How to Hire Kotlin Developers

Knowing how to hire Kotlin developers can make the difference between a project that thrives and one that fails. 

Whether you’re building a cutting-edge Android app or leveraging Kotlin’s versatility for backend or multiplatform development, finding skilled professionals who align with your technical and business needs is crucial. 

This guide to hiring a Kotlin developer breaks down everything you need to know from identifying the right skills to streamlining the hiring and onboarding process. You will learn how to attract top Kotlin talent and set them up for success.

How to Hire Kotlin Developers: Summary

Before diving in, here’s a quick overview of the article, highlighting the key details to know before hiring Kotlin developers.

Who is a Kotlin Developer?

A Kotlin developer is a software professional skilled in using the Kotlin programming language to create and maintain applications.

They often specialize in Android app development, given Google’s official endorsement of Kotlin as the preferred language for this platform. Additionally, Kotlin developers are typically proficient in Java, as the two languages are highly interoperable.

Kotlin App Development Ultimate Guide ➜

Kotlin Developers: Facts and Figures

Kotlin is the most popular language for Android development, as highlighted by Google at KotlinConf ‘23.

Over 95% of the top 1,000 Android apps utilize Kotlin, and more than 50% of professional Android developers prefer Kotlin as their primary language, compared to 25% who choose Java.

Google at KotlinConf ’23

Globally, there are 4.86 million Kotlin developers, according to JetBrains, the language’s creators. LinkedIn data shows over 11,000 Android Kotlin job postings worldwide, with 2,000+ in the United States alone, underscoring high demand for Kotlin expertise, particularly in Android development.

Given Kotlin’s significance, understanding how to hire Kotlin developers is essential to attracting the skilled professionals your projects require.

What Does a Kotlin Developer Do?

Kotlin developers contribute to diverse tech projects, often specializing in one of the following core roles:

• Android Developer: These developers focus on creating high-performance, reliable, and user-friendly Android applications. Collaborating with teams, they utilize Kotlin to design apps tailored for Android devices.
• Full-Stack Developer: Skilled in both front-end and back-end development, full-stack Kotlin developers use Kotlin to build seamless server-side logic and user interfaces, delivering complete end-to-end application solutions.
• Back-End Developer: These specialists manage the underlying functionality of applications. By leveraging Kotlin’s features, such as static typing and coroutines, they develop APIs, databases, and application logic critical for smooth operations.
• Software Engineer: With expertise across various platforms, these developers harness Kotlin’s multiplatform capabilities to create efficient software for web, mobile, and desktop applications.

Kotlin developers’ flexibility and technical expertise make them invaluable for a wide range of development projects.

Are Kotlin Developers in Demand?

Kotlin ranks as one of the most admired and desired technologies according to the 2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, which included 65,437 respondents.

The survey also revealed that the median annual salary for Kotlin developers increased from $55,000 in 2021 to $65,815 in 2024.

2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey

However, demand for Kotlin developers isn’t solely driven by knowledge of the language. Engineering experience is crucial, as it helps developers design intuitive and effective solutions. Companies are looking for developers with expertise in their specific field and an interest in solving architectural challenges, with Kotlin serving as one of the key tools.

Major companies like Google, Amazon, Philips, and Netflix use Kotlin, and Google has also made Kotlin the preferred language for Android app development.

How To Find Kotlin Developers for Hire

When it comes to sourcing talented Kotlin developers, a strategic approach is crucial. In this section, we explore some effective avenues to tap into to hire Kotlin developers.

There are several ways to find Kotlin developers for hire, including:

• Job Boards
• Freelance Marketplaces
• Tech Recruitment Platforms
• Kotlin Communities and Groups
• Developer Outsourcing Agencies
• Partnerships with Coding Boot Camps
• Networking at In-Person and Virtual Events

To choose the best option, consider your budget and timeline. Look for solutions that minimize your effort while connecting you with top-tier talent quickly and cost-effectively.

Hire Kotlin Developers ➜

How Can You Identify the Ideal Kotlin Developer for You?

