Share
If you’ve Googled “API Developer job description,” you’ve probably noticed something: almost every article looks the same.
They list out a few bullet points, throw in some buzzwords, and end with a dry “Responsibilities… Requirements… Apply here.”
The problem? Posts like that don’t actually help you attract great API developers. They read more like legal contracts than invitations to join an innovative engineering team. Top candidates aren’t inspired by lifeless checklists—they want to know what they’ll be building, why it matters, and who they’ll be working with.
That’s why generic job descriptions fail: they don’t sell the opportunity.
The best developers—the ones who thrive in collaborative teams and ship reliable, scalable APIs—scroll right past bland posts and apply somewhere else.
👉 Before we dive in, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ It breaks down, step by step, why most job descriptions miss the mark and how to transform them into compelling, candidate-friendly posts.
Now, let’s apply that thinking specifically to the API Developer role and show you how to write a job description that attracts serious, talented engineers—not just anyone who can spell “REST.”
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What the Role Actually Is (Plain-English Definition)
So, what does an API Developer really do? Let’s strip away the jargon and explain it in simple terms.
An API Developer is the engineer who makes sure different software systems can “talk” to each other. They design, build, and maintain the digital bridges that allow apps, websites, and services to exchange data smoothly.
For example: when you log into a mobile app with Google, when your banking app shows real-time transactions, or when two business tools sync customer data in seconds—that’s APIs at work. And behind every seamless integration is an API developer who:
- Writes clean, reliable code to build those APIs.
- Ensures they’re secure, scalable, and well-documented.
- Collaborates with frontend, backend, and product teams to make sure everything connects smoothly.
But here’s the key: API developers aren’t just coders—they’re problem-solvers. They think about efficiency, reliability, and user experience, because a slow or unreliable API can break an entire system.
That’s why hiring for this role goes beyond “knowing how to code.” The best API developers also bring:
- Strong communication skills (to work across teams).
- Attention to detail (because one tiny mistake can break everything).
- An ownership mindset (they know APIs are the backbone of your product).
In other words: they’re the engineers who quietly keep your product ecosystem running like clockwork—and when they’re great, you barely notice, because everything “just works.”
Two Great API Developer Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Experienced API Developer Job Description
Job Title: API Developer (Backend Integrations, Cloud Systems)
Location: Hybrid – New York, NY (2 days on-site)
Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $95,000 – $120,000 + Benefits
🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager
(Insert link to a Loom or YouTube video introducing the company, culture, and the importance of this role.)
About Us
At BrightWave Tech, we build SaaS products that power thousands of businesses across the globe. Our mission is to simplify data workflows so teams can move faster, smarter, and more securely. We’re growing quickly and are looking for an API Developer who thrives on building scalable systems that connect platforms together.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Design, build, and maintain APIs that enable seamless integration between internal services and third-party applications.
- Optimize API performance for speed, scalability, and reliability.
- Write clear, developer-friendly documentation to support API adoption.
- Collaborate closely with product managers, backend engineers, and frontend teams.
- Implement security best practices and data protection measures.
- Troubleshoot issues, debug complex problems, and improve API uptime.
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years of hands-on experience with API development (REST, GraphQL, gRPC).
- Strong skills in at least one backend language (Node.js, Python, Java, Go).
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Nice to Haves:
- Experience with authentication protocols (OAuth2, JWT).
- Knowledge of API monitoring & analytics tools (Postman, Swagger, Kong, etc.).
- Previous experience in SaaS or high-scale environments.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Transparent salary range + full health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Flexible work schedule with remote options.
- Paid learning stipend for conferences, courses, and certifications.
- A culture that values problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration.
📥 How to Apply
We respect your time and make sure every application is reviewed. Apply here through WorkScreen.io: [insert link].
WorkScreen ensures your skills—not just your résumé—shine through. Our process is transparent, respectful, and designed to give you feedback quickly.
✅ Option 2: Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train API Developer
Job Title: Junior API Developer (Training Provided)
Location: Remote (US-based)
Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $60,000 – $75,000 + Benefits
🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager
(Insert link to a Loom or YouTube video introducing the company, culture, and the importance of this role.)
About Us
At Nova Labs, we’re passionate about making technology more accessible for small businesses. Our platform helps companies automate everyday tasks through powerful integrations—and APIs are at the heart of that mission.
