Laravel has become the go-to PHP framework for businesses looking to build scalable, secure, and high-performance web applications. With its elegant syntax, built-in security features, and robust ecosystem, Laravel simplifies development while ensuring efficiency.
If you’re planning to develop a custom web application, SaaS platform, or e-commerce store, hiring a PHP developer skilled in Laravel is crucial for project success. However, finding the right talent requires a strategic approach to ensure the developer has the right skills, experience, and problem-solving abilities.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to hire PHP developers skilled in Laravel, covering essential skills, evaluation processes, and hiring best practices.
1. Why Laravel is the Preferred PHP Framework for Web Development
Before diving into the hiring process, it’s important to understand why Laravel is a top choice for modern web applications.
Key Benefits of Laravel:
- MVC Architecture – Ensures clean code separation, making development structured and maintainable.
- Built-in Security Features – Includes CSRF protection, authentication, and encryption to prevent cyber threats.
- Eloquent ORM – Simplifies database interactions with an elegant query builder.
- Blade Templating Engine – Enhances front-end development with reusable templates.
- Robust API Support – Laravel makes it easy to develop RESTful APIs for mobile and web applications.
- Queue Management and Job Scheduling – Ensures efficient task execution and background processing.
These features make Laravel an ideal framework for startups, enterprises, and large-scale web applications, which is why businesses prefer to hire PHP developer with Laravel expertise.
2. Define Your Project Requirements
Before hiring a Laravel developer, outline your technical and business requirements to attract the right talent.
Key Questions to Consider:
- What type of web application are you developing? (E-commerce, CRM, SaaS, CMS, etc.)
- Do you need a backend-focused developer, or should they have frontend skills as well?
- Which third-party integrations (payment gateways, APIs, cloud services) are required?
- What level of security and scalability does your project demand?
- Are you looking for a freelancer, dedicated Laravel developer, or in-house team member?
By defining these requirements upfront, you can hire PHP developers who match your project’s technical needs and long-term goals.
3. Essential Skills to Look for in a Laravel Developer
A skilled Laravel developer should have strong PHP expertise and be well-versed in Laravel’s advanced features.
Technical Skills to Evaluate:
- Proficiency in PHP 8 and object-oriented programming (OOP).
- Strong understanding of Laravel MVC architecture.
- Experience with Eloquent ORM and database management (MySQL, PostgreSQL).
- API development expertise using Laravel Passport or Sanctum for authentication.
- Security best practices, including input validation and encryption.
- Knowledge of caching mechanisms like Redis and Memcached for performance optimization.
- Unit testing with PHPUnit to ensure code reliability.
- Familiarity with deployment tools (Docker, AWS, CI/CD pipelines).
Bonus Skills to Consider:
- Frontend experience with Vue.js or React for full-stack development.
- Familiarity with GraphQL for efficient data fetching.
- Experience with multi-tenancy applications for SaaS solutions.
Hiring a developer with these core Laravel skills ensures that your project is built with efficiency, security, and scalability in mind.
4. Where to Find Laravel Developers
To hire a PHP developer skilled in Laravel, you need to search in the right places.
Best Platforms to Find Laravel Developers:
- Freelance Marketplaces – Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer for short-term Laravel projects.
- Developer Hiring Platforms – Toptal, Arc.dev, and Lemon.io for pre-vetted PHP developers.
- Tech Job Boards – Stack Overflow Jobs, We Work Remotely, and GitHub Jobs for full-time hires.
- Laravel-Specific Communities – Laravel.io, Laracasts, and Laravel News job boards.
- PHP Development Agencies – Clutch and GoodFirms for dedicated Laravel development teams.
Choosing the right platform depends on whether you need a freelancer, full-time developer, or agency support.
5. How to Assess Laravel Developers Before Hiring
A thorough assessment process ensures you hire a competent and reliable PHP developer.
Step 1: Review Portfolios and Past Projects
- Check for real-world Laravel applications they have built.
- Look at their GitHub repositories for code quality and project contributions.
- Review client testimonials and case studies from previous projects.
Step 2: Conduct a Technical Interview
- Ask about Laravel features such as middleware, queues, service providers, and Eloquent ORM.
- Discuss real-world scalability and performance challenges they’ve handled.
- Test their knowledge of security best practices and API authentication.
Step 3: Assign a Practical Coding Test
- Develop a small Laravel application with authentication and database management.
- Require them to build a RESTful API using Laravel’s built-in tools.
- Evaluate their ability to debug and optimize slow-running queries.
These assessments help you hire PHP developers who have hands-on Laravel experience and problem-solving skills.
6. Understanding Laravel Developer Rates and Costs
The cost of hiring a Laravel developer varies based on experience, location, and project complexity.
Laravel Developer Salary Estimates (2025):
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate (USD) | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer (Beginner) | $15 – $35 | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Freelancer (Experienced) | $40 – $80 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Dedicated Laravel Developer | $4,000 – $12,000 | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Laravel Agency (Full Team) | $10,000+ | $15,000+ |
Consider your budget and project scope before deciding between a freelancer, dedicated developer, or agency.
7. Onboarding and Integrating Laravel Developers into Your Project
Once you hire a PHP developer skilled in Laravel, ensure a smooth onboarding process to maximize productivity.
Best Practices for Onboarding Laravel Developers:
- Provide detailed project documentation and access to the codebase.
- Set up development tools and communication platforms (Slack, Trello, Jira).
- Define coding standards and best practices to maintain consistency.
- Establish regular check-ins and feedback loops to track progress.
A well-structured onboarding process ensures your Laravel developer quickly adapts to your project workflow.
Conclusion: Hiring the Right Laravel Developer for Project Success
Hiring a PHP developer skilled in Laravel is essential for startups and businesses looking to build scalable, secure, and high-performance web applications. By following a structured hiring process, you can ensure you find the right developer who aligns with your project’s goals.
Key Takeaways:
- Laravel offers powerful features for building modern web applications.
- Define project requirements before starting the hiring process.
- Search for Laravel developers on trusted platforms like Upwork, Toptal, and Laravel.io.
- Assess technical skills, security knowledge, and problem-solving ability before hiring.
- Understand Laravel developer costs to match your budget.
- Provide a structured onboarding process for smooth integration.
If you’re ready to hire PHP developer skilled in Laravel, following these steps will ensure a successful hiring experience and a well-executed project.
Looking for expert Laravel developers? Contact us today to find the best talent for your next project.