To hire the best Kotlin developer, it’s essential to match the candidate’s skills with your business requirements.

For example, if you’re hiring for Android app development, the candidate should have substantial experience with the Android SDK, various Android APIs, architectural patterns, Jetpack libraries (e.g., Jetpack Compose), and Android Studio.

In addition to technical skills, consider these key factors:

1. Business Needs: Define the specific needs of your project. Are you hiring for a full-time or part-time role? Do you need a dedicated Kotlin developer for a short-term project or a long-term relationship?
2. Budget and Time Constraints: Determine your budget for the position and the timeline for the project. Consider whether additional onboarding and training resources will be required based on the candidate’s experience.
3. Technologies and Skills: Identify the technologies and tools necessary for the role. Are you hiring for mobile, web, or both types of projects? Ensure the candidate is familiar with the specific technology stack your business uses.
4. Existing Resources: Consider the internal resources you have available for onboarding and training. Will the candidate need additional support to get up to speed?
5. Remote or On-Site: Decide if you plan to hire remote, on-site, or hybrid developers. Hiring remotely can expand your candidate pool, but may require additional considerations for collaboration and communication.

By answering these questions, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the type of Kotlin developer you need, whether junior or senior, and be better equipped to make a well-informed hiring decision.

Skills To Look for When Hiring a Kotlin Developer

In this section, we will look at some essential skills to look for when hiring a Kotlin developer.

A proficient Kotlin developer should demonstrate:

1. Excellent Coding Skills: Mastery of Kotlin syntax and features, along with experience using its standard libraries, is essential. Java knowledge is preferable, as many projects require rewriting existing Java code into Kotlin.
2. In-Depth Programming Knowledge: A solid understanding of core programming concepts, including object-oriented and functional programming, is crucial.
3. Technical and Theoretical Expertise: A balanced combination of practical coding ability and theoretical understanding ensures effective problem-solving and adaptability.
4. Soft Skills: Strong communication, collaboration, time management, and problem-solving skills are critical for teamwork and project success.

A quality Kotlin developer blends these technical, theoretical, and interpersonal skills to excel in diverse development scenarios.

Complementary Skill Requirements for Kotlin Developers

Kotlin developers may need proficiency in additional technologies depending on the specifics of the project. Some key complementary skills include:

• SQL: As databases are integral to most projects, especially in Android or web development, a solid understanding of SQL and SQL databases is essential for Kotlin developers. Basic database management skills are a must, given the widespread use of SQL.
• C or C++: For more complex Android projects, such as games, libraries written in C or C++ may be involved. In these cases, a strong background in C or C++ (or at least a basic understanding and willingness to learn) is highly beneficial for Kotlin developers.

Step by Step Process to Hire Kotlin Developers

Now that you understand the essential skills to seek when hiring Kotlin developers, it’s time to dive into the steps required for a smooth onboarding process.

Steps to Hiring Kotlin Developers:

1. Discussing Requirements: Begin with project analysis and a series of meetings to clarify details, organizational needs, and specific requirements for hiring Kotlin developers.
2. Listing Candidates: Once ready to hire, gather a list of candidates with the necessary skills, allowing you to select the most suitable talent for your project.
3. Interviewing Developers: Perform technical interviews with shortlisted candidates, enabling you to evaluate their expertise and make a final selection.
4. Signing an Agreement: After selecting a developer, finalize the process with seamless onboarding and sign an agreement to commence Kotlin app development.

Differentiating Between Junior, Mid-level, and Senior Kotlin Developers

Understanding the differences between junior, mid-level, and senior Kotlin developers is crucial for selecting the right candidate based on your project needs. While years of experience and technical skills are important, other factors also differentiate these roles.

Which Kotlin Developer Should You Hire?

• For New Projects: A senior Kotlin developer is ideal due to their experience and ability to handle complex challenges.
• For Existing Projects: Mid-level or junior Kotlin developers can be considered based on project complexity, though juniors may need additional training and guidance.

How Much It Costs To Hire Kotlin Developers

In the United States, Kotlin developers earn an average of $61 per hour, which equates to an annual salary of approximately $127,151.

