August 18, 2024 
Backend frameworks are the backbone of web applications, handling everything from database interactions to server logic and API endpoints.
Whether you’re a seasoned developer looking to expand your skill set or a newcomer aiming to break into the field, understanding which backend frameworks are in demand and why can provide a valuable edge in the job market.
Let me quickly start with the criteria I used for selecting backend frameworks for this article:
- Community Support.
- Scalability and Performance.
- Ease of Use.
- Integration with Frontend Technologies.
- Flexibility and Customization.
The right balance between out-of-the-box functionality and customization options can save you time while still allowing you to create a unique, high-quality application.
Top Backend Frameworks to Learn in 2024
1. Node.js (Express.js)
Node.js, built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, has become a cornerstone in backend development. Obviously, this list isn’t ranked, but NodeJS would surely take the top spot if it were.
This framework is known for its event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, making it lightweight and ideal for data-intensive real-time applications. When paired with Express.js, a minimal and flexible web application framework, Node becomes even more powerful.
The combo of Node.js and Express.js is widely used in industries like e-commerce, social networking, and real-time collaboration tools. Major companies like Netflix, Uber, and PayPal rely on Node.js for their backend, valuing its scalability and performance.
In Europe, Node.js developers can expect to earn an average of €60,000 to €80,000 annually, with salaries in Spain slightly lower, around €40,000 to €60,000. In the US, the average salary for Node.js developers is higher, ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 per year.
2. Django
Django is a high-level Python web framework and one of my personal favourites. It is known for its “batteries-included” philosophy, which offers a wide range of built-in features like authentication, ORM, and an admin interface.
Its emphasis on reusability and the DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) principle has made it one of the most popular backend frameworks, particularly in Europe. Industries such as finance, e-commerce, and media frequently use Django for their web applications.
In Europe, Django developers can earn between €55,000 and €75,000 annually, with Spain offering around €35,000 to €50,000. Django developers typically earn between $85,000 and $110,000 per year in the US.
3. Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is a server-side web application framework known for its convention over configuration approach.
Rails simplifies the development process by promoting best practices and reducing the boilerplate developers must write. Its strong focus on simplicity and productivity makes Ruby a popular choice for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need to develop and launch applications quickly.
Companies like Shopify, GitHub, and Basecamp have built their platforms on Rails, taking advantage of its rapid development capabilities.
In Europe, Ruby on Rails developers typically earn between €50,000 and €70,000 annually, with salaries in Spain ranging from €35,000 to €50,000. In the US, the average salary for Rails developers is higher, generally falling between $85,000 and $110,000 per year.
4. Spring Boot
Spring Boot is a powerful, production-ready framework designed to simplify the setup and development of Java-based applications. Thanks to its robust ecosystem, it is particularly well-suited for enterprise applications and microservices.
Industries such as finance, telecommunications, and healthcare often rely on Spring Boot for building enterprise-level applications.
In Europe, Spring Boot developers can expect to earn between €60,000 and €80,000 annually, with salaries in Spain typically ranging from €40,000 to €60,000. In the US, Spring Boot developers earn between $95,000 and $120,000 annually.
5. Flask
Flask is a lightweight web framework written in Python designed to be simple yet highly flexible. Unlike Django, Flask gives devs more control over their applications.
Flask is often chosen for its simplicity and ease of use, particularly in projects that do not require the full-fledged capabilities of larger frameworks.
It is widely used in industries such as data science, IoT, and microservices, where developers need a lightweight and flexible framework.
In Europe, Flask developers typically earn between €50,000 and €70,000 annually, with salaries in Spain ranging from €35,000 to €50,000. In the US, Flask developers earn between $80,000 and $105,000 annually.
6. Laravel
Laravel is a PHP framework known for its elegant syntax and developer-friendly features. It simplifies tasks like routing, authentication, and caching, making it easier for developers to build robust web applications quickly.