We know that not everyone has years of experience, and that’s okay. If you’re curious, eager to learn, and passionate about problem-solving, we’ll give you the training and mentorship to grow into a world-class API developer.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Learn API fundamentals and contribute to real-world integration projects.
- Work alongside senior developers to build, test, and debug APIs.
- Write simple, well-documented code with guidance from mentors.
- Participate in daily stand-ups and team discussions.
- Gradually take ownership of small projects as your skills grow.
What We’re Looking For
- Basic programming knowledge (JavaScript, Python, or any backend language).
- Strong interest in learning API development.
- Curiosity, problem-solving skills, and willingness to ask questions.
- Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate with a team.
Nice to Haves:
- Familiarity with Git/GitHub.
- Exposure to Postman or similar testing tools.
- Any personal projects or coursework involving APIs.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Structured mentorship program with senior developers.
- Paid certifications and learning opportunities.
- Supportive, growth-focused team culture.
- Transparent pay structure + wellness benefits.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to make hiring fair and skill-based. Apply here: [insert link].
WorkScreen helps us see your strengths beyond a résumé. No ghosting—you’ll hear back from us whether you move forward or not.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Breakdown of Why These API Developer Job Posts Work
1. Clear & Specific Job Titles
Instead of just saying “API Developer” or “Developer,” the job titles are descriptive:
- “API Developer (Backend Integrations, Cloud Systems)”
- “Junior API Developer (Training Provided)”
This instantly signals what the role involves, who it’s for, and even whether it’s entry-level or senior. A clear title attracts the right people and filters out those who aren’t a fit.
2. Warm Intros With Context
Both versions start with a human introduction. Instead of a sterile “Company Overview,” they explain the company’s mission and why APIs matter to the business. This helps candidates connect to the bigger picture.
For example:
- BrightWave Tech connects the role to global SaaS adoption.
- Nova Labs connects the role to small business empowerment.
Top candidates want to know not just what they’ll do, but why it matters.
3. Transparent Salary & Perks
Both posts list a salary range and real benefits. This builds trust and sets clear expectations. Candidates are more likely to apply when they know they won’t waste time chasing a role that doesn’t align with their needs. Transparency also signals respect for applicants.
4. Responsibilities Show Impact, Not Just Tasks
Instead of vague bullets like “Develop APIs,” the responsibilities are framed in a way that shows purpose and contribution:
- “Enable seamless integration between internal services and third-party applications.”
- “Learn API fundamentals and contribute to real-world integration projects.”
This makes the work feel meaningful and helps candidates imagine themselves making an impact.
5. Flexible & Inclusive Qualifications
- The senior template lists must-have skills, but also adds “nice to haves” so strong candidates aren’t scared off.
- The junior template makes it clear that passion and willingness to learn matter just as much as experience.
This opens the door for high-potential candidates who might otherwise self-reject.
6. Candidate Experience Is Respected
Both job posts emphasize a respectful application process:
- Every application is reviewed.
- No ghosting — candidates hear back regardless of the outcome.
- WorkScreen.io is used to ensure skill-based, fair evaluation.
This is a subtle but powerful way to stand out. Candidates remember when a company treats them with respect.
7. Human Tone That Connects
The language avoids corporate clichés like “fast-paced environment” or “rockstar programmer.” Instead, it feels conversational:
- “If you’re curious, eager to learn, and passionate about problem-solving…”
- “You’ll be the engineer who builds the digital bridges that power our product.”
That tone attracts thoughtful, mission-driven engineers who care about more than just a paycheck.
Example of a Bad API Developer Job Description (And Why It Fails)
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: API Developer
Company: Tech Solutions Inc.
Type: Full-Time
Location: Remote
Job Summary
Tech Solutions Inc. is hiring an API Developer to join our team. The developer will be responsible for building and maintaining APIs, troubleshooting issues, and supporting the engineering team.
Responsibilities
- Build APIs.
- Maintain APIs.
- Work with other developers.
- Troubleshoot issues as they come up.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in API development.
- Strong coding skills.
- Team player.
