack developers can build web applications using the latest technologies and agile development methodologies. They can create web applications for various industries, including healthcare, finance, retail, education, and more.

E-commerce Application Development

MERN stack developers can build e-commerce applications that offer a seamless shopping experience for customers. These applications can include features such as payment gateways, shopping carts, inventory management, and more.

Custom Software Development

MERN stack developers can build custom software solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses. These solutions can range from digital platforms to mobile applications, API development, and more.

Legacy Application Migration

MERN stack developers can help businesses migrate from legacy applications to modern web applications built on the MERN stack. This can result in faster, more efficient, and more scalable solutions.

Support and Maintenance

MERN stack developers can provide ongoing support and maintenance for web applications, ensuring that they work efficiently and securely. They can also provide regular updates, bug fixes, and performance optimizations to keep web applications up-to-date.

Skills the MERN Developers Should Possess

When you want to hire a dedicated MERN stack developer, an understanding of their essential skills is critical to ensure successful web application development. This not only includes proficiency in the individual technologies of the MERN stack – MongoDB, ExpressJS, ReactJS, and NodeJS – but also experience with software development and strong interpersonal skills.

Proficiency in JavaScript, the cornerstone of the MERN stack, is a prerequisite. Developers should demonstrate mastery over JavaScript’s core concepts, including variables, functions, loops, and operators.

Besides technical acumen, MERN developers should have robust experience with the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and various development methodologies like Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall. The ability to write clean, maintainable, and efficient code is paramount.

Lastly, excellent communication and teamwork skills are integral to a MERN developer’s role. Being able to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders, actively listen, and work towards shared project goals, are key to driving project success.

To summarize, when you want to hire a MERN app developer, it requires a holistic evaluation of their technical capabilities, development experience, and interpersonal skills, irrespective of their level of expertise.

MERN Stack Programmers Hiring Models

The process to hire MERN developers can be challenging due to the high demand for these skills in the industry. Here are some of the commonly used engagement models to hire MERN app developers:

Hiring Agencies

Hiring agencies can help you onboard full-time developers as part of your in-house team, offering you the benefits of a one-time commission payment instead of recurring monthly charges. These new team members would be completely immersed in your project and corporate culture, working exclusively for you.

However, one of the downsides of hiring agencies is that they primarily employ managers and recruiters with limited technical experience. Consequently, they can’t vouch for the technical skills of their candidates by leaving technical interviews. Once you hire a web developer, the agency’s role ends, and you must handle all HR processes and costs, including local taxes if the developer is hired in-house.

So basically, hiring agencies work like a referral service. They provide contacts from their extensive database, but the responsibility of validating the candidate’s skills and managing their work falls on you.

Freelance Hiring Model

While hiring freelancers from platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr is simple, reliability and quality are frequently unreliable. You may receive a large number of responses to your job posting, but there is no guarantee that a freelancer will consistently deliver high-quality work. There is a possibility that freelancers will disappear or provide subpar work, with no one to hold accountable for corrections.

On the other hand, companies offer a degree of security and credibility that’s often missing with freelancers. Established businesses have a reputation to uphold, making them a more reliable partner. If you work with a company, you have multiple contacts, including managers and other developers, reducing the risk of communication breakdowns.

Freelancers may seem cheaper, usually juggling multiple projects at once, leading to divided attention. This multi-tasking might result in errors or deprioritization of your project. On top of that, you must have a tech expert on your side who will understand the skill of the freelancers and make sure that their quality of work is up to the standard.

Outsourcing Model

Outsourcing involves engaging an external company with skilled resources for MERN development. This model reduces technical concerns as the company takes care of the proficiency of its employees. This setup is reliable as the company’s in-house developers and tech experts can evaluate the expertise of new hires.

A notable advantage is the company’s ability to manage a project from start to finish. However, the client’s lack of access to the team can be exploited by dishonest companies, leading to inflated costs. Communication issues may also arise due to the lack of direct developer-client interaction. To tackle this we make sure that we are in constant contact with our clients and keep them updated with everything that happens in the project and the client always has complete access to the project, so they can have full visibility. 

Outsourcing allows clients to avoid dealing with technicalities and team management, providing confidence in the developers’ expertise. However, the project’s success depends heavily on the integrity and capabilities of the outsourcing company.

Staff Augmentation Hiring Model

Staff Augmentation is a versatile model that minimises the majority of the drawbacks of other models. Similar to outsourcing companies, staff augmentation firms house long-term employees with proven skills from diverse projects. The hiring process is fast and efficient, the client receives cream-of-the-crop candidates, and the transparency of operations is high.

In this model, the client basically “expands staff,” gaining direct access to a developer who works just like an internal employee. The client sees the actual skills, productivity, and work timings of the augmented staff member.

The cost of this model is also attractive, being lower than conventional hiring in countries like the US, UK, or Canada since you have the ability to augment staff from all over the world. However, the client needs to manage the team independently or have someone with the capability to do so.

In summary, the client oversees the project like a construction supervisor who knows where everything goes but needs extra hands to get the work done.

By choosing the right model to hire MERN programmers, businesses can build scalable and efficient web applications using the MERN stack.

How to Hire a MERN Stack Developer in 4 Steps

To hire a MERN stack developer, it requires careful planning and consideration. Here are 4 steps to follow when you want to hire dedicated MERN developers:

1. Define Your Requirements

Define your requirements and expectations from the MERN stack developer. Determine the scope of the project, the timeline, and the budget. List the skills and experience required, such as proficiency in JavaScript, ReactJS, NodeJS, MongoDB, and software development.