Laravel is particularly popular for building content management systems, e-commerce platforms, and complex web applications that require a clean and maintainable codebase. Companies like 9GAG, Pfizer, and BBC have leveraged Laravel to create scalable and maintainable platforms.
In Europe, Laravel developers typically earn between €45,000 and €65,000 annually, with salaries in Spain ranging from €30,000 to €45,000. In the US, Laravel developers earn between $75,000 and $100,000 annually.
7. ASP.NET Core
ASP.NET Core is a cross-platform framework from Microsoft. We use it for building scalable web applications, APIs, and microservices, offering seamless integration with Azure and other cloud services.
Due to its robustness and security features, industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce often use ASP.NET Core for enterprise-level applications. Companies like Stack Overflow, GoDaddy, and Alibaba have adopted ASP.NET Core to power their backend systems.
In Europe, ASP.NET Core developers typically earn between €60,000 and €80,000 annually, with salaries in Spain ranging from €40,000 to €60,000. ASP.NET Core developers earn between $90,000 and $115,000 annually in the US.
8. Phoenix (Elixir)
Phoenix is a web framework written in Elixir, a language known for concurrency and fault-tolerant capabilities. It provides out-of-the-box support for real-time communication, making it a popular choice for applications that require instant data updates and high concurrency.
Industries such as telecommunications, real-time messaging, and IoT have adopted Phoenix to handle massive concurrent connections with low latency. Companies like Discord and Bleacher Report use Phoenix to manage their real-time functionalities.
In Europe, Phoenix developers typically earn between €55,000 and €75,000 annually, with salaries in Spain ranging from €35,000 to €50,000. Phoenix developers earn between $85,000 and $110,000 annually in the US.
9. FastAPI
FastAPI is a modern, fast (high-performance) web framework for building APIs with Python. It is built on standard Python-type hints and is designed to be easy to use, with automatic generation of interactive API documentation.
FastAPI has been adopted by industries such as fintech, healthcare, and machine learning, where the need for high-performance APIs is critical. Companies like Uber and Microsoft have utilised FastAPI for developing their internal and external APIs.
In Europe, FastAPI developers typically earn between €50,000 and €70,000 annually, with salaries in Spain ranging from €35,000 to €50,000. In the US, FastAPI developers generally earn between $80,000 and $105,000 per year.
10. NestJS
NestJS is designed with TypeScript to build scalable and maintainable server-side applications. It draws on concepts from Angular and other popular frameworks to offer a modular architecture.
NestJS is particularly well-suited for building enterprise-grade applications, APIs, and microservices. That’s why industries like finance, e-commerce, and tech startups frequently use NestJS for their backend development needs. Companies like Adidas and Capgemini have utilised NestJS in their backend systems.
In Europe, NestJS developers typically earn between €55,000 and €75,000 annually, with salaries in Spain ranging from €35,000 to €50,000. In the US, NestJS developers earn between $85,000 and $110,000 annually.
How do you get into backend development?
Start by getting to know the basics of data algorithms and data structures. This will give you a good grounding in backend development.
These languages, especially Python, are indispensable for a backend developer. They not only unravel the basic logic and coding form but also instill best practices.
Expanding your knowledge, consider learning a few frameworks. Ruby on Rails, Laravel, and Django are three potent frameworks for backend programming. Mastering a framework provides you with a ready-made template, fostering creativity in your coding.
CodeOp has a wide range of comprehensive courses to suit all needs. Our courses, led by experts in the field, prepare you for a tech career with strong technical curricula, strategic mentorship, and 360-degree support.
For those serious about getting into backend development, a coding bootcamp is an excellent path. Whether completely transitioning from another type of career or switching from outside the development world, enrolling in a coding bootcamp gives you a well-rounded toolkit and a chance to get hands-on and learn by doing.
If you’d like to know more, download our e-book, 5 Steps to Starting a Successful Career in Programming, and learn more about what we do at CodeOp.
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