Go vs Rust: A Hiring Manager's Guide

Go developers often have a background in concurrent programming and network-based applications. They value simplicity and efficiency, favoring straightforward solutions to complex problems. On the other hand, Rust developers typically have a strong focus on system-level programming and memory safety. They are meticulous in writing clean, safe code and often come from a background in C/C++ or systems development.

While Go developers might prioritize rapid development and scalability, Rust professionals prioritize safety and performance. This fundamental difference in approach and priorities is crucial when deciding which type of developer suits your needs.

Deciding when to hire Go versus Rust developers depends on your project requirements. Go is often the preferred choice for cloud services, microservices architectures, and projects where simplicity and speed are essential. If your project involves building scalable web applications or requires quick iteration, Go developers are likely your best bet.

Rust, however, shines in systems programming and applications where security and performance are critical. If your project involves developing operating systems, game engines, or real-time services where memory safety is a priority, Rust is the ideal choice. Its ability to prevent data races and enforce thread safety makes it invaluable for complex, high-stakes environments.

Salaries for Go and Rust developers can vary significantly based on experience, location, and demand. As of 2023, Go developers in the US typically earn between $110,000 and $150,000 annually. The language's widespread use in cloud services and startups has led to a robust demand, making experienced Go developers highly sought after.

Rust developers, while fewer in number, can command higher salaries due to the language's growing popularity and complexity. Salaries range from $120,000 to $160,000, reflecting the premium on their specialized skills. Despite Rust's smaller community, the demand for developers who can ensure memory safety and performance in critical applications is rising.

Go's technical depth lies in its simplicity and concurrency model, which is easy to learn and implement. Its garbage collection and straightforward syntax make it accessible to developers transitioning from other languages. However, this simplicity can sometimes limit Go in handling more complex system-level tasks that require fine-grained control.

Rust, by contrast, offers deep technical control over system resources, allowing for extremely efficient and safe memory management. Its learning curve is steeper due to its unique ownership model and strict compiler checks, which enforce safety and concurrency. This complexity makes Rust a more powerful tool for developers who need to maximize performance and reliability in their applications.

Go developers frequently start their careers in web development or cloud services, gradually moving into roles that emphasize scalable architecture and infrastructure management. As they gain experience, they might transition into software engineering roles or technical leadership positions in companies focusing on rapid application development.

Rust developers often begin with a background in systems programming or secure software development. Over time, they can progress into specialized roles in industries like cybersecurity, game development, or performance-critical applications. Their career path might also lead to roles in software architecture, where they design complex systems with a focus on safety and efficiency.

When reviewing CVs, look for Go developers with experience in cloud platforms like AWS or GCP, and familiarity with containerization tools such as Docker and Kubernetes. Open-source contributions and projects showcasing concurrency and scalable systems are valuable indicators of a candidate’s expertise.

For Rust developers, examine their background in systems programming or contributions to projects that emphasize memory safety and performance. Experience with C/C++ can be a plus, as it often indicates a strong foundation in systems-level thinking. Look for candidates who have worked on open-source projects or who have experience in industries that prioritize high-performance computing.