How to Hire Liferay Developers: Guide to Benefits, Cost, and Process

Key takeaways

• Gain clarity on when and why engaging Liferay developers becomes essential for achieving your organizational goals.
• Growing demand for CMS, while a local shortage, is one of the common scenarios for hiring an offshore Liferay developer for team augmentation. Find out more reasons and cases.
• Development rates: find out what destinations offer the perfect price-quality ratio and why our clients prefer overseas Liferay developers.
• Engagement models for Liferay development: choose a collaboration approach that will fit your budget, business requirements, and project specifics.
• Follow a comprehensive guide to Liferay developer recruitment, covering all crucial steps, from defining requirements to conducting technical assessments.

52,286 web solutions are based on Liferay, according to BuiltWith data. Among them are Trimedx, Jose Cuervo, Douglas, South African Airways, Carrefour, and thousands of other companies from finance, healthcare, manufacturing, telecom, automotive, agriculture, and other sectors. Liferay DXP is suitable for any possible industry where need for efficient content management, the creation of unified customer experiences across various channels, and the establishment of seamless collaboration within the company and with external partners.

Given Liferay’s widespread use and capabilities, companies are increasingly looking for qualified Liferay developers to launch new projects or scale existing ones. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to hire Liferay developers, the costs involved, and best practices that will enable you to find the right talent for your project. Whether starting from scratch or scaling an existing project, understanding how to hire Liferay developers effectively is essential to building a cohesive team, minimizing onboarding time, and ensuring that the right skills and expertise are in place to drive project success.

Reasons and cases for hiring Liferay developers for your next and current project

A Java developer is not a Liferay developer, but any Liferay developer is a Java developer. The tech stack used by Liferay specialists is similar to the one applied during Java development but with nuances related to specific knowledge of Liferay app development. Therefore, hiring Liferay developers ensures you have professionals with both the foundational Java skills and the specialized expertise necessary to leverage the Liferay platform for your projects fully. 

Common reasons for hiring Liferay software engineers

• You want to create a modern customer, supplier, or partner Liferay portal.
• You already have a Liferay-based web portal on the older version (5.x-6.x) and need to migrate it to the higher one (7.1-7.4).
• You already have an in-house team working on the portal web development, but you need to augment the team because the project is scaling.
• You have a tech gap within your current team and need to fill the expertise gap.
• Local rates in your region are too high, so you’re looking for a cost-quality balance in popular outstaffing tech hubs.
• Lack of local expertise in your area forces you to search for Liferay developers abroad.
• Your project requires urgent consultation, so hiring a full-time consultant isn’t reasonable. It’s better to give preference to someone from outside for a part-time job.
• If you need to optimize your portal’s performance, Liferay developers provide performance tuning services, including pre-launch performance checks.

These are some compelling reasons to hire Liferay developers. They can help you better understand key scenarios when your business needs such experts. Now, let’s take a closer look at the cost of hiring Liferay developers.

How much does it cost to hire a Liferay programmer?

Taking your ideas and turning them into a seamless working product may cost you a fortune. Or you can turn to Liferay development company and save your time and money thanks to recruiting within tighter time frames from the existing pool of engineers. Below, we overview salaries in the market within different countries based on Glassdoor, Indeed, and Talent data.

Salaries of Liferay developers in countries of high demand for tech talents

Country/Salary per year	USA	Canada	UK	Germany
Average	$120,000	$75,000	$70,000	$79,000
Maximum	$150,000	$125,000	$132,000	$99,000

The highest compensation for a Liferay back-end job fixed by Talent is observed in the USA, with a potential to reach an unprecedented $150,000 per year. The cost of hiring Liferay freelance developers varies greatly depending on experience and location. On platforms such as Upwork, freelance Liferay developers typically charge between $50 and $70 per hour, translating to an annual cost of approximately $80,000 to $120,000 if working full-time.

When hiring Liferay developers through an outsourcing or outstaffing model, the hourly rate for such developers can range from $30 to $60, depending on their qualifications and the service provider’s geographical location. For example, in Eastern Europe, rates for senior developers are typically around $40 per hour, while in North America, these rates can be as high as $180,000 per year for full-time positions.

It is worth mentioning that over the past few years, finding qualified personnel to fill IT positions has become increasingly challenging. This is undoubtedly impacting candidate remuneration growth, as demand is growing faster than the market is being flooded with skilled staff. 

