Toptal is a marketplace for top C# developers, engineers, programmers, coders, architects, and consultants. Top companies and startups can hire dedicated (full-time), hourly, or part-time C# freelancers for their mission-critical software projects.
Rahul is a full-stack developer with over 13 years of C# programming experience. He is pivotal in every project he leads and executes, engaging his team and communicating complex concepts effectively to stakeholders. He has built custom APIs, integrations, data-driven jQuery-based plugins, and dynamic websites. Committed to excellence, Rahul is known for his exceptional programming skills, meticulous attention to detail, and adaptability, landing promotions in three organizations in 1.5 years.
Steve is a senior software developer with 20 years of experience in full-stack software development, working with notable clients such as Bell Canada, the Nova Scotia Provincial Government, and Sobeys. His primary expertise lies in C#, SQL, and C++ technologies, with a focus on the government, oil and gas, and retail industries. Steve is a team player who is willing to expend whatever energy is necessary and thrives in any environment.
Csaba is a full-stack developer who's been working with C# and SQL since 2001 and as an architect since 2015. Csaba is comfortable working with companies of all sizes using both the Waterfall and Agile methodologies and has experience in banking & finance (ten years), aviation (six years), and TV/radio stations (four years). Csaba also excels at database & application architecture planning, implementation, quality assurance, data transformation (ETL), and performance optimization.
Remya has more than 15 years of software development experience, is very passionate about coding, and is committed to her work. She has extensive experience mainly on .NET frameworks from .NET 2.0 until .NET Core. Remya's main area of focus is building back-end APIs in C# and VB.NET, and she is also experienced in IBM MQ, Apache Kafka, Microservices, and PL/SQL coding.
Mike has two decades of experience with all phases of development as part of an agile team; including gathering requirements, creating technical designs, developing, testing, documenting, and ongoing support. He specializes in a wide range of languages (C#, JavaScript, HTML/CSS), technologies (ASP>NET Core, jQuery, Sitecore), platforms (Azure, IIS, MS SQL Server), and tools (VS Code, Git, Node.js).
Tao is a senior full-stack developer and architect who worked on over 14 million lines of code on large-scale, real-time acquisition software projects. He primarily focused on the back end for more than 11 years. Tao's expertise is mainly in C++, C#, Java, Python web development, performance optimization, and troubleshooting in Azure and AWS.
Keying is a seasoned developer and leader with six years of experience. With hands-on experience in all stages of software development and managerial duties, she is a lifelong learner, a completionist, and a problem solver. Keying's expertise includes back-end services with Java, C#.NET, Python, REST, databases with Oracle, PostgreSQL, and Redis SQL, front end with Angular, and cloud technologies such as AWS.
John is a developer with 15 years of experience creating commercial software. He is an expert in back-end projects using C# with top skills in JavaScript, Angular, and React. He created a sophisticated booking application that enables universities to manage and optimize the use of their resources. John has developed cloud-hosted products, including some that used a microservice architecture hosted in Docker.
Vadim is a senior back-end developer and team lead with 10+ years of experience creating clean code that's easy to maintain, change, and expand. He has deep expertise in C# and .NET and uses Agile and Scrum to deliver stable releases on time. One of his specialties is using Telegram bots to reduce front-end development. Vadim looks at problems from different angles to develop diverse solutions and custom software. He has a masters-level degree in applied mathematics and computer science.
Gavrilo is a passionate software engineer with 10+ years of experience. He is an expert in C#, React, TypeScript, F#, and Python and uses Azure, AWS, and the Google Cloud Platform daily. Curious about different approaches, paradigms, design principles, and patterns, he is currently learning Scala and cloud architecture to become a certified Azure Cloud Architect. Gavrilo is also interested in business, finance, psychology, philosophy, and sports.
Tamar has more than a decade of software development experience, working mainly with Microsoft technologies. Over the past few years, she's been focused on developing web solutions for the banking industry using C# and ASP.NET MVC, Entity Framework and various front-end frameworks/languages (e.g., Javascript, TypeScript, Angular, jQuery). Tamar enjoys learning new technologies and sharing information with others.
C# software developers are experts in developing code for both the .NET framework and platforms where .NET can be deployed, like Azure and Unity. This guide features hiring process best practices, job description tips, and interview questions and answers that will help you identify the right C# candidates for you.