How to Apply
Send your résumé and cover letter to hr@techsolutions.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Fails
- Generic Title
“API Developer” says nothing about seniority, focus, or mission. Candidates can’t tell if this is for entry-level, mid-level, or senior engineers. - Bland Introduction
The summary is just a sentence that repeats the job title. It doesn’t explain why the role matters, what the company does, or why anyone should care. - Responsibilities Are Vague
“Build APIs” and “Work with other developers” could apply to thousands of roles. There’s no sense of scale, tools, or impact. - No Salary or Perks
Hiding compensation is outdated and signals a lack of transparency. Today’s top candidates expect openness. - Zero Insight Into Culture
Nothing about team values, collaboration style, or what it’s like to work at the company. This makes the role feel cold and transactional. - Dismissive Application Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is a red flag for many applicants. It shows a lack of respect for candidate time and effort. - Flat Call to Action
“Send your résumé and cover letter” is uninspiring. There’s no warmth, no clarity on next steps, and no sign the company values applicants.
Bonus Tips to Make Your API Developer Job Post Stand Out
Writing a solid job description is the foundation, but small details can set your post apart and make candidates trust your company from the very first interaction. Here are a few advanced touches you can add:
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Candidates want to know their data is safe. Adding a short statement like this can build instant trust:
“We take the privacy and security of applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during the hiring process.”
This helps differentiate your company from the scams and shady postings that flood job boards.
2. Mention Time Off or Flex Days
Even the most motivated developers value rest. If you offer flexible PTO or personal days, mention it directly in the job post. Example:
“Enjoy up to 20 flex days per year so you can recharge, reset, and come back stronger.”
Transparency around work-life balance shows you care about long-term employee well-being.
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Great API developers want to keep learning—new frameworks, cloud tools, and best practices evolve quickly. Signal that you’ll invest in their growth:
“We cover the cost of AWS or Kubernetes certifications and give every engineer a $1,000 annual learning budget.”
This will make your post especially attractive to ambitious candidates.
4. Add a Personal Touch with Video
Include a short Loom video from the hiring manager or CTO explaining why the role matters. Candidates love hearing directly from leadership—it makes the opportunity feel real and human.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Show Candidate Experience Matters
Instead of vague promises, spell it out:
- “We reply to every application.”
- “Our process is skill-based, not résumé-based.”
- “We respect your time and keep you updated at every stage.”
This signals professionalism and respect—qualities that top talent value highly.
AI Caution — Don’t Let AI Write Your Job Post Blindly
It’s tempting to let AI tools spit out an instant job description. After all, platforms like Workable and Manatal even offer one-click AI generators. But here’s the problem: AI without context produces generic, lifeless posts.
If you just type, “Write me an API Developer job description,” here’s what you’ll get:
- A bland wall of bullet points.
- Zero mention of your company’s mission or values.
- Responsibilities that could belong to any company on the planet.
- A job post that attracts any applicant—not the right ones.
And worse—it sends the wrong message about your brand. Your job post is the first impression a developer gets of your company. If it feels cookie-cutter, they’ll assume your culture is too.
✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI
AI is a great tool—if you use it as a co-writer, not the writer. The secret is to give it the raw ingredients that reflect your real company and role.
Instead of just saying “Write me a job description for an API Developer”, try this:
Prompt Example:
“Help me write a job post for our company, BrightWave Tech. We’re hiring an API Developer to build and optimize integrations across our SaaS platform. Our culture values collaboration, transparency, and learning. The ideal hire is detail-oriented, curious, and thrives in cross-functional teams. We offer $95,000–$120,000 salary, healthcare, flexible PTO, and $1,000 learning stipend. Here are notes I’ve drafted on responsibilities and requirements: [insert your notes here].”
What happens? The AI shapes your draft into something polished and structured—but it still reflects your company’s voice, culture, and values.
🔑 Key Rule
AI should polish, not replace, your input. Use it to:
- Smooth the tone.
- Improve clarity.
- Organize your structure.
But never use it to generate a full job post without feeding it real company details. That’s how you end up with the kind of bland, forgettable job descriptions we’re trying to avoid.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Need Quick Copy-Paste API Developer Job Description Templates?
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: API Developer — Join Us in Building Smarter Integrations
Location: Remote (Global)
Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $XX – $XX + Benefits
🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager
(Insert link to a Loom or YouTube video introducing the company, culture, and the importance of this role.)
About Us
At [Your Company], we’re building tools that help businesses connect their apps and services seamlessly. APIs are at the heart of our mission—and we’re looking for an API Developer who’s excited about solving complex problems and making technology feel simple.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Build and maintain APIs that connect our platform to third-party tools.
