Finding the right NetSuite developer shouldn’t feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
But for many businesses, it does.
This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly what a NetSuite developer does, when you need one, and how to hire without breaking the bank or wasting months on the wrong fit.
Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
- A true NetSuite developer is both a coder and a process architect—the best ones understand SuiteScript and accounting workflows like Procure-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash, making them far more valuable than pure technicians.
- Most businesses hire too late: long month-end closes, spreadsheet “shadow systems,” and daily manual integrations are not normal—they are early warning signs that custom development has become unavoidable.
- SuiteScript proficiency isn’t enough anymore: top-tier developers now need RESTlets, SuiteTalk, SDF, and integration design skills to prevent technical debt and avoid brittle, short-term customizations.
- The wrong hiring model can cost more than the wrong hire: in-house talent gives stability but is expensive; offshore teams offer massive cost flexibility but require process maturity; contractors are ideal only for tightly scoped projects.
- Technical skill without business context becomes expensive quickly: developers who don’t understand accounting rules, item records, or posting implications often create workflows that break reporting, inflate errors, or fail audits.
- Delay is the biggest hidden cost: businesses can lose $50K–$100K a year in manual workarounds long before they ever pay a developer—meaning development often pays for itself within months.
What does a NetSuite Developer do?
A NetSuite developer is a specialized software professional who writes custom code and builds technical solutions within the NetSuite ERP platform, using tools like SuiteScript to automate processes, create integrations, and extend functionality beyond out-of-the-box capabilities.
Here’s what NetSuite developers actually handle on a daily basis:
- Writing and deploying SuiteScript code to automate business processes and workflows
- Building custom integrations between NetSuite and third-party applications
- Designing custom records, fields, and forms tailored to specific business needs
- Troubleshooting performance issues and debugging existing customizations
- Collaborating with consultants and administrators to translate business requirements into technical solutions
Now, you might be wondering how a NetSuite developer differs from other NetSuite professionals. Here’s a quick comparison:
| NetSuite Roles Comparison | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Primary Focus | Coding Required | Typical Salary Range |
| NetSuite Developer | Technical customization, SuiteScript, APIs | Heavy (daily) | $100K–$160K |
| NetSuite Consultant | Business processes, functional configuration | Minimal | $90K–$140K |
| NetSuite Administrator | User & invoice management, reports, basic workflows | None to minimum | $70K–$110K |
Businesses typically need a NetSuite developer when out-of-the-box functionality can’t meet their unique requirements.
This usually includes complex approval workflows, sophisticated integrations with e-commerce platforms, or custom reporting that goes beyond standard saved searches. If your team is spending hours on manual workarounds or you’re hearing “NetSuite can’t do that,” you probably need a developer.
Essential Skills Every NetSuite Developer Must Have (Technical + Business Acumen)
After understanding what NetSuite developers do, you’re probably wondering what skills actually matter when evaluating candidates.
Not all NetSuite developers are created equal.
The difference between a solid developer and an exceptional one often comes down to breadth of expertise. The best developers blend technical prowess with business understanding and communication skills.
Technical Skills
These are the hard skills that enable developers to actually build solutions:
- SuiteScript 1.0, 2.0, and 2.1 mastery is non-negotiable. While SuiteScript 1.0 is being phased out, many legacy systems still use it. Version 2.0 and 2.1 are where modern development happens, with improved error handling and modular architecture.
- JavaScript, HTML, and CSS proficiency extends beyond SuiteScript. Developers need JavaScript fundamentals for client-side scripting and custom portlets. HTML and CSS come into play when customizing forms, creating SuiteCommerce pages, or building user interfaces.
- RESTful API and SOAP web services knowledge enables integration work. Developers must understand how to consume external APIs and expose NetSuite data through custom RESTlets or SuiteTalk endpoints.
- SQL and database management helps developers write efficient saved searches and understand NetSuite’s underlying data structure. While you don’t query NetSuite’s database directly, SQL thinking improves search performance.
- SuiteCloud Development Framework familiarity shows a developer stays current with best practices. This includes understanding SuiteApps, SuiteBundler for packaging customizations, and modern deployment tools.
Business & Process Skills
Technical chops alone won’t cut it. Developers need business context:
- ERP accounting fundamentals matter more than you’d think. Understanding Procure-to-Pay (P2P), Order-to-Cash (O2C), and Record-to-Report (R2R) cycles means developers can spot process improvements and avoid solutions that break accounting rules. They need to know why you can’t just “delete that transaction” without consequences.
- Business process analysis helps developers ask the right questions. Instead of just building what’s requested, great developers dig deeper to understand the underlying problem and might suggest a better approach.
- Project management capabilities keep development work on track. Managing timelines, communicating progress, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders separates professionals from hobbyists.
