You want to hire dedicated Java developers, but are unsure of what route to take. Should you rely on local talent pools or look elsewhere?
In this guide, we draw on our experience building over 130 offshore tech teams for companies just like yours. We’ll walk you through the process of setting up a dedicated Java team that’s built to last.
By the end, you’ll be able to:
- Decide whether to hire in-house developers, freelancers, or offshore engineers.
- Understand the key benefits of hiring dedicated offshore Java developers.
- See why India is one of the best places to find world-class Java talent.
Let’s get started!
Why are Java developers in high demand?
Java has been around for decades, and it’s still one of the most popular programming languages, especially for enterprise software and Android apps.
It’s the backbone of big, complex systems that need to be fast, secure, and built to last. Industries like finance, healthcare, and ecommerce continue to rely on Java to power their most critical operations.
But building and maintaining these systems isn’t easy and requires proven expertise. That’s why highly skilled Java developers — those with deep knowledge of the language and its ecosystem — are always in high demand.
How to hire dedicated Java developers: Top 3 models
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to hiring dedicated Java engineers. The best model depends on your goals, budget, and how closely you want to manage your team. Below are the three most popular options:
In-house development
Hiring in-house means bringing developers directly into your company, without third parties or intermediaries in between. They work from your office, follow your processes, and are fully immersed in your culture.
Pros:
- Immediate communication and real-time collaboration.
- Stronger alignment with your company’s values and goals.
- Greater control over projects and workflows.
Cons:
- Limited local talent pools, especially for in-demand and niche skills.
- Higher costs due to the higher cost of living in Western locations and increased overheads.
In-house teams are ideal when you want to keep software development operations in your home country and need tight integration with your other headquartered departments.
The process to hire them is straightforward, as it’s the same as recruiting for any other full-time role: you post a job, screen applicants, interview, and onboard. However, finding elite Java talent locally can be quite challenging, especially in competitive markets.
Nearshore development
When you hire nearshore Java developers you partner with teams in neighbouring or nearby countries that share similar time zones and cultural contexts. This approach strikes a balance between close collaboration and cost-effectiveness.
Pros:
- Time zone alignment facilitates real-time collaboration.
- Cultural and language similarities enhance communication and team integration.
- Easier travel for in-person meetings when necessary.
Cons:
- A limited talent pool compared to offshore locations, which may affect scalability.
- Higher costs than offshoring.
Nearshore teams are ideal for companies seeking a middle ground, benefiting from geographical proximity and cutting costs.
To build one, you must partner with a nearshore development company that handles recruitment, legal setup, and day-to-day operations on your behalf.
Offshore development
You should consider offshoring if you want to build a dedicated team of Java developers in a talent-rich location like India. It’s an excellent model for scaling your team on demand while maintaining control and quality.
Pros:
- Access to vast talent pools in world-class tech hubs like Bangalore.
- Great value for money.
- Flexible, scalable teams built around your specific needs.
- Low attrition rate compared to Java developers hired through other models.
Cons:
- Geographical distance may be a blocker for organisations that prefer to keep their teams close to their headquarters.
To hire offshore Java developers, you need to collaborate with a reliable offshore development partner that takes care of everything on your behalf, from recruitment and operations to helping you establish a presence in a new country. They also offer unique advantages that help your team stay engaged, productive, and set up for long-term success.
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DOWNLOAD WHITEPAPERBenefits of hiring offshore Java developers
The benefits of hiring offshore developers are much like those you get when hiring dedicated Python developers or other specialists, but with some Java-specific advantages tied to the language’s versatility.
Here are the key advantages you get when building a dedicated Java development team:
- Deep expertise and specialisation. Dedicated Java engineers bring experience in core Java, Spring, Hibernate, and enterprise-level development. They understand how to build scalable, secure, and high-performance systems, and they do it at the highest level.
- Better efficiency and focus. Because they work exclusively for your business, their time and attention aren’t spread across multiple clients or projects. This leads to faster delivery and stronger team alignment.
- Cost advantages. Hiring offshore Java developers allows you to tap into top-tier talent without the overheads of hiring in the US, UK, or Australia. You get world-class skills at a fraction of what you’d pay locally.
- Enterprise-grade security. Dedicated developers operate within your company’s systems and follow your internal protocols, meaning full control over code quality, compliance, and data protection.
- Long-term value and innovation. These engineers aren’t just filling a gap: they become a true extension of your team. They bring fresh ideas, suggest better ways to build software, and contribute to continuous improvement.
