Businesses hire .NET developers to build, modernize, and maintain applications using Microsoft’s .NET platform. Their expertise can support web applications, APIs, desktop software, cloud services, and cross-platform apps, as well as upgrades from older .NET systems.
What does a .NET developer do?
A .NET developer builds and maintains applications using Microsoft's .NET platform, most often with the C# programming language. Depending on the project, they may specialize in back-end development, full-stack applications, desktop software, or cross-platform apps. Full-stack developers may combine .NET back-end development with technologies such as Blazor or React, while other specialists focus on APIs, databases, cloud services, or .NET MAUI applications.
Common areas of responsibilities for .NET developers include:
- Web applications and APIs. Build server-side applications and application programming interfaces (APIs) with ASP.NET Core and integrate databases, authentication, and third-party services
- Database development. Work with SQL Server and tools such as Entity Framework Core to manage application data
- Desktop development. Build and maintain applications using Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) or Windows Forms
- Cross-platform development. Build applications for supported platforms using .NET MAUI and shared C# code
- Testing and deployment. Write automated tests and configure build and deployment processes
- Legacy modernization. Upgrade older .NET applications, migrate from .NET Framework to modern .NET, and refactor existing code
- Maintenance and optimization. Troubleshoot issues, update dependencies, and improve application performance and security
How to hire a .NET developer on Upwork
Hiring the right .NET developer on Upwork takes four clear steps, from posting a job to starting work. 89% of first-time clients complete a contract on Upwork, demonstrating that many new clients successfully move from hiring to project completion. The following steps show how to move from a job post to a signed contract.
Step 1: Post a job
Start by defining your .NET project, technology stack, and technical requirements.
- List the required .NET stack, such as C#, ASP.NET Core, and your .NET version
- Specify relevant data and cloud technologies such as Entity Framework Core, SQL Server, or Azure
- Describe the scope, such as API development, a web application, desktop software, or legacy modernization
- Note architecture requirements such as REST APIs, microservices, or Blazor
- Share your deliverables, timeline, and budget
- Reference the .NET developer job description template for structure
Use the Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI, to draft your post quickly. Describe your needs in a few sentences and Uma will draft a .NET developer job post you can edit and publish. On Upwork, the average time from job post to first proposal is just three hours.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Strong evaluation looks past headline skills to real .NET project experience.
- Review portfolios for .NET projects that match your scope and complexity
- Confirm hands-on experience with your .NET version, frameworks, databases, and cloud environment
- Review code samples or repositories for organization, testing, and documentation when available
- Look for relevant API, migration, performance, or security experience
- Review client feedback, Job Success Score (JSS), talent badges, and relevant work history together
Uma can run instant video interviews and return a shortlist of candidates with side-by-side comparisons.
Step 3: Interview top choices
Use interviews to understand how candidates approach .NET development, architecture, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Ask about relevant C# concepts such as, async/await, and LINQ
- Discuss ASP.NET Core, middleware, and dependency injection
- Explore their experience with Entity Framework Core and database design
- Ask how they approach testing, exception handling, security, and performance
- Present an architecture or troubleshooting scenario related to your application
- Ask how they approach .NET upgrades or legacy modernization when relevant
- Confirm availability for your project timeline
- Adapt these back-end developer interview questions to your .NET project
Schedule and run interviews within Upwork Messages, and Uma will provide a transcript and summary immediately after each conversation.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Define deliverables, milestones, technical requirements, and responsibilities before development begins.
- Set milestones for development, integration, testing, deployment, and handoff
- Define acceptance criteria for features, APIs, performance, and testing
- Confirm repository, database, cloud, and development environment asses
- Agree on source-code ownership, documentation, deployment, and handoff requirements
- Clarify responsibilities for maintenance, updates, and bug fixes
- Choose fixed-price milestones for defined projects or an hourly contract for ongoing work
Manage the project in messaging and the contract workroom, where files, updates, and payments stay in one place. Identity verification, Hourly Payment Protection, hourly tracking, and project funds add security for both client and freelancer.
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.