Certification Insight
While not mandatory, NetSuite certifications from Oracle validate knowledge.
SuiteFoundation is the prerequisite for all other certifications, establishing baseline platform understanding. SuiteCloud Developer I and II certifications specifically test development expertise.
However, hands-on experience often matters more than credentials—a developer with three years of real projects may outperform someone with certifications but limited practical work.
The ideal NetSuite developer combines deep technical knowledge with business acumen and communication skills. They understand not just how to write code, but why certain solutions work better than others—and they can explain their reasoning to stakeholders who’ve never written a line of code.
When Should Your Business Hire a NetSuite Developer?
Understanding developer skills is one thing.
Knowing when you actually need one is another.
Bringing in NetSuite developer at the right time can save you thousands in lost productivity and prevent your team from burning out on manual workarounds.
Most businesses wait too long, thinking they can “make do” until small inefficiencies snowball into major operational headaches.
10 Clear Warning Signs
Watch for these red flags that signal it’s time to hire:
- Month-end financial close takes 2+ weeks because you’re manually reconciling data across systems or fixing errors that automation could prevent
- Teams bypass NetSuite for spreadsheets when your staff maintains shadow systems in Excel because NetSuite “doesn’t work the way we need it to”
- Integration breakdowns between systems mean someone manually exports data from one platform and imports it into another daily
- Excessive manual data entry has employees typing the same information into multiple screens or copying data between records
- Reporting takes hours instead of minutes because standard saved searches can’t deliver the insights you need without heavy manipulation
- Custom requirements exceed out-of-box capabilities and you’re hearing “NetSuite can’t do that” for workflows that are critical to your business
- Scaling challenges as business grows where processes that worked fine at 50 orders per day break down completely at 200
- Legacy system integration needs require connecting NetSuite to older software that your business still depends on
- Performance issues or slow load times make users complain that NetSuite is “running slow” or scripts fail with governance errors
- Stalled customization projects sit incomplete because previous developers left or your team lacks the technical expertise to finish
Decision Framework: Build vs. Buy vs. Partner
Once you’ve decided you need development support, you face another choice—how to get it:
| NetSuite Development Approaches | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| In-House Developer | Full control, deep company knowledge, always available | $100K–$160K salary + benefits, single point of failure, limited expertise breadth | Large enterprises with ongoing development needs |
| Contract/Freelance | Flexible commitment, specialized skills, pay only when needed | Knowledge leaves when contract ends, availability conflicts, variable quality | Specific projects with defined scope |
| Outsourced/Offshore | 60–70% cost savings, access to teams vs. individuals, scalability | Time zone coordination, requires clear communication | Ongoing development needs with budget constraints |
The right choice depends on your development volume, budget, and internal capabilities.
Companies with occasional needs often benefit from contract work, while those requiring constant customization typically choose between in-house and outsourced teams.
The Cost of Delay
Here’s what many businesses don’t calculate: every month you delay addressing these issues costs money.
If manual workarounds consume 20 hours per week across your team at an average loaded cost of $50/hour, that’s $52,000 annually just in labor waste—not counting error costs or missed opportunities. A developer investment that saves those hours typically pays for itself in 6-12 months.
Don’t wait until workarounds become normal. The warning signs above indicate real problems that compound over time. Acting now prevents small inefficiencies from becoming major operational bottlenecks that damage your competitive position.
Ready to pull the trigger? Here’s exactly how to hire the right person.
How to Hire the Right NetSuite Developer: A Step-by-Step Guide
You’ve recognized you need a developer—now comes the challenge of actually finding and hiring the right one.
The wrong hire can cost you $15,000+ in lost time and rework, not to mention project delays and team frustration. But with a structured approach, you can dramatically improve your odds of finding someone who delivers results from day one.
Step 1: Define Your Project Scope
Before you write a job posting or contact recruiters, get crystal clear on what you actually need:
- List modules requiring work so developers understand the breadth of your needs. Are you customizing financial management? Inventory? CRM? Each module has unique considerations and required expertise.
- Identify integration needs upfront. Will this developer connect NetSuite to your e-commerce platform, payment processor, warehouse management system, or other tools? Integration complexity significantly impacts the skill level you need.
- Set timeline and budget parameters realistically. A three-month project requiring 20 hours per week demands different resources than an ongoing engagement. Knowing your budget helps you choose between in-house, contract, or offshore options.
Step 2: Choose Your Hiring Model
Here’s where budget meets reality:
- In-house vs. contract vs. offshore comparison comes down to commitment level and resources. In-house developers provide continuity and deep company knowledge but require full-time salary and benefits. Contract developers offer flexibility but take their expertise with them when projects end. Offshore teams deliver cost savings of 60-70% while providing access to full development teams rather than individuals.
