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If you’ve Googled “PHP developer job description,” chances are you’ve landed on a dozen bland templates already.
You know the ones—bullet points, buzzwords, boilerplate text that feels like it was copied from a textbook. They list every framework under the sun but say nothing about what it’s actually like to work with your team. There’s no mention of what the company does, how the role contributes to the mission, or what kind of developer would thrive there.
And that’s a problem—because great developers don’t get excited by checklists. They want purpose, context, and culture. They want to know why they should care, not just what they’ll do.
So if you’re serious about attracting the right kind of PHP developer—not just anyone who’s written some backend code—this guide will walk you through how to write a job description that actually works.
✅ Want to level up your writing even more?
Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check 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 walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology.
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
What Does a PHP Developer Actually Do? Their Duties Explained
Let’s break it down in plain English.
A PHP developer writes and maintains server-side code using PHP—a scripting language used to power everything from content management systems like WordPress to large-scale web apps. But great PHP developers don’t just write code. They solve business problems with clean, efficient, and scalable backend logic.
Here’s what a PHP developer really does:
- Builds and maintains dynamic websites, apps, and backend systems.
- Integrates databases (like MySQL) and external APIs to make things work behind the scenes.
- Writes readable, maintainable code that keeps your product running smoothly.
- Troubleshoots bugs, improves performance, and deploys new features that serve real users.
- Works with designers, frontend devs, and product managers to turn ideas into working software.
The best PHP developers are more than just coders—they’re problem-solvers who think in terms of outcomes. They care about performance, security, scalability, and the user experience—even if they’re working mostly behind the scenes.
Great PHP Developer Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1 — Experienced PHP Developer
📌 Job Title: Senior PHP Developer – Join Our Fast-Growing SaaS Team
🏢 Company: RevFlow (Remote-first)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Remote | $85,000 – $110,000 per year (DOE)
📅 Schedule: Flexible hours, core overlap 10 AM – 2 PM EST
🎥 A quick message from our CTO:
Watch this 2-min Loom to hear how this role shapes our product roadmap.
(Insert Loom link)
Who We Are
RevFlow helps 7,000+ small businesses automate recurring billing, reporting, and customer follow-ups. We’re a 23-person, remote-first team that values autonomy, deep focus, and shipping clean code that lasts.
Our stack: PHP (Laravel), Vue.js frontend, MySQL, Redis, Docker, AWS.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Design and build scalable Laravel services
- Integrate third-party APIs (Stripe, Plaid, Twilio)
- Refactor legacy code and boost performance
- Lead code reviews & mentor juniors
- Collaborate with product, design, and QA
What We’re Looking For
- 4+ years’ professional PHP (Laravel) experience
- Strong SQL skills (MySQL or PostgreSQL)
- Comfort with REST APIs & integrations
- Test-driven, documented coding habits
- Bonus: Redis, Docker, CI/CD, AWS
Salary & Perks
- 💵 $85k – $110k base + annual profit share
- 🏖️ Unlimited PTO + 10 company holidays
- 🏥 100 % health, dental, vision for you + 50 % dependents
- 💻 $1,500 yearly learning & hardware stipend
- 🧘 Async culture, no micromanagement
Why This Role Matters
You’ll own mission-critical backend services, shape architecture decisions, and see your work used by thousands of paying customers—without the red tape of bigger orgs.
How to Apply
We hire via WorkScreen.io to keep things fair and skill-based.
👉 Apply here to complete a short real-world coding task. No résumé upload, just code.
✅ Option 2 — Entry-Level / Willing to Train
📌 Job Title: Junior PHP Developer – Start Your Tech Career With Us
🏢 Company: BrightBridge Web (On-site – Austin, TX)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Entry-Level | $50,000 – $60,000 per year
📅 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM
🎥 A quick word from the team:
Hear from our lead developer and two former juniors about growing your skills—and career—at BrightBridge.
(Insert Loom or YouTube link)
About BrightBridge
We build simple, affordable websites and booking systems for local businesses. We’ll teach you everything we know—as long as you bring curiosity, consistency, and a growth mindset.
What You’ll Learn & Do
- Maintain & update client sites (WordPress + PHP)
- Build custom forms and small booking tools
- Fix bugs, write docs, and test for performance
- Pair-program and attend weekly code-review sessions
What We’re Looking For
- Basic grasp of HTML, CSS, and PHP fundamentals
- Eagerness to learn and ship real projects
- Clear communication & good time management
- Bonus: personal site, bootcamp cert, or side project
Perks & Benefits
- 🧠 Paid training & weekly mentorship
- 💻 New MacBook on day one
- 🌿 20 PTO days + federal holidays
- 📈 Promotion path to Mid-Level Dev in 12–18 months
Our Hiring Process
We also use WorkScreen.io. Expect a short, friendly coding exercise—no résumé black hole.