At the lower end of the pay scale, Kotlin developers can earn around $10.82 per hour. On the higher end, top-tier Kotlin developers can command up to $83.41 per hour.

ZipRecruiter – Kotlin Developer Salary

Other countries can offer more cost-effective ways to hire Kotlin developers. For example, according to data from YouTeam, the hourly rates for Kotlin developers in Latin America and Eastern Europe are:

• Argentina – $59
• Brazil – $52
• Uruguay – $52
• Bulgaria – $50
• Romania – $49
• Ukraine – $44

Therefore, businesses increasingly consider alternate destinations when looking for talented Kotlin developers at lower rates.

Tips for Writing a Kotlin Developer Job Description

When creating a job post for a Kotlin developer, it doesn’t need to be overly complex. A simple, clear structure with four main sections is sufficient.

1. Company Introduction: Provide a brief and engaging paragraph about your company. Highlight the work environment, office hours, company culture, perks, benefits, and what makes your company a unique or attractive place to work.
2. Kotlin Developer Job Description: In a few paragraphs, describe the role and its focus. Summarize the key skills required and the type of person who would be a good fit for the position.
3. Job Responsibilities: List the main duties and tasks the developer will be responsible for. Keep it focused on significant tasks, avoiding minor or infrequent requests.
4. Skills and Certifications: Outline the necessary educational background, technical skills, and soft skills. Break these down into required and preferred skills, providing a clear expectation for candidates.

Additionally, ask for a portfolio or examples of past projects to assess the candidate’s experience and how it aligns with your needs.

Common Interview Questions To Ask When You Want To Hire a Kotlin Developer

A comprehensive Kotlin interview should assess both technical skills and cultural fit. While each company’s culture and team dynamics may vary, certain foundational technical questions about Kotlin apply universally across interviews.

Here are some suggested topics and questions to ask during a Kotlin interview. While these are not exhaustive, they should be supplemented with additional questions related to Kotlin, Android, or other relevant technologies:

• What is a data class in Kotlin?
• How is null safety implemented in Kotlin?
• How does Kotlin-Java interoperability work?
• What is the difference between fold and reduce?
• What is a sealed class, and when should it be used?
• What’s the difference between val and var declarations in Kotlin?
• What are the recommended approaches for creating constants in Kotlin?
• Does Kotlin support multiple inheritance? Can you extend multiple classes?

These questions help gauge both the candidate’s understanding of Kotlin and their ability to contribute to the development process. Be sure to include additional questions based on the specific needs of your project or team.

How to Ensure You’ve Chosen a Good Kotlin Developer

To select a skilled Kotlin developer, it’s essential to evaluate their professional background thoroughly.

During the hiring process, ask candidates to describe their previous projects, highlight the most challenging tasks they encountered, and explain how they resolved them. This approach helps assess their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

Analyzing candidate portfolios, if available, is another valuable step. Reviews and endorsements from previous employers or clients can provide additional insights, though these may not always be accessible.

While technical expertise (hard skills) is crucial, it’s equally important to consider soft skills. Look for developers who can work collaboratively, communicate effectively, share and discuss ideas, accept feedback constructively, and defend their positions when necessary.

Finally, a strong candidate should demonstrate a willingness to take responsibility and show confidence in managing tasks independently. Balancing these technical and interpersonal qualities is key to ensuring you’ve chosen the right Kotlin developer.

Hiring Kotlin vs. Java Developers

When deciding between hiring Kotlin or Java developers, there are key differences that could influence your choice.

• Maturity and Syntax: Java, released in 1995, is a mature language with a larger ecosystem, while Kotlin, launched in 2016, is newer and more modern. Kotlin’s syntax is more concise than Java’s, reducing the amount of boilerplate code and making it more readable and less prone to errors. Additionally, Kotlin offers features like null safety, extension functions, static typing, smart casting, and better support for functional programming.
• Project Considerations: If you’re developing an Android app, Kotlin is the recommended language and offers significant advantages over Java, making Kotlin developers the preferred choice. However, many senior Kotlin developers may have transitioned from Java engineering roles, meaning there is considerable overlap between the two developer pools, particularly for Android development.