Based on our experience, our clients prefer offshore outstaffing to local in-house recruitment for the following reasons:

1. Companies suffered from a shortage of local candidates qualified enough for the role.
2. Clients often miss out on the best technical talent due to long hiring times.
3. Counteroffers prevent you from getting the people you need in today’s competitive marketplace.
4. The recruitment process in our clients’ region often dragged on.
5. Finding technical talent was becoming more and more expensive for companies.

Engagement models for hiring our Liferay developers

As with any other IT specialist, Liferay developers can be hired in three ways: in-house (the most impractical option), freelance hiring, and outstaffing or outsourcing employment models. However, as Liferay is a niche platform, in-house developers may not always be a valid option, but only in exceptional cases. Liferay as a technology has certain nuances. Hence, in this section, we will reveal not only hiring models but also consider cases in which each of the cooperation models will be suitable for you.

In-house employment

Hiring Liferay developers in-house means bringing developers into your company to work exclusively on your projects. These employees are integrated into your team and work full-time on your premises or remotely, depending on your company’s policies. While having an in-house Liferay developer provides deep integration into your company culture, it is often unnecessary and costly. Liferay projects typically don’t require constant attention after completing major development milestones. Maintenance, updates, and periodic feature additions can usually be more efficient with outstaffing. However, there are instances where you may need in-house developers specifically.

When is it worth hiring Liferay developers by in-house model?

• If you have ongoing large-scale projects

If your company is constantly developing and maintaining multiple Liferay-based applications, having an in-house team ensures fast turnaround times and seamless integration. This organization allows for constant updates, bug fixes, and improvements without the delays often associated with external teams.

• If you are looking for long-term vision

If your company plans to build a significant portion of its infrastructure or services on Liferay, in-house expertise ensures alignment with your long-term goals and strategies. In-house developers can deeply understand your business needs and tailor Liferay solutions to meet them.

Pros of the in-house model: Immediate availability, better communication, deeper integration.
Cons of the in-house model: High costs, limited expertise, underutilization of developer resources.

Hiring freelance Liferay developers 

Hiring Liferay freelance developers involves engaging independent specialists on a project-by-project basis rather than hiring them full-time. This model provides flexibility and the ability to increase or decrease team size based on project needs quickly. Freelancers are often more cost-effective than full-time employees, as companies save on benefits, office space, and other overhead costs. The hiring process tends to be faster, with platforms like Upwork and Freelancer offering access to a vast pool of candidates.

Remember that hiring Liferay freelance developers comes with several risks. Freelancers may work on multiple projects, leading to project delays due to unstable availability. Hiring freelancers can expose your project to data security risks if proper protocols are not followed. Additionally, freelancers may not be available for ongoing support or future phases of your project, resulting in the need to re-hire due to a lack of long-term commitment.

In what cases is it worth hiring freelance Liferay developers?

• Your project is short-term and has specific needs

Freelance markets offer a distinct advantage by providing access to a diverse pool of Liferay developers, each with their own unique set of specialized skills. This allows companies to find the perfect match for their project, whether it’s a specialist in a specific Liferay feature or an expert in integrations, all designed to meet their unique project needs. Freelance Liferay developers are ideal for short-term projects because they offer flexibility and can be engaged on demand, allowing for efficient resource management and cost control.

• Your project has changing requirements

Engaging freelancers provides scalability, making it easier to address temporary staffing challenges. This is especially useful for managing workload spikes or supplementing an existing development team without the long-term commitment associated with full-time hiring. Liferay’s freelance developers can be quickly brought in to handle urgent tasks and then released once the project is complete.

Pros of hiring freelancers: Cost-effectiveness, quick hiring process, focus on specialized skills.
Cons of hiring freelancers: Potential lack of commitment, limited long-term availability, dependency on individual performance.

Outstaffing model

Outstaffing presents a highly efficient solution for cost savings and shedding responsibilities, offering benefits like time efficiency, streamlined operations, reduced micromanagement, and increased focus on strategic tasks. Essentially, it means supplementing your team with developers from another company, who are most often managed on the client’s side. If you are starting a project without an in-house team, opting for Liferay developers from an external vendor is a smart choice.

Engaging offshore outstaffing aids in orchestrating the entire process seamlessly, whether you’re at the conceptual stage or require a project reboot with a defined specification. By enlisting developers proficient in Liferay development and possessing the requisite technical prowess, one can attain a polished end product with minimal managerial overhead at competitive rates.

But be vigilant when choosing your vendor. The quality and reliability of developers provided by outstaffing companies can vary, leading to potential problems with project implementation. Also, some outstaffing companies may not have transparent business practices, which can lead to hidden costs and unforeseen delays. Therefore, choose only providers with impressive portfolios and good customer feedback.