Click here to start. We reply within five business days and give feedback to everyone.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Why These PHP Developer Job Posts Actually Work
Let’s break down what makes these two job descriptions more effective than the generic templates floating around online.
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Role-Relevant
Instead of bland titles like “PHP Developer”, both versions clarify:
- What level of experience is needed (Senior vs Junior)
- Who the role is for (e.g., “Join Our Fast-Growing SaaS Team”)
- Where the role is based or if it’s remote
This instantly improves relevance and helps the right candidates self-select.
✅ 2. The Intros Add Context and Mission
We don’t just start with a list of tasks—we introduce the company, what it builds, and how this role fits in.
This matters because top developers don’t just want to write code—they want to know what they’re building and why it matters.
✅ 3. A Human Touch With a Team Video
Adding a short Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager or team makes the post more personal, builds trust, and gives candidates a preview of who they’ll be working with. It turns a static post into a dynamic experience.
✅ 4. Clear Responsibilities That Show Impact
The bullet points explain what the developer will do and why it matters.
For example: “Keep our office and projects running smoothly” > “Provide admin support.”
Each task is written with purpose—not just as a to-do list.
✅ 5. Flexible Yet Focused Requirements
For the senior role, we’re specific: Laravel, MySQL, REST APIs.
For the junior role, we invite learners to apply—even if they don’t check every box.
That’s inclusive, realistic, and better for long-term hiring outcomes.
✅ 6. Transparent Salary and Benefits
No guessing. No hidden numbers.
Listing salary ranges builds trust and filters out candidates who aren’t aligned—saving time on both sides.
✅ 7. Company Culture and Growth Path Are Highlighted
Each post includes insight into the team’s culture (async, no micromanagement, mentorship) and what career progression looks like. This makes your post feel like an opportunity, not just a job.
✅ 8. The Application Process Is Respectful and Clear
Instead of “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted,” we explain:
- What the candidate can expect
- How long it will take
That everyone gets a response
This small detail sets your hiring process apart and improves candidate experience.
An Example of A Bad PHP Developer Job Description (and Why It Doesn’t Work)
Here’s a real-world inspired example of what not to do.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: PHP Developer
Company: WebTech Solutions
Location: New York, NY
Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking a PHP Developer to join our fast-paced team. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing server-side logic, maintaining the central database, and ensuring high performance and responsiveness to requests from the frontend.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain PHP web applications
- Collaborate with frontend developers
- Ensure performance and scalability
- Troubleshoot and debug issues
- Write clean, maintainable code
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
- Minimum 3 years of PHP development experience
- Experience with MySQL and version control
- Familiarity with HTML/CSS/JavaScript
How to Apply
Send your CV and cover letter to hr@webtechsolutions.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🔎 Why This Job Post Falls Flat
🚫 1. The Job Title Is Generic and Forgettable
It tells you nothing about the level, the context, or the type of work. A strong developer skimming a job board will scroll right past this.
🚫 2. No Mission, No Context, No Hook
The intro is robotic and uninspiring. There’s no mention of what the company does, who the product serves, or why the role matters.
🚫 3. The Responsibilities Are Too Vague
“Develop web applications” is like saying “do your job.” There’s no detail on what tech stack is used, what kinds of problems the dev will solve, or how the role contributes to the product.
🚫 4. No Mention of Salary or Benefits
Serious candidates want to know if this is worth their time. Omitting pay, perks, or benefits signals opacity—or worse, indifference.
🚫 5. The Hiring Process Feels Cold and One-Sided
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is not only outdated—it’s disrespectful. It communicates that the company doesn’t value the time and effort of applicants.
🚫 6. No Personality, No Humanity
There’s zero warmth, culture, or reason to get excited. The whole thing reads like it was copied from a 2010 HR manual.
This example might check the technical boxes—but it fails to sell the opportunity or build any connection with the kind of thoughtful, engaged developer you actually want to hire.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Once you’ve nailed the basics—clear title, warm intro, transparent pay—here are a few bonus touches that can elevate your job post and give it a competitive edge:
🛡️ 1. Add an IMPORTANT NOTICE for Applicant Safety
Scammers often pose as recruiters. Including a quick disclaimer helps candidates feel safe and builds immediate trust.
Example:
⚠️ We take applicant safety seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking info, or personal financial data during any part of the hiring process. All communication will come from an official [yourcompany].com email address.
🌴 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Time off matters—especially to developers who value work-life balance. Even a small PTO mention can increase applicant interest.
Example:
“Enjoy 20 days of PTO per year—including a no-questions-asked ‘Mental Health Day’ policy—so you can recharge and come back strong.”
