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Hire the right Shopify web developer

How To Hire a Shopify Web Developer in 2025

If your brand is scaling and dev resources are your bottleneck, you need the right Shopify developer. Here’s how ConstantHire helps e-commerce brands recruit proven Shopify talent.
Connor Gross
Connor Gross
September 10, 2025
How To Hire a Shopify Web Developer in 2025
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For most DTC brands, Shopify isn’t just a website. It's your entire business. Your storefront has to load instantly, feel clean, and be built to sell.

That's why you see so many Consumer Brands hire full-time Shopify developers.

Companies like Congo Brands (the team behind Prime, Alani Nu, etc.) and even Bryan Johnson's BluePrint

Problem is, “finding a Shopify dev” is a lot easier said than done. Everyone claims to know Liquid or can “tweak themes.” But what you really need is someone who’s lived inside Shopify, scaled stores past seven figures, and knows how to make the backend hum while the frontend looks like your brand.

That’s exactly the gap we fill at ConstantHire.

1. What a Shopify Developer Actually Does

Let’s clear this up. A real Shopify web developer isn’t just swapping fonts or dropping in an app. Here’s what separates the pros:

  • Customizing themes so your site doesn’t look like every other DTC brand.
  • Optimizing product and checkout pages for conversions (this is where the money is).
  • Making sure integrations likesubscriptions, Klaviyo flows, and loyalty apps all play nice with each other.
  • Keeping your store is lightning fast on mobile.

If you’re nodding because your current site is missing one of those things, you’re already overdue for help.

2. Learn The Different Types of Shopify Developers

Not all developers are the same. Depending on your needs, you might be looking for:

  • Front-end developers: Experts in Liquid, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript who focus on visuals and user experience.
  • Back-end developers: Handle more technical integrations, custom apps, and advanced functionality.
  • Full-stack developers: Can manage both ends, though they’re often more expensive.
  • Agencies vs freelancers: Agencies provide breadth but can be costly; freelancers are flexible but vary widely in reliability.

3. How to Define the Role

Before you start searching, get clarity on what you need. Create a role profile that includes:

  • Scope of work: New build, optimization, or ongoing support.
  • Key skills: Front-end vs back-end, CRO experience, integrations.
  • Time commitment: Full-time hire, contractor, or project-based.
  • Success metrics: Faster load times, higher conversions, fewer support tickets.

Having this written down ensures you don’t over- or under-hire.

4. Skills to Look For

When reviewing candidates, look for:

Technical skills

  • Proficiency in Shopify Liquid, JavaScript, HTML, CSS.
  • Experience with Shopify Plus (if applicable).
  • Knowledge of APIs and app integrations.
  • SEO basics for e-commerce.

Soft skills

  • Clear communicator (can explain technical work simply).
  • Attention to detail.
  • Understanding of DTC brand goals, not just code.

Portfolio

  • Live, functioning Shopify stores.
  • Examples where their work improved conversion or functionality.

5. Salary & Cost Benchmarks (2025)

Compensation will vary by region and seniority, but here are rough benchmarks:

  • Freelancers: $40–$100/hour (junior), $100–$200/hour (senior).
  • Full-time developers (US): $80K–$130K+ annually.
  • Full-time developers (global): $40K–$90K annually depending on market.
  • Agencies: $10K–$50K+ per project depending on scope.

Remember: a strong developer pays for themselves if they fix revenue leaks and improve conversions.

6. Where to Find Candidates

Common sourcing channels include:

  • Freelance marketplaces: Upwork, Toptal, Storetasker.
  • Developer communities: GitHub, Shopify forums.
  • Recruiters (like ConstantHire): When you need vetted, pre-screened candidates with proven e-commerce experience.
  • Referrals: Other founders in your network.

7. How to Interview a Shopify Developer

Key questions to ask:

  • Can you show me a Shopify store you built or optimized? What impact did it have?
  • How do you approach improving checkout conversions?
  • What’s your process for testing new features before launch?
  • How do you handle integrating third-party apps or building custom ones?
  • What are your go-to tools for performance optimization?

Red flag answers are vague, jargon-heavy, or lacking metrics.

Take a look here for a full list of interview questions for a Shopify Developer.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Hiring too general: A generic “web developer” isn’t the same as a Shopify pro.
  • Not scoping the role: Leading to mismatched expectations.
  • Choosing solely on price: Cheap often costs more when fixes are needed.
  • Skipping trial projects: Always test real-world performance before a long-term commitment.

Final Thought

Whether you recruit on your own or partner with a specialized recruiter like ConstantHire, the process starts with clarity. Know what you need, set expectations, and vet for both technical ability and e-commerce fluency.

The right Shopify developer isn’t just a coder—they’re an accelerator for your brand.

Connor Gross

Connor Gross helps fast-growing DTC brands and agencies hire top talent across marketing, creative, ops, and sales. From E‑com Managers to TikTok Creators and Heads of Growth, he knows what great looks like — and how to recruit it.

Updated:
September 10, 2025

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