When is it worth hiring Liferay developers through outstaffing or outsourcing?

• If you are implementing Liferay into your business for the first time 

Suppose you are starting a new Liferay project and do not have in-house Liferay experience. In that case, outstaffing provides access to experienced developers who can get the project up and running efficiently. This model ensures that qualified professionals handle the initial setup and development, minimizing the learning curve and time to market.

• Cost-effectiveness is important to you

Outstaffing is a secure and cost-effective solution. It combines the benefits of offshore hiring with the control of an in-house team. You pay for the developer’s time and the vendor’s services, which is often more affordable than hiring full-time employees, especially in high-cost regions. This financial control allows you to allocate your budget more effectively.

• You need Liferay developers with specialized skills

Outstaffing gives you access to a global talent pool with specialized Liferay skills that are hard to find locally. This is especially important for niche technologies like Liferay, where expertise can be rare.

The pros of outstaffing: Reduced training costs, quicker onboarding, access to global talent, and ability to meet tight deadlines.
The cons of outstaffing: Potential cultural differences, dependency on the service provider, possible security risks.

So, we’ve explored three main options for hiring Liferay developers. In-house gives you full control over the coding workflow but can take up much of your time on management and resources on employee retention. Hiring freelancers can be cost-effective but also unreliable. And the best option for you may be outstaffing, which provides both financial benefits and high-quality work. But you should focus on the needs of your business, which is why we’ve provided you with information on when you might benefit from one or another hiring model. And now, let’s look at the process of hiring Liferay developers and what you should expect.

Step-by-step guide to hiring a Liferay developer and saving time and costs

Conducting a careful vetting process before hiring developers is crucial to ensure they possess the necessary technical skills, align with your company’s culture, and contribute to long-term success. This process reduces the risk of performance issues, enhances teamwork, minimizes risks of delays, and ensures project reliability. Let’s examine all key steps in detail.

Define your Liferay development tasks and the required developers’ skill set

Chances are you have a tech lead or someone responsible for delivering the product. They are a real asset in their ability to identify and prioritize the implementation. Talk to this person to put together documented requirements that will form the basis for finding a partner because any development negotiation starts with business needs and project requirements. 

Depending on the project’s specific requirements and objectives, you should look for the right person. For example, you don’t need to overpay for a Senior developer for simple projects such as CMS customization. A mid-level developer can effectively cope with these tasks. However, if you are developing a project from scratch, having an architect and a senior developer on staff is paramount. These roles are essential for creating the architecture and ensuring high quality from the start.

Another option to consider is hiring a full-stack specialist. This individual is adept at managing both front-end and back-end development, which can significantly expedite the development process and reduce overall costs. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about the project’s staffing needs.

Here’s a list of specialist skills that might fit your Liferay project.

A senior Liferay developer is adept at handling complex projects, providing advanced customization, and solving intricate problems with deep expertise in Liferay DXP. Hire a senior developer when your project requires high-level development skills and leadership for complex implementations; avoid this level if the project is simple and can be managed by junior or mid-level developers.

A full-stack Liferay developer can manage both front-end and back-end tasks, ensuring seamless integration and performance across the entire Liferay platform. Opt for a full-stack developer when you need versatile expertise to handle end-to-end development; this role may be excessive for projects requiring only specific front-end or back-end tasks.

A Liferay software architect designs the overall system architecture, ensuring scalability, performance, and integration with other systems. Hire a Liferay architect for large-scale, strategic projects requiring robust architectural planning and technical oversight; avoid hiring an architect for smaller projects where detailed architectural design is unnecessary.

Choosing an outstaffing destination

One of the main benefits of outstaffing overseas is reduced development costs. More often than not, these savings depend on exactly where your outstaffing partner is located. Many outstaffing destinations offer lower hourly rates for developers. For example, the hourly rate for an engineer in the US is $95-110; in Germany, it is $85-95; and if you look at the hourly rate for developers in Ukraine, it is $45-55. Such rates are influenced by the cost of living, taxes, the average salary in the country, demand, and other considerations. Thus, by choosing the perfect location, you can save significant money.

Search for a Liferay development company

Like a tech hub, searching for a potential partner can be based on your business needs and priorities. However, there is a range of sources for a deeper vendor investigation. For example, you can find a Liferay developer by picking up information from reviews, portfolios, services, rates, and national and world ratings on B2B directories like Clutch, DesignRush, TheManifest, TechBehemoths, etc. Also, you can turn to publications in media to evaluate the potential of a company through the C-level voices and expertise shared in companies’ blogs.