For other types of projects, it may be worth examining the specific use cases for Kotlin vs Java before making a decision on which type of developer to hire.

Comprehensive Guide: Kotlin vs Java ➜

Conclusion

In conclusion, a clear understanding of how to hire Kotlin developers is essential to onboarding the right candidates. 

To effectively judge and evaluate a Kotlin developer, you must consider:

1. Skills (Soft, Technical, and Hard)
2. Cost (Hourly Rate and Location Based)
3. Types (Junior, Mid-Level, and Senior)
4. Responsibilities (Android, Full-Stack, Back-End, Multiplatform)

By carefully crafting a detailed job description, effectively screening candidates, and leveraging assessments and portfolios, you can identify top talent. With the right approach, you’ll be able to onboard skilled Kotlin developers who can contribute to your project’s success and help you achieve your goals.

Best of luck on your hiring efforts!

FAQs about Hiring Kotlin Developers

In this section, we discuss some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) people may have about how to hire Kotlin application developers. If you have any additional queries, feel free to ask them in the comment section down below.

How do I hire a Kotlin developer?

To hire a skilled Kotlin developer, follow these steps:

1. Assess Experience: Look for candidates with a solid background in Kotlin, particularly in areas relevant to your project (e.g., Android app development, server-side programming). Review their portfolio or previous work to gauge practical expertise.
2. Evaluate Technical Skills: Test the candidate’s proficiency in Kotlin, focusing on essential concepts like null safety, coroutines, extension functions, and integration with Java. Coding challenges, technical interviews, or take-home assignments can help assess their capabilities.
3. Check Communication Skills: Ensure the developer can articulate ideas clearly, collaborate effectively with team members, and understand project requirements. Good communication is essential for smooth development processes.
4. Consider Industry Fit: Evaluate the candidate’s familiarity with your industry and their ability to adapt to your specific company culture and project needs. Developers with domain experience often contribute more effectively.
5. Implement a Rigorous Screening Process: Adopt a structured recruitment approach, including technical assessments, behavioral interviews, and reference checks, to verify that the developer possesses the required expertise and experience.

By carefully analyzing these factors, you can confidently hire a Kotlin developer suited to your project’s needs.

What do I need to look for when I choose a Kotlin developer online?

When hiring a Kotlin developer online, consider the following key factors:

1. Technical Expertise: Ensure the candidate has a strong foundation in Kotlin and related programming languages like Java. They should be proficient in Agile software development practices and familiar with complementary technologies such as SQL, C/C++, or others based on your project’s requirements.
2. Theoretical Knowledge: Look for understanding of core computer science concepts, including algorithms, data structures, and software design principles. This knowledge is crucial for solving complex problems effectively.
3. Project-Specific Skills: Identify any specialized frameworks, libraries, or tools your project requires (e.g., Android SDK, Ktor for server-side Kotlin). Make sure the candidate has experience with these or the capacity to learn them quickly.
4. Soft Skills: Evaluate their communication skills, teamwork abilities, and problem-solving mindset. These qualities are vital for remote collaboration and addressing challenges in a dynamic development environment.
5. Cultural Fit: Assess the candidate’s alignment with your company’s values, vision, and work culture. A good cultural fit ensures smoother collaboration and a more productive partnership.

By carefully examining these aspects, you can select a Kotlin developer who meets your technical and organizational needs.

How do I choose between two quality Kotlin development candidates?

When deciding between two strong Kotlin development candidates, consider the following factors:

1. Project-Specific Experience: Evaluate how closely their past experiences and skills align with your project’s specific needs. Assess their familiarity with required tools, frameworks, and domain knowledge that might benefit your project.
2. Skill Level Suitability: Determine whether your project needs a junior, mid-level, or senior developer. For senior roles, prioritize candidates with a proven track record of technical expertise, leadership, and the ability to take ownership of projects and make critical decisions.
3. Cultural and Team Fit: Consider how well each candidate integrates with your company’s culture and existing team dynamics. A harmonious team fit enhances collaboration and productivity.
4. Budget and Resources: Evaluate which candidate fits better within your budget and onboarding capabilities. A more experienced developer may require a higher salary, but they could also contribute more independently and efficiently.
5. Long-Term Potential: Assess the candidates’ potential for growth and their ability to adapt to future needs. This consideration can be especially important for long-term projects or ongoing roles.