... allows corporations to quickly assemble teams that have the right skills for specific projects.
Despite accelerating demand for coders, Toptal prides itself on almost Ivy League-level vetting.
Our clients
Creating an app for the game
Leading a digital transformation
Building a cross-platform app to be used worldwide
Drilling into real-time data creates an industry game changer
Testimonials
Tripcents wouldn't exist without Toptal. Toptal Projects enabled us to rapidly develop our foundation with a product manager, lead developer, and senior designer. In just over 60 days we went from concept to Alpha. The speed, knowledge, expertise, and flexibility is second to none. The Toptal team were as part of Tripcents as any in-house team member of Tripcents. They contributed and took ownership of the development just like everyone else. We will continue to use Toptal. As a startup, they are our secret weapon.
Brantley Pace
CEO & Co-Founder
I am more than pleased with our experience with Toptal. The professional I got to work with was on the phone with me within a couple of hours. I knew after discussing my project with him that he was the candidate I wanted. I hired him immediately and he wasted no time in getting to my project, even going the extra mile by adding some great design elements that enhanced our overall look.
Paul Fenley
Director
The developers I was paired with were incredible -- smart, driven, and responsive. It used to be hard to find quality engineers and consultants. Now it isn't.
Ryan Rockefeller
CEO
Toptal understood our project needs immediately. We were matched with an exceptional freelancer from Argentina who, from Day 1, immersed himself in our industry, blended seamlessly with our team, understood our vision, and produced top-notch results. Toptal makes connecting with superior developers and programmers very easy.
Jason Kulik
Co-founder
As a small company with limited resources we can't afford to make expensive mistakes. Toptal provided us with an experienced programmer who was able to hit the ground running and begin contributing immediately. It has been a great experience and one we'd repeat again in a heartbeat.
Stuart Pocknee
Principal
How to Hire C# Developers Through Toptal
1
Talk to One of Our Industry Experts
A Toptal director of engineering will work with you to understand your goals, technical needs, and team dynamics.
2
Work With Hand-Selected Talent
Within days, we'll introduce you to the right C# developer for your project. Average time to match is under 24 hours.
3
The Right Fit, Guaranteed
Work with your new C# developer for a trial period (pay only if satisfied), ensuring they're the right fit before starting the engagement.
Find Experts With Related Skills
Access a vast pool of skilled developers in our talent network and hire the top 3% within just 48 hours.
From .NET to Unity, Toptal developers possess in-depth knowledge of the extensive C# ecosystem. Regardless of the size of your application, our developers create scalable solutions that effectively handle high traffic, facilitate data flow, and keep users engaged with compelling UIs.
Building Enterprise Applications With .NET
Large enterprise applications require a flexible and reliable framework in order to manage high traffic and complex operations. Toptal C# developers make expert use of the .NET framework to build and deploy multifaceted, secure, and scalable systems for large-scale organizations.
API Development and Integration
API development is essential for connecting the layers of your application and communicating with external services. Using tools like ASP.NET Core Web API and Swagger, our developers build efficient RESTful APIs that link your system’s components and enable seamless data flow.
Developing Web Applications With ASP.NET
ASP.NET, a web development framework built on C#, is a versatile tool for creating dynamic web applications. Our C# developers leverage its powerful features like ASP.NET MVC, Razor Pages, and Blazor to build web solutions that are secure, scalable, and tailored to your needs.
Building Desktop Applications With WPF or WinForms
C# is ideal for building feature-rich desktop applications using Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) or WinForms. Our developers bring your vision to life, creating desktop applications with Visual Studio, Blend, and the MVVM Light Toolkit to deliver robust systems with user-friendly interfaces.
Cross-platform Mobile Development With Xamarin
Xamarin is the go-to framework for building mobile applications running on both iOS and Android that rely on a single codebase. Toptal C# developers are experts at building cross-platform UIs that connect with robust server-side services, delivering mobile apps that provide seamless user experiences.
Game Development With Unity
Unity is a staple in game development, and C# is the primary programming language used for scripting with the Unity engine. Our experts create C# scripts to manage game logic and handle events, crafting immersive 2D and 3D game experiences that capture users’ imagination.
