How to hire a WordPress Developer

Accurately defining all the responsibilities and skills associated with WordPress development is not as easy as it may seem. WordPress developers can specialize in a variety of things related to web development. Their job includes creating custom websites for clients, developing new features on existing websites, making custom plugins and modules, etc. 

• WordPress websites represent around 35% of all websites in the world.
• 60% of CMS-built websites are WordPress.
• About 30% of e-commerce goes through WooCommerce. 

What is WordPress?

WordPress.org represents an open-source CMS (content management system) written in PHP. WordPress initially served to enable blog publishing, but it has evolved. Its first version was released in 2003, and today we have more than 455.000.000 websites using WordPress, according to some recent surveys. 

WordPress has a plugin architecture which allows users to expand and improve the features and functionalities of websites or blogs. Each of the plugins offers custom functions and allows the users to adjust their websites with their features to their specific needs. There are more than 54k free WordPress plugins available on the WordPress Plugin Directory. 

WordPress themes are templates and stylesheets that define the appearance of a WordPress website. Each theme comes with different design and features and customizes the website or blog. 

WordPress makes web publishing uncomplicated because it only takes five minutes to install it. 

More importantly, WordPress has a remarkable community. And it’s still growing. WordPress content is published in 120+ languages, which contributes to its accessibility and internationalization. 

WordPress Developer technical skills 

Most of the WordPress developers choose between being dedicated to themes or to plugin development. Still, some skills are unavoidable in both cases. 

Technical competences that are a must-have: 

1. HTML – HTML is a markup language that displays the content on a webpage. Knowing how to work with HTML is inevitable for a WordPress developer. 
2. CSS – CSS controls the way an element looks on a webpage. Proficiency in CSS is mandatory for WordPress development. 
3. Text Editor –  All developers need to use a text editor. They can choose one that suits their needs. WordPress developers must be familiar with some of them. Notepad ++ is usually recommended for beginners. It is the easiest one to use. Other text editors that can be used are Sublime, Atom, or Brackets.io. 
4. Basic Photoshop – Converting PSD to HTML is one of the responsibilities of a WordPress developer. 
5. PHP – PHP powers WordPress’s backend. Developing WordPress themes, plugins, or modifying the default behavior of WordPress by using actions and filters requires the knowledge of the syntax of PHP
6. JavaScript – This language is necessary for Front End development. It’s responsible for making themes or plugins interactive. WordPress developers who are focused on the Front End know at least one Js framework (Vue.js, Angular, Next.js) and are familiar with JavaScript libraries (jQuery, Backbone). 
7. Bootstrap – This framework helps developers save time and avoid coding from scratch. It includes all standard HTML, CSS, and Js components. 
8. Databases – A database is a structured set of organized data. A WordPress developer should work with MySQL. Those developers who are working on the Back End part of the site should be more proficient in this area. MySQL manages user data, user meta, posts, comments, and other components of the WordPress database. 

More about WordPress developer’s knowledge 

In addition to purely (or mostly) tech skills, here are some other things WordPress developers should wrap their minds about: 

1. Time Management & Planning 
2. Marketing & Business skills 
3. SEO 
4. Motivation & dedication – continuous learning and improvement 

The usage of GitHub & BitBucket is the way to get into the correct mindset. WordPress developers must be curious by nature and eager to learn.

WordPress Developer salary 

WordPress developer’s salaries vary according to the type of engagement and according to their location. Salaries expected by freelancers are different from the salary range suitable for an in-house developer. 

Some studies from the last year have shown that even popular websites in charge of gathering this kind of data obtain different results. 

WordPress Developer Salaries & Rates in 2025

Recent data shows a broad range of salaries and hourly rates for WordPress developers, depending on region, work type (full-time vs. freelance), and platform.

In the United States, full-time WordPress developers earn on average between $70,000 and $110,000 annually (about $40–52 per hour). This is higher than older benchmarks that suggested ~$63,000. Freelance rates are more varied: on general marketplaces like Upwork, most developers charge $20–50/hr, while on specialized platforms like Codeable or Codementor, experienced developers command $70–120/hr and sometimes more.

In Europe, salaries differ significantly by region. Western Europe typically pays $4,000–5,000 per month, Central Europe around $1,900–3,300 per month, and Eastern Europe generally $1,000–3,000 per month depending on experience and seniority.

Overall, desirable freelance rates for skilled WordPress developers remain above $60/hr, especially in North America and specialized marketplaces, while less experienced freelancers—particularly on global platforms—may earn under $20/hr.

Hiring WordPress Developers remotely 

Developers love to work remotely. When it comes to building or scaling your digital presence, hiring WordPress developers remotely is one of the smartest moves a business can make. By going remote, you’re no longer limited by geography—you gain access to a global pool of talent, from experienced U.S.-based developers to highly skilled professionals in Europe who can deliver excellent results at competitive rates.

Flexibility is one of the main qualities developers look into when discussing job opportunities. 

Developers from Balkan countries are very comfortable with working remotely. This way of work helps them obtain the perfect balance between their free time and their jobs.

However, navigating the global market isn’t always easy. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer thousands of WordPress freelancers, but the wide range of rates—anywhere from $15 to $100 per hour—can make it difficult to distinguish true professionals from inexperienced candidates. While there are excellent developers available, businesses often struggle with inconsistent quality, communication barriers, and the risk of unreliable outcomes. On the other hand, specialized marketplaces like Codeable or Codementor provide access to pre-vetted experts who charge premium rates (typically $70–120/hr), ensuring higher quality but also demanding a bigger investment. The real challenge lies in balancing cost, expertise, and trust.

If you want vetted experts with proven track records, working through a trusted partner ensures you get the right developer for your project the first time. That’s where Omnes Group comes in. As a specialized recruiting agency, we connect businesses with top WordPress talent worldwide, helping you save time, reduce risk, and secure developers who align perfectly with your needs. If you’re ready to hire remotely with confidence, reach out to Omnes Group today and let us find the right WordPress developer for you.

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