- Ensure our integrations are secure, scalable, and easy to use.
- Collaborate with product and frontend teams to bring new features to life.
- Write documentation that makes life easier for other developers.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience building APIs (REST, GraphQL, or gRPC).
- Familiarity with backend languages (Node.js, Python, or Java).
- An eye for detail and a love of solving tricky problems.
- Strong communication skills—you’ll work with multiple teams.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
We believe in transparency, collaboration, and growth. You’ll get:
- Competitive salary + benefits.
- Flexible PTO and work-from-anywhere setup.
- $XX annual budget for courses, conferences, and certifications.
- A team that values curiosity, respect, and innovation.
📥 How to Apply
Apply via our WorkScreen link here: [insert link].
We use WorkScreen to make the process fair, transparent, and skill-based. You’ll always hear back from us—no ghosting.
✅ Option 2: Structured Job Description Template (Classic Format)
Job Title: API Developer — Join Us in Building Smarter Integrations
Location: Remote (Global)
Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $XX – $XX + Benefits
Job Brief
We are seeking a skilled API Developer to design, build, and maintain APIs that power integrations across our platform. You will be responsible for ensuring APIs are efficient, secure, and scalable while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Responsibilities
- Develop, test, and deploy REST/GraphQL APIs.
- Monitor and optimize performance of existing integrations.
- Implement authentication and security best practices.
- Collaborate with frontend/backend teams on new features.
- Write and maintain technical documentation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience.
- Proficiency in backend programming (Node.js, Python, Java, or Go).
- Strong knowledge of API design principles.
- Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
- Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
Benefits
- $XX – $XX annual salary.
- Flexible remote work + paid time off.
- Health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Professional growth budget for certifications and training.
📥 Application Process
Apply through WorkScreen.io [insert link].
Our hiring process is skill-based, transparent, and respectful—we make sure every applicant hears back.
Let WorkScreen.io Handle The Next Step
Writing a great job post is only half the battle. Once you publish it, you’ll start receiving applications—and here’s the challenge: not every résumé equals a great hire.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
🔹 Quickly Identify Top Candidates
Workscreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard. Instead of wasting hours sorting résumés, you’ll instantly see who stands out based on skills, not just keywords.
🔹 Run One-Click Skill Tests
Use Workscreen’s one click skill tests to easily send role-specific tests to assess real-world ability. For an API Developer, that might include:
- Debugging a broken endpoint.
- Writing a secure authentication flow.
- Optimizing a slow API call.
This ensures you hire based on actual performance—not just nice-looking résumés or buzzword-filled cover letters.
🔹 Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants
WorkScreen filters out low-effort applicants—including those who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
🔹 Hire Smarter, Faster, and Fairer
By combining great job posts with WorkScreen’s automated evaluation, you’ll:
- Save time.
- Reduce hiring mistakes.
- Improve candidate experience.
👉 After you create your job post, let WorkScreen handle the screening so you can focus on meeting the right people.
FAQ
The average salary for an API Developer in the U.S. typically ranges from $85,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior or specialized developers working with high-scale cloud environments can earn well above $130,000, especially in tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, or Seattle. Entry-level positions may start closer to $65,000–$75,000.
While there’s overlap, an API Developer focuses specifically on designing and maintaining APIs—the “connective tissue” between systems. A backend developer may work on broader server-side logic, databases, and infrastructure. API developers are specialists within the backend ecosystem.
Not necessarily. Many successful API developers are self-taught or bootcamp graduates. What matters most is proven skill—demonstrated through real-world projects, open-source contributions, or coding tests. A degree can help, but it’s not a strict requirement.
Resumes alone don’t reveal real-world ability. The best way is to use skill-based assessments that simulate on-the-job tasks (e.g., debugging an endpoint, securing a login flow, or optimizing an API call). That’s exactly what WorkScreen.io helps with—giving every candidate a fair shot while making it easy for hiring managers to spot top talent.
Virtually every modern company that relies on software integrations needs API Developers. Common industries include:
- SaaS and cloud platforms.
- Fintech and banking.
- Healthcare tech.
- E-commerce.
- Logistics and supply chain.
- Social media and consumer apps.
Anywhere data needs to move securely and reliably, API developers are in demand.