Multithreading and Asynchronous Programming
Multithreading and asynchronous programming enable applications to execute multiple tasks concurrently. To enhance the performance of your application, our C# developers employ multithreading and asynchronous programming techniques, using libraries such as the Task Parallel Library (TPL) and ThreadPool to efficiently manage resources.
Database Management With Entity Framework
Efficient database management is a requirement for any application that handles data. Toptal C# developers utilize Entity Framework for object-relational mapping (ORM) to facilitate and optimize complex database interaction, enabling smooth data manipulation and retrieval.
Secure Authentication and Authorization
With any online application, securing sensitive data is paramount. Our C# developers take advantage of ASP.NET Identity, JWT Bearer Authentication, and IdentityServer to manage user authentication and secure APIs, protecting your network and data from unauthorized access.
Performance Optimization and Code Debugging
User satisfaction relies heavily on your application’s performance. Our experts are skilled at building architectures that are scalable and handle high traffic with ease, leveraging their skills in C# to enhance memory management and rigorously test applications to ensure smooth, reliable operation.
FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a C# developer?
The cost associated with hiring a C# developer depends on various factors, including preferred talent location, complexity and size of the project you’re hiring for, seniority, engagement commitment (hourly, part-time, or full-time), and more. In the US, for example, Glassdoor’s reported average total annual pay for C# developers is $115,818 as of July 2024. With Toptal, you can speak with an expert talent matcher who will help you understand the cost of talent with the right skills and seniority level for your needs. To get started, schedule a call with us — it’s free, and there’s no obligation to hire with Toptal.
How do I hire a C# developer?
To hire the right C# developer, it’s important to evaluate a candidate’s experience, technical skills, and communication skills. You’ll also want to consider the fit with your particular industry, company, and project. Toptal’s rigorous screening process ensures that every member of our network has excellent experience and skills, and our team will match you with the perfect C# developers for your project.
How in demand are C# developers?
Due to its high compatibility with Windows, C#, launched in 2000, has always been a popular language with enterprise Microsoft Windows users and continues to grow in popularity. As of August 2023, the TIOBE index ranked C# as the fifth most popular language for development. C# developer demand is high and has shown no signs of slowing down.
In 2015, C# developers went from supporting mostly Windows-based shops to including additional operating systems. This expansion in supported environments coincided with the release of .NET Core, a Microsoft development framework that’s compatible with operating systems like Linux and MacOS, as well as Windows.
How do you choose between two highly qualified C# developers for your project?
The recruitment process may produce more than one qualified candidate with the ideal skills and experience in terms of technical capabilities. In such cases, consider what aspects the project is lacking. Take into account the specific technologies required for the project, like its database, mobile capabilities, and cloud provider, as well as the type of development needed (maintenance versus fresh development). By aligning your project’s gaps with each candidate’s strengths, you can identify the candidate who best fits your needs.
How quickly can you hire with Toptal?
Typically, you can hire a C# developer with Toptal in about 48 hours. For larger teams of talent or Managed Delivery, timelines may vary. Our talent matchers are highly skilled in the same fields they’re matching in—they’re not recruiters or HR reps. They’ll work with you to understand your goals, technical needs, and team dynamics, and match you with ideal candidates from our vetted global talent network.
Once you select your C# developer, you’ll have a no-risk trial period to ensure they’re the perfect fit. Our matching process has a 98% trial-to-hire rate, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best fit every time.
What makes C# a better language than others in certain use cases?
The most obvious scenario in which C# clearly outperforms other languages is Windows development. .NET was born inside Windows, so it is a natural choice. C# also excels in the development of large applications due to the speed of .NET and the extensive selection of C# libraries and development tools available. Finally, in the context of game development, Unity—which uses C# as its base language—holds about one-third of the market share.
How are Toptal C# developers different?
At Toptal, we thoroughly screen our C# developers to ensure we only match you with the highest caliber of talent. Of the more than 200,000 people who apply to join the Toptal network each year, fewer than 3% make the cut.
In addition to screening for industry-leading expertise, we also assess candidates’ language and interpersonal skills to ensure that you have a smooth working relationship.
When you hire with Toptal, you’ll always work with world-class, custom-matched C# developers ready to help you achieve your goals.
Can you hire C# developers on an hourly basis or for project-based tasks?