- Cost breakdown by model for 2025 looks roughly like this: US-based in-house developers run $100K-$160K plus 30-40% for benefits and overhead. Contract developers charge $75-$150 per hour. Offshore teams in the Philippines or India cost $35-$60 per hour for equivalent skill levels, and you’re hiring teams with backup resources, not single individuals.
- Retention considerations matter more than many realize. Replacing a developer who leaves costs $15,000+ in recruiting, onboarding, and lost productivity. According to Indeed, the average cost of replacing a technical employee equals 100-150% of their annual salary when you factor in lost knowledge and ramp-up time.
Step 3: Evaluate Technical + Business Fit
Look beyond the resume:
- Must-have vs. nice-to-have skills prevents you from being too picky or too lenient. Must-haves include SuiteScript 2.0 proficiency and NetSuite platform knowledge. Nice-to-haves might include specific integration experience or industry expertise.
- Industry experience importance varies by role. A developer working on financial customizations should understand accounting principles. E-commerce customizations benefit from retail experience. Don’t overweight this—smart developers learn industry nuances quickly.
- Portfolio and reference evaluation reveals actual capabilities. Ask to see specific code samples, request details on past projects similar to yours, and absolutely call references with pointed questions about problem-solving ability and communication skills.
Step 4: Conduct Effective Interviews
Move beyond “tell me about yourself” questions:
- “Walk me through how you’d approach integrating NetSuite with Shopify for real-time inventory updates.” Tests problem-solving and integration knowledge.
- “Describe a time when a script you wrote hit governance limits. How did you fix it?” Reveals troubleshooting experience.
- “How do you handle a situation where a business stakeholder requests a customization that you know will cause problems?” Tests communication and business judgment.
- “Show me an example of custom code you’ve written and explain your design choices.” Validates actual coding ability.
- “What’s your testing process before deploying to production?” Assesses attention to quality and risk management.
Step 5: Onboard for Success
Hiring is just the beginning:
- First 30-60-90 day expectations should be documented. Month one: environment access, understanding business processes, reviewing existing customizations. Month two: first small projects with oversight. Month three: independent work on larger initiatives.
- Knowledge transfer protocols prevent single points of failure. Require documentation, code comments, and regular reviews so tribal knowledge doesn’t live in one person’s head.
NetSuite Developer Costs: Salary Breakdown + Hidden Costs
After learning how to hire, you’re probably wondering what this will actually cost.
Let’s talk numbers—because understanding the true cost of NetSuite development talent helps you budget realistically and avoid sticker shock when you see what good developers command in today’s market.
US Market Rates
The NetSuite developer market remains competitive in 2025, and salaries reflect strong demand:
- Junior Developers (0-2 years experience) typically earn $80,000-$100,000 annually. They can handle basic SuiteScript customizations and simple workflows but need oversight on complex projects.
- Mid-Level Developers (3-5 years experience) command $100,000-$130,000. They work independently on most tasks, build integrations, and troubleshoot performance issues without hand-holding.
- Senior Developers (5+ years experience) earn $130,000-$160,000+. They architect complex solutions, mentor junior developers, and handle the most challenging technical problems. Top-tier seniors in major metro areas may push $180,000.
Contract/Hourly Rates for freelance NetSuite developers run $75-$150 per hour, depending on experience level and project complexity. Specialized skills like SuiteCommerce Advanced development command premium rates.
Hidden Costs to Consider
The salary or hourly rate is just the starting point:
- Benefits and overhead add 30-40% on top of base salary for US employees. That $120,000 developer actually costs $156,000-$168,000 when you include health insurance, 401(k) matching, payroll taxes, equipment, and software licenses.
- Recruitment costs run $5,000-$15,000 when using recruiters, who typically charge 15-25% of first-year salary. DIY recruiting saves money but consumes internal time—budget 40-60 hours for sourcing, screening, and interviewing if you handle it in-house.
- Training and ramp-up time means you won’t get full productivity immediately. Budget 3-6 months for new developers to learn your business processes, existing customizations, and team workflows to complete proper NetSuite training. During ramp-up, you’re paying full price for partial output.
- Turnover and replacement costs become devastating if you choose poorly. According to Gallup research, replacing a technical employee costs 100-150% of their annual salary. Lose a $120,000 developer and you’ll spend $120,000-$180,000 finding and training their replacement.
Conclusion: Making Smart NetSuite Developer Decisions
Finding and working with NetSuite developers doesn’t have to be complicated when you approach it systematically.
The businesses that succeed with NetSuite development share common traits: they define requirements clearly, set realistic expectations, invest in quality talent rather than chasing the lowest price, and establish development standards that prevent technical debt.
Your next steps depend on where you are in the journey. If you’re seeing the 10 warning signs we discussed, it’s time to start hiring. If you have developers but aren’t getting results, review your processes against the best practices we covered. If you’re trying to