By weighing these criteria, you can make an informed decision that best suits your project and organizational goals.

Are Kotlin developers in demand?

Yes, Kotlin developers are in high demand due to the language’s growing popularity and versatility. Kotlin is the official Google-recommended language for Android development, making it a top choice for building mobile applications. Its modern features, including a mix of imperative, object-oriented, and functional programming paradigms, make it appealing for developers and organizations alike.

Beyond Android, Kotlin is gaining traction in web development, server-side applications, and other domains. Its ability to interoperate seamlessly with Java and its concise syntax contribute to its adoption across diverse projects. As Kotlin continues to expand in scope, the demand for skilled Kotlin developers is expected to grow further.

Should I use Kotlin instead of Java for Android app development?

Kotlin is an excellent choice for Android app development and is now Google’s preferred language for native Android development. While Java has long been a staple for Android programming, Kotlin offers a modern, faster, and more concise alternative.

Since its release in 2016, Kotlin has gained widespread adoption, with more than 95% of the top 1,000 Android apps incorporating Kotlin code. Over 60% of Android professionals actively use Kotlin, highlighting its effectiveness and popularity. Its streamlined syntax, null safety, and seamless interoperability with Java make it an appealing choice for both new and existing projects.

For most Android app development scenarios, Kotlin provides significant advantages over Java, making it the better option for modern development.

Can you hire Kotlin developers on an hourly basis or for project-based tasks?

Yes, you can hire Kotlin developers on an hourly, part-time, or full-time basis, depending on your project’s requirements. Many companies also offer Managed Delivery services, handling entire projects from start to finish.

This flexibility allows you to scale your development team as needed, whether you require short-term assistance or a long-term commitment. Kotlin developers can seamlessly integrate into your existing team, ensuring a collaborative and efficient working experience tailored to your specific goals.

How do I create a compelling Kotlin developer job description?

1. Role Overview: Provide a concise summary of the position, highlighting its significance to your team and the overall project goals.
2. Responsibilities: Outline the key duties, including tasks like designing, implementing, and maintaining applications.
3. Requirements: Detail the necessary technical skills, along with important soft skills such as teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

How can I screen Kotlin developers effectively?

Screen potential Kotlin developers by the following:

1. Resume Review: Examine the candidate’s experience and previous projects to assess their expertise in Kotlin.
2. Technical Assessments: Utilize coding tests or platforms like HackerRank or Codility to evaluate their programming skills.
3. Portfolio Review: Request links to past projects or contributions to open-source initiatives to gauge their hands-on experience.

Where can I find Kotlin developers?

Where you look for Kotlin developers depends on whether you’re hiring in-house employees, freelancers, or outsourcing to a development agency. 

1. For in-house roles, LinkedIn, Indeed, or regional job boards are great options. 
2. If you’re seeking freelancers, platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are ideal. 
3. For software development companies, consider using repositories such as Clutch or GoodFirms.

How much does it cost to hire a Kotlin Developer?

The cost of hiring a Kotlin developer varies depending on factors like experience level, project complexity, engagement duration, and location. In the US, annual salaries range from $70,000 for entry-level developers to over $130,000 for senior developers. In addition to salary, there may be extra costs for benefits, office space, and other overheads if hiring a full-time employee.

How much does a Kotlin Developer charge per hour?

The hourly rate for a Kotlin developer can vary based on factors such as experience, skill level, and location. In the US, rates typically range from $30 to over $100 per hour. Developers in regions like Eastern Europe or Asia may charge lower rates due to differences in the cost of living. When negotiating an hourly rate, it’s important to consider these factors, as well as the complexity and scope of your project.

This page was last edited on 19 December 2024, at 10:46 am