You can hire C# developers on an hourly, part-time, or full-time basis. Toptal can also manage the entire project from end-to-end with our Managed Delivery offering. Whether you hire an expert for a full- or part-time position, you’ll have the control and flexibility to scale your team up or down as your needs evolve. Our C# developers can fully integrate into your existing team for a seamless working experience.
What is the no-risk trial period for Toptal C# developers?
We make sure that each engagement between you and your C# developer begins with a trial period of up to two weeks. This means that you have time to confirm the engagement will be successful. If you’re completely satisfied with the results, we’ll bill you for the time and continue the engagement for as long as you’d like. If you’re not completely satisfied, you won’t be billed. From there, we can either part ways, or we can provide you with another expert who may be a better fit and with whom we will begin a second, no-risk trial.
Vanclei is a software developer who specializes in C# and .NET, and has served clients such as ExxonMobil, The Weather Channel, and Sony’s Ci Media Cloud. At Work & Co, he developed apps for Gatorade’s US market. He co-authored Desenvolvendo com C#, a book that discusses C#’s role in delivering .NET solutions.
The popularity of C# is surging among companies and developers alike. It ranks as one of the top 10 languages used by professional developers according to Stack Overflow’s 2023 Developer Survey. Further, as of August 2023, the TIOBE Index ranked C# as the fifth most popular programming language and announced it as the programming language of the year for 2023. Widely adopted, the use of C# shows no signs of plateauing.
Part of the high demand for C# may be credited to its seamless integration with Microsoft’s comprehensive suite of products. C# is the primary programming language for various applications within Microsoft’s .NET ecosystem, including .NET Core, the .NET framework, MVC, the innovative .NET MAUI (previously Xamarin.Forms), and Azure—the cloud provider boasting 24% of the global cloud computing market share.
Beyond Microsoft’s domain, C# commands a central role in game development, serving as the primary programming language used with Unity, a leading game development platform. With the extensive adoption and real-world capabilities of C#, identifying and retaining top-notch C# developers is challenging.
This guide delves into the critical aspects of recruiting the best C# developers and provides insight into how to identify candidates who meet your specific needs, write an effective job description that attracts qualified talent, and navigate the interview and assessment processes.
What Attributes Distinguish Quality C# Developers From Others?
A skilled C# developer uses tools like Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code, is comfortable with NuGet package management, and possesses a thorough understanding of .NET’s wealth of libraries. A standout C# developer formulates .NET solutions and suggests meaningful options that are in line with a project’s technical requirements.
Complementary Technology Skills for a Quality C# Developer
A C# application interacts with various libraries, databases, and systems. A C# developer who is proficient in all these technologies is rare, so prioritize skills that are most relevant to your specific project needs.
Database Management Systems — C# developers play a pivotal role in application development, primarily due to essential interactions with data. A seasoned C# professional is skilled in various facets of database management systems to accommodate project requirements, including:
Relational databases: A C# engineer leverages tools like Entity Framework Core to support the use of relational databases like SQL Server/Azure SQL Database, SQLite, MySQL, Azure Cosmos DB, and PostgreSQL, among others. Particularly for Microsoft-based development projects, SQL Server/Azure SQL Database is the go-to solution.
NoSQL databases: A quality C# professional is conversant with modern, web-friendly, fast NoSQL databases like MongoDB or Cloud Firestore.
Database design: A C# expert’s knowledge of database design is essential, given that architectural decisions impact an application’s performance.
ASP.NET Core — Many C# development projects use ASP.NET Core to build robust, interactive web apps and services. If you are working on a web project, it’s a given that an expert C# engineer deeply understands the inner workings of ASP.NET Core and has experience using it with C# to build web solutions.
Unity and Game Development — Given that the Unity game engine offers native support for C#, a standout C# game developer should excel in scripting within the Unity engine to create exciting, interactive games. They should be skilled at architecting game logic, animating game elements, handling audio, and networking. In addition, a C# game developer should be proficient at creating and manipulating Unity objects and handling user inputs. A quality developer will also be comfortable using Unity’s physics engine to execute realistic movements and handle collision detection.
Cloud Technologies — For cloud-based development, an expert C# programmer works with Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform to implement containerization, serverless applications, processing queues, and secrets management.