📚 3. Highlight Training, Mentorship, or Growth Paths
Let candidates know you’re investing in their future. This is especially helpful for junior or mid-level roles.
Example:
“You’ll get access to a $1,000 annual learning budget, weekly mentorship sessions, and a clear path to Senior Developer in 12–18 months.”
🎥 4. Add a Loom or YouTube Video
It doesn’t need to be fancy—just a quick intro from the CTO, team lead, or founder. This helps humanize the role and makes your post feel like a real opportunity, not just text on a screen.
Tip: Add it near the top, right after job title + company section, so it’s visible before scrolling.
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. Speak Directly to the Candidate
Small language tweaks make a big difference. For example:
- Instead of “the candidate will be expected to…”
✅ Say “You’ll help us build…” - Instead of “requirements include…”
✅ Say “Here’s what we’re looking for…”
It’s warmer, more direct, and invites the reader in.
When you include even one or two of these enhancements, your post will instantly stand out in a sea of dry job listings—and show top applicants that you actually care.
Should You Use AI to Write a PHP Job Description?
AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and even some ATS platforms (like Workable and Manatal) now offer “one-click” job description generation.
It sounds tempting, right? Instant content. No writing required.
But here’s the truth: if you rely on AI without inputting context, your job post will end up sounding like every other lifeless listing online—vague, soulless, and forgettable.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Let AI Write Your Job Post From Scratch
When you feed AI a generic prompt like:
“Write me a job description for a PHP Developer.”
You’ll get something like this:
“We are seeking a highly skilled PHP Developer to join our dynamic team. You will be responsible for developing web applications using PHP and ensuring best practices are followed…”
Sound familiar? That’s because thousands of companies are using the exact same AI prompt—and getting the exact same AI-generated filler.
It doesn’t reflect your team.
It doesn’t explain your mission.
And it doesn’t connect with the kind of candidate you actually want.
✅ How to Use AI the Right Way (With Context and Intention)
AI works best when you treat it like a collaborator—not a replacement.
Here’s how to prompt it properly:
Step 1: Feed It the Raw Ingredients
Tell AI what makes your job post unique. For example:
- What your company does
- What the role actually entails
- Your company culture & values
- Who your ideal candidate is
- Salary, benefits, perks
- What growth or learning opportunities you offer
- Your hiring process timeline
Step 2: Use a Structured Prompt Like This
“Help me write a PHP Developer job post for our company, [Your Company Name]. We build [describe product or service]. We’re hiring a [Job Title] to help with [Key Responsibilities].
Our culture is [describe values and working style], and we want to attract candidates who are [ideal traits].
We offer [list perks + salary], and our hiring process includes [steps].
Here are some raw notes and bullet points I’ve written to guide the tone and content:
[Paste your notes here].”
Step 3: Polish, Don’t Copy-Paste
Let AI help you organize, rephrase, and clean up grammar—but make sure the tone still sounds like you. Add a human intro. Link to a Loom video. Mention your mission. Use your voice.
Bottom Line: AI Is a Tool, Not a Shortcut
If you want to attract great candidates, don’t outsource the heart of your post. Use AI to make your message stronger—not to write one for you out of thin air.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste PHP Developer Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First PHP Developer Template
📌 Job Title: PHP Developer – Help Us Build Tools That Actually Work
💼 Type: Full-Time | Remote
💵 Salary: $XXX–$XXX/year
We’re a small, focused product team building [insert what your company makes—e.g., scheduling tools for service businesses]. We’re looking for a thoughtful PHP developer to join us and help build scalable backend systems that actually make people’s lives easier.
You’ll work closely with design, product, and frontend engineers to ship features that matter. Our stack includes Laravel, MySQL, Redis, and a bit of Vue.js on the frontend. You don’t need to know it all—but you need to care about clean code, performance, and maintainability.
What You’ll Do
- Write server-side PHP code using Laravel
- Connect APIs and build backend systems
- Fix bugs, improve performance, and launch new features
- Collaborate with a friendly, remote-first team
What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years PHP experience (Laravel preferred)
- SQL fluency
- Ability to communicate clearly and write clean code
- Bonus: Redis, Docker, CI/CD experience
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 20+ days PTO
- $1,000/year learning budget
- Remote-first with flexible hours
Our Hiring Process
We believe applying for a job should be clear and respectful. Here’s what you can expect:
- Apply via WorkScreen – Show your skills through a short, real-world coding task.
- We review every submission – No résumé black holes.
- Interview with our team – A friendly conversation to get to know you and answer your questions.
- Final decision + feedback – We’ll follow up with every applicant, whether selected or not.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen apply link here]
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
📌 Job Title: PHP Developer
Location: Remote ([Enter Location] preferred)
Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $XXX–$XXX/year
Job Brief:
We are seeking a PHP Developer to help us build and maintain scalable backend systems. This role will focus on designing server-side logic, integrating APIs, and optimizing performance for our web-based tools.