- Higher retention and team stability. With the right engagement model, dedicated Java developers tend to stay with companies in the long term. This results in less turnover, stronger collaboration, and improved knowledge transfer over time.
Thanks to their focus and long-term commitment, offshore Java specialists can play a key role in overcoming the most common blockers to Java development productivity.
How much does it cost to hire offshore Java programmers?
One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of hiring Java developers is location. Salaries and hourly rates vary significantly from one region to another.
In regions like the US, UK, Australia, and Western Europe, hiring top Java talent comes at a premium, while offshore destinations offer more cost-effective options without compromising on quality.
To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s a snapshot of average hourly rates for dedicated Java developers in 2025:
| Location | Rate |
| US | $90-150/hour |
| Eastern Europe | $45-90/hour |
| LATAM | $30-85/hour |
| India | $25-75/hour |
Source: Index.dev (2025)
Keep in mind that final costs aren’t just about location. They also depend on the developer’s seniority, area of specialisation, and the engagement model and software development partner you collaborate with.
offshoring that works
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DOWNLOAD CASE STUDYWhy India is the ideal destination for hiring dedicated Java developers
There are many countries where you can find elite Java developers, but one stands out above the rest: India. From its 5.8 million developers, a large chunk specialises in Java.
But it’s not just about numbers. Large and mid-size companies are building teams with engineers who thrive both technically and interpersonally, with strong English proficiency, and extensive experience working with Western firms.
One of India’s most renowned tech hubs, Bangalore, produces 90,000 engineering graduates every year. The city ranks among the top 10 startup ecosystems in 2025. Behind the success of these fast-growing companies are engineers who know how to build at scale and speed.
And the momentum doesn’t stop there:
- India is expected to produce 18 million STEM graduates by 2027.
- Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are seeing a rise in tech hiring.
- Companies are expanding beyond traditional hubs to tap into new talent pools.
Beyond Java development, Indian engineers are also building deep expertise in emerging technologies, especially AI and machine learning. As per a recent AIM report:
- There are over 17,000 AI/ML engineers across the country, and these numbers continue to rise in response to demand.
- Bangalore alone has around 3,500 AI/ML professionals, powering both startups and global tech firms.
- 30% of India’s AI/ML engineers have 3–5 years of experience, a remarkable number given how new the field is.
Why choose The Scalers to build your dedicated Java team?
If you’ve read this far, chances are you’re struggling to find Java developers who don’t just tick boxes technically, but also fit your team long term. Maybe you’ve tried outsourcing before and ended up with developers who felt disconnected from your business, or worse, delivered code that added more tech debt than value.
That’s exactly what happened to several of our partners before they found our unique offshore model.
Take Nextpoint. They had tried offshoring but didn’t get the outcomes they expected. With our help, they set up a dedicated 11-person team that played a critical role in launching a next-gen serverless product.
Or consider Johnson Health Tech. When they needed speed, scale, and enterprise-grade stability, they turned to The Scalers. We helped them build a fully integrated offshore development centre in Bangalore and took care of everything from recruitment and legal setup to infrastructure and daily operations.
At The Scalers, we build embedded, high-performing Java teams that feel like a true extension of your organisation. Engineers who understand your business, speak your language, and ship real value, not just lines of code.
Can’t find the skills you need at home? Stop searching and start scaling
LEARN MOREWant to know how we can help you build a dedicated development team in India, just like we’ve done for companies in FinTech, MarTech, and other industries?
Fill out this form, and one of our offshore experts will contact you promptly for a brief discovery call.
Exploring other roles besides Java engineers? You might also find our guide on hiring dedicated frontend developers useful.
In summary
Hiring dedicated Java developers doesn’t have to be challenging, as long as you choose the right approach and work with a partner who truly understands your goals. With a clear and structured roadmap, building a high-performing Java team is well within reach.
To make sure you get all the answers to your questions in this guide, we’ve prepared a list of FAQs that you can find right below.
FAQs
What are the advantages of integrating offshore Java developers with in-house teams?
You get the expertise, flexibility, and cost-efficiency of offshore talent, combined with the commitment of in-house teams. Offshore developers work as full-time, embedded team members, not freelancers or temporary help.
How do I manage offshore Java programmers and ensure their productivity?
Use clear workflows, strong documentation, and real-time collaboration tools like Slack and Jira. A reliable development partner will also handle daily operations and keep performance on track.
How long does it take to hire a developer?
With the right partner, you can hire and onboard developers in as little as 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your team size, seniority, tech stack, and other unique requirements.