Front-end Development Technologies — When extending their expertise to full-stack development, a C# professional must be familiar with client-side technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, and React. They should also be conversant with package management tools and at least one popular front-end web development framework like Angular or Blazor, which is part of ASP.NET Core.
Application Integration With APIs — A microservice, analytical tool, or any other third-party service that communicates with an app likely provides an interface through a REST API. Therefore, a quality C# software engineer will possess an advanced knowledge of API integration. They must be familiar with tools like cURL, Postman, and Swagger, which enable the testing and debugging of communication gateways for these APIs.
Collaboration and Versioning Tools — To support complex customized solutions, a C# developer should have proficiency with at least one version control tool like Git, as well as familiarity with source code repository hosting services like Bitbucket or GitHub. A version control system eases code maintenance, promotes clean code, and prevents the inadvertent modification of code written by other developers.
Specialized Support for WindowsDesktop Applications — If your project entails supporting a niche Windows desktop application, it’s essential that your developer have professional experience with WinForms or WPF.
How Can You Identify the Ideal C# Developer For You?
To identify the ideal C# developer during your hiring process, you must first identify the requirements of your project. An effective method is to craft a problem statement in which you delineate the goal(s) of the project or the problem(s) you are trying to solve. Be sure to consider the following factors when crafting your problem statement:
Team requirements: Determine whether your in-house engineering team is just short of an extra set of hands to deliver more code or if you require a dedicated developer to fill a specific skill gap. Also, decide whether this new hire will work on-site or remotely.
Type of project: Assess your system, as distinct implementations call for specialized skills, tools, and expertise. Different projects—whether they are complex enterprise solutions, APIs or web applications, or database systems—may each call for distinctly specialized developers.
Legacy system work: Establish whether your project involves the migration or maintenance of a legacy system. If so, look for a C# developer who is familiar with older .NET versions and other in-use legacy applications.
After clarifying your project requirements, consider which level of C# development expertise to target:
Junior developers typically have less than two years of experience and are familiar with basic concepts like project structure, data types, and keywords, making them a suitable choice for straightforward projects. They may require up to a month of onboarding and a go-to mentor to fully acclimate to their role.
Mid-level developers usually have three to five years of hands-on experience working with C# and are able to efficiently translate business and company requirements into source code. They are familiar with collaboration and versioning tools, package management, and test writing, and they are comfortable building and deploying .NET solutions for consumption by other applications.
Senior developers generally have more than five years of full-time experience and an excellent grasp of the .NET ecosystem. They can develop high-quality solutions that meet stringent timelines. Their app development experience likely includes serverless apps, APIs, and ASP.NET Core, and they will have interacted with various database systems and cloud providers. Beyond translating business requirements into code, they can advise a development team on how to optimize its solutions to meet business goals. They contribute effectively to all phases of the software development process, either by driving development directly or by supporting team members in meeting their objectives, whether the team adopts an Agile methodology or a different project management framework.
Important Soft Skills for C# Developers
In addition to technical expertise, C# developers need a range of soft skills so they can do their job effectively. In order to integrate seamlessly with development teams, candidates should be able to collaborate well with colleagues, and show a commitment to teamwork. They often work with clients and non-technical stakeholders, so developers must have strong communication skills to translate technical concepts into language that is easy to understand. Communication skills are also important when developers work in a mentoring capacity, sharing techniques and procedures with other members of the team. Candidates should be adept at time management and organization, as C# developers often juggle multiple tasks with tight deadlines. A final skill that all developers should cultivate is adaptability: Requirements, as well as technologies and methodologies, evolve rapidly, and having a mindset of adaptability while prioritizing continuous learning enables developers to stay current.
C# Programming Skills in Context
Hiring managers may wonder whether developers skilled in languages with similar syntax can jump in on a C# project. While experience with a coding language like C++ or Java may help an engineer learn C# more easily, that knowledge typically can’t replace the practical, industry-specific skills of a candidate with prior C# experience.
How are C# developers different from C++ developers?
C# experts typically build enterprise software, web applications, and Windows desktop apps using the .NET framework’s Common Language Runtime (CLR), automating many lower-level programming tasks, including memory management. In contrast, C++ developers typically work on projects requiring high performance or fine control, interacting directly with machine resources to produce embedded systems, system software, and high-performance games.