Responsibilities:
- Develop backend components using PHP (Laravel)
- Integrate data storage (MySQL) and third-party APIs
- Write clean, maintainable, testable code
- Troubleshoot bugs and improve application performance
- Collaborate with product managers and frontend engineers
Requirements:
- 3+ years of PHP experience
- Proficient in Laravel or similar framework
- Strong knowledge of SQL and API development
- Familiarity with Git, CI/CD, and testing tools
- Strong communication and documentation skills
What We Offer:
- Health + dental insurance
- Remote-friendly team culture
- Paid vacation & flexible hours
- Professional development budget
- Collaborative team with no micromanagement
Our Hiring Process
We use WorkScreen to keep things fair and focused on skill—not buzzwords.
Here’s how it works:
- Apply via WorkScreen – You’ll complete a short, skill-based task tailored to the role.
- Review + Response – We thoughtfully review every application and respond within 5 business days.
- Interview Stage – One or two short interviews to get to know each other.
- Offer or Feedback – Whether or not we move forward, you’ll always hear back from us.
Apply Now:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen apply link here]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Once your job post is live and attracting the right candidates, the real question becomes:
How do you separate the great applicants from the ones who just look good on paper?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
✅ Quickly Identify Top Candidates
Instead of manually sorting through resumes, WorkScreen automatically evaluates each applicant through role-specific, real-world tasks—then scores and ranks them on a performance-based leaderboard.
That means you see your most promising candidates first—no guesswork, no wasted time.
✅ Assess Skills, Not Just Resumes
Anyone can say they’ve “worked with Laravel.” WorkScreen lets them prove it.
You can send one-click skill tests that simulate real challenges from your role—like debugging a PHP function or connecting to a MySQL database.
You get to see how they think, not just what they claim.
✅ Eliminate Low-Effort or AI-Aided Applicants
In today’s world of “one-click apply” and ChatGPT-generated cover letters, it’s hard to tell who’s actually serious.
WorkScreen filters out low-effort submissions—so you only spend time on people who are genuinely committed and qualified.
✅ Save Time. Hire Smarter.
With WorkScreen, you streamline your hiring process, reduce bias, and increase the chances of hiring someone who can truly deliver.
Create a compelling job description. Share it anywhere. Then let WorkScreen take your candidates through a clean, skill-based evaluation—so you can hire with confidence.
FAQ
A strong PHP developer in 2025 should bring both technical expertise and problem-solving ability. Key skills include:
- PHP (v7.4–8.x): Solid command of object-oriented programming (OOP) and core syntax
- Frameworks: Laravel is the most in-demand, followed by Symfony and Yii
- Database Knowledge: SQL (especially MySQL), indexing, query optimization
- API Integration: Building and consuming RESTful APIs
- Version Control: Git proficiency
- Testing & Debugging: Familiarity with PHPUnit, Xdebug, or similar tools
- Complementary Frontend Skills: Basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Soft Skills: Clear communication, documentation, and collaboration in cross-functional teams
Bonus skills like Docker, AWS, Redis, and CI/CD pipelines are a big plus for mid-to-senior roles.
While many employers list a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, it’s not always required—especially for junior roles. What matters most is:
- Hands-on experience (through freelance work, open source, or internships)
- A solid GitHub or portfolio showcasing real projects
- Familiarity with modern PHP frameworks like Laravel
- A growth mindset and willingness to learn on the job
More companies are hiring based on skill, not credentials. That’s why performance-based hiring platforms like WorkScreen are gaining popularity.
In the U.S., the average PHP Developer salary ranges from $70,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and tech stack.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Entry-level: $50,000–$65,000
- Mid-level: $70,000–$90,000
- Senior PHP Developer: $95,000–$120,000+
Freelancers or full-stack PHP devs with Laravel + DevOps experience can often command even higher rates.
- Laravel – By far the most popular in modern PHP jobs (fast, elegant, well-supported)
- Symfony – Common in enterprise applications
- Yii2 – Lightweight and used in some legacy systems
- CodeIgniter & CakePHP – Still found in legacy codebases
- Slim or Lumen – Popular for microservices and lightweight APIs
On average, hiring a PHP developer through traditional methods takes 4–6 weeks.
However, using a performance-based platform like WorkScreen.io can cut the timeline in half—by pre-screening candidates through real coding tasks instead of just résumés.
Instead of relying solely on interviews or certifications, run a short coding challenge that reflects your actual work.
For example:
- Refactor a Laravel controller
- Build a basic CRUD API
- Optimize a SQL query for speed
WorkScreen lets you deliver this kind of test easily, with automatic scoring and ranked results.