Assess shortlisted Liferay vendors

Suitable Liferay suppliers are in short supply, but finding the right one can greatly accelerate your product development. Start by identifying three companies you like and schedule interviews with their management, especially if you prefer an outstaffing model. During the interview, ask them about their experience with Liferay projects, industry specifics, and the technologies they use.

Ask to see their portfolio to assess the quality and relevance of their previous work. Ask about their approach to project management, communication methods, and how they handle unexpected challenges. Discussing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) is essential to ensure that your project’s confidentiality and intellectual property are protected. These steps will help you determine if a vendor fits your needs, ensuring a successful collaboration and project outcome.

Interview candidates

When interviewing and evaluating Liferay developers, it’s essential to assess their technical skills and ability to integrate with your team. Start by asking about their experience with specific Liferay versions and features, such as Liferay DXP, to ensure they have the necessary knowledge. Assess their problem-solving abilities by presenting real-life scenarios they might encounter in the process. Review feedback from previous clients about their work. Assess their communication skills to ensure a seamless collaboration later on. Finally, technical assessments or coding tests designed explicitly for Liferay developers can be used to test their practical skills.

Start your Liferay development 

The careful selection process has passed, and you can now sign an agreement to start the digital transformation. Defining clear milestones, deliverables, and methodology is critical at this stage. Effective management of Liferay developers involves regular communication, setting precise goals, and monitoring progress with defined KPIs. To avoid risks, take a flexible approach to project management, encourage ongoing feedback, and be prepared to address any issues promptly. Regular performance reviews and updates will help ensure the project is on track and meeting your expectations.

Why hire Liferay developers at Aimprosoft

We have relevant experience in developing Liferay-based solutions for over 15 years.

Despite the times full of fight for freedom and victory in Ukraine, Aimprosoft contributed to the $3.1 billion in total revenue of the national IT sector since the beginning of 2022, a jump from $2.5 billion a year earlier.

Consultation and PoC

Liferay projects, whether it is development or migration, are often initiated following the consultation stage. It happens clients have some concerns or want to dive deeper into Liferay implementation feasibility for their projects. Proof of concept (PoC) is a way partners can look at each other closer before starting a big mutual shift. 

Business analysis

Discussing business objectives that Liferay solutions have to meet is an integral part of many project launches. Development from scratch implies a thorough investigation of the idea’s feasibility, prioritization of business requirements, and elimination of potential risks during product development to help prevent the project from failure. The service is optional but highly appreciated by customers.

Areas of Liferay application

Liferay projects in our portfolio have but are not limited to the following areas of application:

Industry	Project details
Automotive	Motive Retail: Integration automation platform for the automotive industry, collaboration portal for car manufacturers and dealers
Telecom	Virtual1: A web portal for wholesaling telecommunication services for one of the leading UK providers
Healthcare	Healthcare portal: A collaboration doctor-patient portal with a special role-permission system
Marketing	Amazon Connect: Technical support of a digital marketing campaign (collaboration platform) held by the Canne Lions finalist agency
Media and publishing	Klopotek Infinitas: Expanding market presence with extensive CMS capabilities of Liferay
E-commerce	ePayment: Integration of Liferay-based portals with payment providers
Government	Infohub: United system for prolific cooperation between state institutions and citizens
Translation	Welounge:  A single hub for the right workflow between numerous facilities worldwide
Agriculture	Staff hub: Collaboration portal for management dynamically changing personal information of personnel

Liferay certified professionals

Clients appreciate hiring professionals with in-depth knowledge about Liferay solutions. Certification ensures that developers master the fundamentals and best practices of Liferay technologies, which are verified by Liferay creators. As a result, you get more resilient, maintainable, and affordable outcomes. You can hire certified Liferay developers from Aimprosoft to be sure the Liferay development standards are fully understood.

Flexible team augmentation

As usual, Liferay projects scale. Yet, in the planning stage, peak milestones can be estimated to be ready for team extension. It depends on the type of tasks (development or migration), implementation (out-of-the-box or customization), urgency of deliverables, project scope, and more. Extending the dev team wisely helps plan the budget and relevant staff supply.

Conclusion

Finding a Liferay candidate that fully meets all your requirements is ideal but challenging, especially for critical projects where quality of work is paramount. However, it is important to recognize that some flexibility may be required in the case of urgency. The balance between urgency and quality is essential, so an effective approach for you may be outstaffing, which not only helps you scale your staff quickly but also provides control over the development process with external expertise. For more information on hiring processes, required skills, development process, and cost estimation, feel free to contact us. We can help you find the most suitable Liferay developers to meet your project needs and deadlines.