2. Search for Candidates

Searching for MERN stack developers can be quite a task, often requiring the utilization of personal networks, job portals, social media, or even the services of specialized recruitment firms. This process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

However, if you opt for a staff augmentation model, such as the one provided by us at ProCoders, you can circumvent this entire process. In such a scenario, the burden of scouting for talent, scrutinizing resumes, and conducting interviews rests with us. We ensure that we provide you with top-tier MERN developers that meet your project needs, sparing you the hassle and saving you valuable time and resources. This way, you can focus on what truly matters – delivering a high-quality web application.

3. Screen Candidates

Screening potential MERN stack developers is a multi-stage process that entails verifying their skills, assessing their experience, and checking for cultural fit. The process typically involves:

Initial Screening: 

This stage involves a preliminary check of the candidate’s resume to ascertain whether their skills and experience align with your project’s needs.

First Interview: 

Usually, in a non-technical interview, this stage provides a sense of the candidate’s communication skills, commitment, and cultural fit with your organization.

Technical Interview/Test Assignment: 

Here, the candidate’s technical proficiency in the MERN stack and software development is thoroughly evaluated through detailed interviews or test assignments.

While this process helps ensure a thorough assessment of candidates, it can also be quite time-consuming and demanding. However, if you choose an outstaffing model with ProCoders, we take the hassle out of this process. We handle all stages of candidate screening and only present you with the best-fit candidates. All you need to do is conduct a final interview to confirm your choice, saving you a significant amount of time and effort, and allowing you to focus on project execution and success.

4. Make the Job Offer

Finally, make the job offer to the selected candidate, including salary, benefits, and job responsibilities. Ensure that the job offer is competitive and meets the candidate’s expectations.

MERN Stack Developers Rates and Salaries: How to Save Costs and Win Time?

To hire MERN stack developers can have varying costs, mainly dependent on their location and the level of experience they bring to the table. For instance, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a MERN stack developer in the United States is around $89,000 per year, with the range typically between $75,000 to $130,000 annually.

However, if we look at other countries, the scenario can be different. Here are some estimates:

Country	Average Annual Salary Junior (in USD)	Average Annual Salary Middle (in USD)	Average Annual Salary Senior (in USD)
US	$75,000	$100,000	$130,000
UK	$35,000	$51,000	$70,000
Sweden	$42,000	$60,000	$80,000
Estonia	$20,000	$30,000	$40,000
Croatia	$16,000	$24,000	$32,000
Albania	$13,500	$19,500	$25,500
Portugal	$15,000	$22,500	$30,000

It’s evident that salaries and rates can significantly vary by country or region, job requirements, and the local demand for MERN Stack developers. On top of that, by opting for offshore staff augmentation, such as the services provided by ProCoders, you can not only save on development costs but also gain access to a global talent pool. We provide experienced MERN stack developers from various countries at competitive rates, ensuring you get the right skills at the right price, without compromising on quality. This approach is not only cost-effective but also saves you considerable time in the hiring process, allowing you to focus on your project’s success.

How ProCoders Can Assist You to Hire a MERN Stack Developer

We’re your friends in the digital world, your partners on the techy road. You could call us your ‘ProCoders Pals’. But enough with the nicknames, let’s dig into what we offer.

First off, we promise we won’t bore you to death with stuffy corporate jargon. We’re all about making things simple. So, when you bring us on board, we don’t just do the ‘yawn’-inducing tasks like recruiting and hiring, we ensure you keep the reins of your project without having to slog through a pile of CVs.

Here’s a little sneak peek into our ‘no-boredom’ hiring process:

Understanding Your Needs: You say tomato, we say… exactly what you said, because we actually listen. We’ll spend time getting to know your project requirements, the level of expertise you’re after, and if you have any quirks we should be aware of.

Shortlisting Candidates: Then, we jump into our vast pool of MERN experts (we promise, no developers are harmed in this process) and fish out the ones that seem like your perfect coding match.

Client Interview: Next, it’s your turn to play ‘Coding Idol’. You get to interview our shortlisted rockstars and choose the one that resonates with your project’s tune.

Onboarding: Finally, we’ll ensure your chosen developer is integrated into your team smoother than butter on warm toast.

We’re all about that warm, fuzzy, open communication vibe. No smoke and mirrors, just good old-fashioned quality service. And a sprinkle of humour, because why not? With ProCoders, you don’t just hire dedicated MERN stack developers, you hire a partner who’s dedicated to making your project a success. That’s what we do! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the success of your MERN stack web application development hinges significantly on the expertise and skill set of your development team. Assessing technical prowess, validating experience, and considering soft skills are all crucial steps in selecting the right developers for your project. Furthermore, understanding that the cost to hire MERN stack programmers can vary based on factors like location, experience, and specific skills is essential in planning your project budget.

However, all these factors don’t have to add up to a daunting hiring task. With a partner like ProCoders, you have a team dedicated to connecting you with top-tier MERN developers perfectly suited to your project needs, budget, and company culture. We are here to facilitate your hiring process, making it a smooth, hassle-free experience.

We at ProCoders are committed to helping you build superior-quality web applications that not only achieve your business goals but also exceed user expectations. Trust us with your staffing needs and focus on what you do best: crafting innovative, world-class digital solutions. Let’s create the future of web application development together!