How are C# developers different from Java developers?
C# and Java developers often take on similar projects, including building enterprise software and web applications, working on service-oriented architectures, and managing server-side programming. However, in addition to Unity games, C# engineers develop cross-platform desktop and mobile apps using .NET MAUI, whereas Java developers traditionally target Android apps. When it comes to enterprise software development, choosing between C# developers and Java developers often depends on specific project requirements.
What certifications should a C# developer have?
Microsoft certifications offer tangible proof of a developer’s C# skills because they include comprehensive exams on C# development and architecture. The emphasis on certifications, however, has diminished greatly in recent years. What’s more, there are no active certifications specifically for C# developers.
Nonetheless, Microsoft’s AZ-204 exam for Azure developers is a relevant choice for C# engineers and .NET developers who work on this cloud platform. Previously, Microsoft handled the vetting of C# developers through any of the following certifications, which you may come across in candidates’ application materials:
2002 to 2009 — Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)
2012 to 2021 — Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
The C# Development Process
Although there may be variations based on application and industry, the software development lifecycle (SDLC) is standard for most projects and employed by C# developers. Each phase of the process is essential, and this disciplined approach enhances productivity and delivers reliable applications that are more easily maintained.
Planning and requirements gathering: At this phase, the project requirements are gathered from clients, project managers, and other stakeholders in order to develop a clear plan that sets realistic timelines and costs. Thorough planning is essential for avoiding design inaccuracies and scope creep.
Designing and architecting the solution: In the design phase, a high-level architecture is created. This specifies the technologies that will be used and how each component will interact.
Implementation and coding: After the design is in place, C# developers write the actual code, following best practices and coding standards. Project management methodologies like Agile are frequently employed to streamline the development process.
Testing and quality assurance (QA): At this stage, the software is tested for bugs and checked to make sure that it meets all requirements. Modern projects often use continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) methodologies to ensure that bugs are caught early and quickly fixed. For many applications, performance and security are also tested and optimized during this phase.
Deployment and maintenance: Once an application has undergone thorough testing and QA, it is deployed into the production environment. The versatility of C# means that the production environment could comprise cloud servers, PCs mobile devices, embedded devices, gaming consoles, or any combination of the above. After deployment, the performance of the live application is monitored, enabling developers to perform regular bug fixes, updates, and feature enhancements.
Best Practices in C# Development
There are several software development best practices that C# developers should adhere to. Following these will result in a product that is robust and reliable, and code that is readable and maintainable.
Performance optimization: Candidates should be well versed in optimizing algorithms for performance, and choosing the most efficient data structures in terms of both speed and memory usage. Candidates should also know how to leverage asynchronous programming patterns, such as async/await.
Efficient memory management: In order to optimize resources, candidates should have a deep understanding of memory management. They should pay attention to resource allocation and deallocation, keeping an eye out for memory leaks. They should also understand and make use of constructs like using to ensure that objects are released immediately when no longer needed. JetBrains dotMemory and Visual Studio’s Performance Profiler are tools that make it easier to identify memory and performance bottlenecks.
Robust error handling and logging: Errors are sometimes unavoidable, however, they should be handled gracefully, displaying a user-friendly error message rather than crashing. In C#, try-catch blocks can be used to handle exceptions, logging the details of each error in order to identify and address any issues as they arise.
Code consistency and readability: The best C# developers write code that is readable and understandable. Naming conventions for variables, methods, and classes should be clear, descriptive, and consistent. Proper indentation and spacing helps with code readability. Clean and concise code is essential to the development and debugging process, especially when multiple developers are involved. Tools like StyleCop and ReSharper can automatically enforce coding standards and identify any anomalies.
Unit testing: Testing should be comprehensive and performed regularly. Unit testing should be done after every update, ensuring that each individual component runs correctly. Frameworks like XUnit, NUnit, and MSTest streamline and automate unit testing.
Documentation: All software developers should understand the importance of documentation. Complex logic should be accompanied by comments that explain its purpose and functionality. Any component or application that might be integrated with an external application, such as REST APIs, should have a comprehensive set of specifications.
