What does an Umbraco developer do?
An Umbraco developer builds and customizes websites on the Umbraco content management system by extending backend functionality with C# code and integrating external services through APIs. This role focuses on configuring the platform architecture, creating custom editor experiences in the backoffice, and managing deployment workflows for headless or traditional setups. The work requires deep knowledge of .NET development practices to tailor the CMS to specific business logic and content structures.
- Install, set up, and configure new Umbraco projects to ensure the site builds and runs correctly in local and staging environments. This includes managing developer setup practices and selecting appropriate packages from the Umbraco Marketplace to extend core features without bloating the application.
- Extend the Umbraco backoffice interface to match specific editor and administrator needs by building custom views, property editors, and dashboards. You will implement application composition using C# Composer classes to register new services, alter existing behavior, and control how content types and data structures behave within the admin panel.
- Develop integrations that connect external systems to Umbraco data and services by using the Umbraco Management API and other documented endpoints. This involves configuring access controls, testing API responses with tools like Swagger, and writing code that synchronizes content or user data between the CMS and third-party platforms.
- Support multi-environment release work by managing deployment workflows for Umbraco Heartcore or self-hosted instances. You will push code and configuration changes across development, staging, and production environments while ensuring that content schemas and media assets remain consistent throughout the release process.
How to hire an Umbraco developer on Upwork
Step 1: Post a job
Define your project requirements clearly to attract qualified candidates who specialize in the Umbraco content management system. The Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI helps you draft a precise description by interpreting a few sentences about your needs. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing post to start your search.
- Specify whether the role involves configuring a new Umbraco site from scratch or extending an existing backoffice for editors and administrators.
- List required technical skills such as C# Composer classes for application composition or experience with the Umbraco Management API for integrations.
- Clarify if the project requires multi-environment deployment workflows using Umbraco Heartcore to manage releases across staging and production.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Review portfolios for evidence of custom backoffice extensions and API-driven integrations that connect external systems to Umbraco data. Uma can run instant video interviews and build shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to help you assess technical fit quickly.
- Look for examples of configured Umbraco projects that build and run smoothly, demonstrating strong setup and developer environment practices.
- Check for work involving Umbraco Marketplace packages or custom client libraries that show ability to integrate third-party tools effectively.
- Verify experience with Heartcore APIs and endpoints, ensuring the freelancer understands how to handle project identifiers and query headers correctly.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Discuss specific technical approaches to confirm the freelancer can compose Umbraco behavior using C# and manage complex deployment workflows. Interviews can be scheduled and conducted within Upwork Messages with an immediate transcript and summary after each one.
- Ask how they extend the Umbraco backoffice to match specific editor needs without breaking core functionality or future upgrade paths.
- Request details on their process for testing integrations using Swagger-documented APIs before pushing changes to live environments.
- Explore their strategy for managing composition controls and registering alterations to ensure stable application performance across updates.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Set clear milestones for deliverables such as custom backoffice extensions or deployed updates across Heartcore environments. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for communication and project management, plus identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.
- Define the exact scope for installing and setting up the Umbraco project, including specific build and run criteria for acceptance.
- Outline requirements for API-driven integrations, specifying which external services must connect to Umbraco data and how data flows between them.
- Establish a release schedule for deploying changes via the documented Heartcore workflow, ensuring each environment receives tested updates in order.
Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.
The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.