How to Hire the Best Drupal Developer: Best Practices
In today’s digital-first world, hiring the right Drupal developer can make or break your web project. Whether you’re a business owner looking for a Drupal web developer, an HR professional navigating technical hiring, or a recruiter seeking a Drupal specialist, finding top talent requires a strategic approach.
With over 1.3 million users worldwide, Drupal remains one of the most powerful CMS platforms for enterprise websites, e-commerce, and government portals. However, hiring the right Drupal programmer isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s also about finding someone who aligns with your business needs and project goals.
This guide will walk you through the best practices for hiring a Drupal developer, ensuring you find a skilled, reliable, and experienced professional who can bring your vision to life.
Where is Drupal Used?
Drupal is widely adopted across multiple industries due to its flexibility, security, and scalability. Here are some key sectors where Drupal is extensively used:
- Government & Public Institutions: The European Commission, the White House, and various state and local governments use Drupal for their official websites due to its robust security and scalability.
- Education & Universities: Leading institutions like Harvard University, MIT, and Stanford University rely on Drupal for their digital presence.
- Media & Publishing: Large media companies, including NBC, BBC, and The Economist, use Drupal to manage high-traffic content platforms.
- Healthcare & Nonprofits: Organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and The American Red Crossleverage Drupal for their fundraising and informational websites.
- E-commerce & Enterprises: Many businesses use Drupal Commerce to build feature-rich online stores that can scale effectively.
According to a report from W3Techs, Drupal powers 1.2% of all websites worldwide, making it a top choice for enterprises requiring a secure and modular CMS (source).
For a deeper look at high-paying programming careers, explore Top 10 Highest Paying Programming Languages.
Why You Should Hire a Drupal Developer
Drupal is one of the most powerful and flexible CMS platforms available today. With over 1.2% of all websites powered by Drupal, including major enterprises and government institutions, it remains a top choice for organizations needing high performance, security, and scalability (source). Hiring a Drupal developer ensures that your website is built with best practices, optimized for performance, and able to integrate seamlessly with third-party tools.
Furthermore, Drupal is known for its robust security features, making it the preferred CMS for governments, financial institutions, and large corporations. According to Sucuri, Drupal sites account for less than 2% of hacked CMS websites, proving its superior security (source). By hiring a skilled Drupal specialist, you gain access to a developer who understands how to leverage the platform’s strengths to deliver a secure, scalable, and high-performing website.
Key Skills to Look for in a Drupal Developer
Not all Drupal devs are the same. Depending on your project, you might need someone with a specialized skill set. Here’s what to look for:
1. Technical Proficiency
A great Drupal developer should have expertise in:
- Drupal Core & Modules: Understanding how Drupal's architecture works.
- PHP & Symfony: Since Drupal is built on PHP and Symfony components, proficiency in these languages is crucial.
- Front-End Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Vue.js for a seamless UI.
- Database Management: Knowledge of MySQL and PostgreSQL.
- Version Control & CI/CD: Familiarity with Git, Jenkins, and automated deployment tools.
2. Problem-Solving Skills
A seasoned Drupal contractor should be able to debug issues, optimize performance, and enhance security without relying heavily on third-party support.
3. Experience with Drupal Projects
Check if the candidate has worked on:
- Enterprise or government-level Drupal projects.
- E-commerce platforms using Drupal Commerce.
- Custom module and theme development.
4. Communication & Collaboration
A great Drupal freelancer should communicate effectively with stakeholders, designers, and other developers, especially in remote teams.
Where to Find Top Drupal Developers
Finding a skilled Drupal developer for hire requires looking in the right places. Here are some options:
1. Specialized Tech Staffing Firms
Partnering with agencies like Uptalen ensures you access pre-vetted Drupal developers with proven experience.
2. Online Marketplaces
- Upwork & Toptal: Great for hiring freelance Drupal programmers.
- Drupal.org Jobs Board: A community-driven platform with vetted professionals.
3. LinkedIn & GitHub
Check LinkedIn profiles and GitHub repositories to assess coding skills and past projects.
4. Drupal Conferences & Meetups
Networking at events like DrupalCon can help you find passionate and experienced developers.
Hiring Process: Best Practices
Step 1: Define Your Requirements
Before starting your search, you need to clearly define your requirements. Ask yourself:
- Are you looking for a Drupal developer remote or on-site?
- Do you need a Drupal specialist for a short-term project or a Drupal contractor for long-term support?
- What level of expertise do you need—junior, mid-level, or senior?
For guidance on scaling your development team effectively, refer to Scaling Teams with Freelance Developers: A Smart Strategy for Tech Growth.