Salaries and Freelance Rates of C# Developers
The salaries for C# developers continue to grow, driven by the language’s widespread use in enterprise applications, web services, and game development. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for C# developers in the US is roughly $117,000 per year. Freelance rates are also competitive, with developers in the US earning on average $70 to 100 per hour. Salaries and freelance rates for C# developers are influenced by factors such as experience, geographic location, specific industry, and the understanding of certain skills like MAUI or Unity. Senior C# developers can earn significantly more than their junior counterparts; for complex applications, though, the knowledge gained by their added experience is often well worth the added cost.
How to Write a C# Developer Job Description for Your Project
To attract candidates who are well suited to meet the unique challenges of your project, draft a clear and effective description of the development services you seek. Begin with an engaging job title. “Senior C# remote back-end developer for Azure,” for example, provides a snapshot of the expertise level, work location, and project type. If seeking to hire C# developers for a remote position, be sure to specify whether your candidate must work in a particular time zone.
In the body of the job description, be sure to outline the objective(s) of the project. What are you seeking to accomplish? What problem will be solved with the project’s completion? Clearly articulate the project’s goals and the challenges it might encounter.
Share project details. For instance, indicate whether the project is a legacy system with years of use and a user base or if it is a fresh project that requires development from the bottom up. State the scope and/or size of the project in terms of the number of users and/or the volume of data to be processed. List the skills required, including soft skills (like leadership, communication, and project management) and specific technologies (like the particular cloud provider, database, and front-end framework).
What Are the Most Important C# Developer Interview Questions?
To assess the candidates in your talent pool, consider the example C# developer interview questions and answers below. For further inspiration, you can also check out these additional C# technical interview questions sourced from the Toptal community.
What role does an abstract class play in C#?
In C#, an abstract class serves as a blueprint for deriving other classes. Positioned at a higher level in the object hierarchy, it may include both implemented (nonabstract) and yet-to-be-implemented (abstract) methods. Significantly, an abstract class can’t be instantiated, so no object can be created from it directly. A candidate’s grasp of these principles serves to indicate that they understand not only the C# programming language but also object-oriented programming in general.
How does .NET’s garbage collector manage memory? What should a C# developer consider when dealing with garbage collection in Unitygame development?
Inefficient memory handling can lead to performance issues, such as frame rate slowdowns. Garbage collection, a process managed by the .NET framework, periodically discards unused objects to free up memory. The .NET garbage collector uses a generations feature, categorizing each object into one of three generation assignments based on the object’s lifetime in the application. Understanding garbage collection—especially as it relates to generations for object lifetime management—is key for efficient game development. A candidate’s grasp of this .NET feature, as it applies to the Unity framework, will reveal their understanding of the inner workings of .NET framework.
Describe managed and unmanaged code in the context of the .NET framework.
Within the context of the .NET framework, managed code refers to code that is written in a high-level .NET language like C#. This code is managed by the .NET CLR, which provides key services such as garbage collection and safe access to memory. Consequently, implementing managed code frees developers to focus on business logic, rather than navigating low-level programming tasks.
Conversely, unmanaged code refers to code that runs directly on the operating system, outside the purview of the .NET framework’s CLR. Such code typically involves direct method calls to non-.NET DLLs, C libraries, or other application processes, all of which require manual memory management. Unmanaged code can deliver a more performant application but may also present complex issues for the developer to address.
A candidate’s understanding of these concepts demonstrates their deep knowledge of the .NET framework. Awareness of these key differences enables a developer to better balance the trade-offs between ease of development and high performance.
Why Do Companies Hire C# Developers?
C# engineers are at the forefront of building and managing cutting-edge applications across diverse sectors, such as finance, accounting, data-processing, ERP, and CRM. Notably, in the ever-expanding gaming industry, C# shines as the primary development language for Unity.
C# developers working at organizations that are heavily reliant on Microsoft products have propelled the language’s penetration into the market, citing C#’s seamless integration into Microsoft products, as well as its popularity with developers and broad support.
A C# expert who is also well versed in business analysis can translate a company’s business requirements into new code or offer valuable insights to stakeholders on optimal solutions to fulfill those requirements on an existing system. Given the extensive adoption of C# across many industries and the potential it offers for developing real-world software solutions for startups, SMBs, and enterprise companies, a decision to hire C# developers is an investment in your organization’s success that will pay off for a long time to come.
The technical content presented in this article was reviewed by Cassio Tavares.