Step 2: Screen Candidates Effectively
A thorough screening process ensures you hire the right Drupal web developer for your project. Here’s what to look for:
- Review Portfolios & GitHub Repositories – Check for past projects that match your requirements.
- Check Drupal.org Contributions – Active contributors demonstrate strong engagement with the Drupal community and expertise.
- Conduct Technical Interviews & Coding Tests – Test their knowledge in Drupal Core, custom module development, and PHP.
Additionally, evaluate their experience with:
- Drupal 7, 8, 9, or 10 migrations
- Performance optimization techniques
- Security best practices
- API integrations
- Nice to have Acquia Certification – Acquia offers certifications for Drupal developers, validating their expertise in Drupal development. The main certifications include:
- Acquia Certified Site Builder – Focuses on building Drupal sites using core functionalities without custom code.
- Acquia Certified Drupal Developer – Covers back-end development, theming, and module development.
- Acquia Certified Front-End Specialist – Specializes in front-end theming, responsive design, and UI/UX best practices.
- Acquia Certified Back-End Specialist – Tests deep knowledge in PHP, databases, and Drupal module development.
- Acquia Certified Drupal 10 Developer – The most recent certification validating expertise in the latest version of Drupal.
Step 3: Test for Real-World Problem Solving
Beyond technical skills, it’s crucial to evaluate a candidate’s ability to solve problems. Provide a Drupal-based coding challenge relevant to your project. For example:
- Ask them to create a custom module that interacts with Drupal's API.
- Test their ability to debug and optimize slow-loading pages.
- Have them explain how they would secure a Drupal website against common vulnerabilities.
This step helps identify candidates who can think critically and adapt to real-world challenges.
Step 4: Assess Cultural Fit
Even the most skilled Drupal dev may not be a good fit if they don’t align with your company’s work culture. Assess their:
- Communication skills – Can they explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders?
- Team collaboration – Are they comfortable working with designers, project managers, and other developers?
- Workstyle – Do they thrive in an agile environment or prefer a structured waterfall approach?
Step 5: Make a Competitive Offer
To attract top Drupal talent, you need to offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Here’s an overview of Drupal developer salary expectations:
- Junior Drupal Developer: $40,000 - $70,000 per year
- Mid-Level Drupal Developer: $70,000 - $110,000 per year
- Senior Drupal Developer: $110,000 - $150,000+ per year
- Freelance Drupal Developer Rates: $40 - $150 per hour depending on expertise and project complexity (source).
For additional insights, explore Future Trends in Tech Recruitment.
How to Make Your Offer More Attractive
To secure the best talent, provide additional benefits such as:
- Flexible Work Options – Particularly for hire Drupal remote positions, allowing developers to work from anywhere.
- Professional Development – Support for Drupal certifications, conferences like DrupalCon, and ongoing training.
- Competitive Perks – Health benefits, performance bonuses, and equity options for long-term engagement.
By following these best practices, you’ll be well-positioned to hire a skilled Drupal developer for hire who can deliver top-quality work for your business.
Common Hiring Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overlooking Soft Skills
A technically skilled Drupal web developer who lacks communication skills can create project delays.
2. Focusing Only on Cost
Going for the cheapest option often leads to poor quality. Invest in experienced Drupal specialists to avoid rework and security vulnerabilities.
3. Not Checking References
Always verify past work and speak with previous employers or clients.
Benefits of Hiring Drupal Developers with Uptalen
Partnering with Uptalen for your Drupal development needs ensures access to top-tier, pre-vetted professionals with extensive experience in Drupal programming. Here’s why businesses trust Uptalen:
- Pre-Vetted Drupal Experts: Every Drupal developer in our network undergoes rigorous screening to ensure they meet industry standards and have proven expertise in Drupal development.
- Cost-Effective Hiring Solutions: Save up to 40% on development costs compared to traditional hiring methods by leveraging remote Drupal developers through Uptalen.
- Security & Compliance: With Drupal being a preferred CMS for government institutions, hiring a Drupal contractor with Uptalen ensures that your website follows the latest security best practices.
- Global Talent Pool: Access developers from around the world to find the perfect Drupal programmer who fits your project’s technical and cultural needs.
According to a Statista survey, Drupal remains one of the most used CMS platforms, with hundreds of thousands of active developers and contributors (source). Companies that invest in Drupal development gain a competitive edge by leveraging its flexibility, security, and enterprise-grade capabilities.
If you’re looking for top Drupal talent, Uptalen is here to help. Contact us today to find the right developer for your project!
