Startup · engineering

Airbnb Backend Engineer Interview Questions

Complete prep guide for Backend Engineer interviews at Airbnb. Real questions across 4 rounds, covering algorithms, databases, api-design, and salary ranges from $140K–$240K.

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Airbnb BE Interview Breakdown

Round Format Focus
Phone Screen Live Technical algorithms & databases
Technical Rounds Problem Solving api-design, system-design, distributed-systems
Behavioral STAR Method Champion the Mission, Be a Host

Airbnb Backend Engineer Technical Questions

Airbnb tests candidates on algorithms, databases, api-design, system-design, distributed-systems for Backend Engineer roles. Below are the key topic areas you'll face.

algorithms

medium to very-high

200+ questions covering this topic area. Prepare with practical examples and edge-case discussion.

Practice 200+ questions →

databases

medium to high

80+ questions covering this topic area. Prepare with practical examples and edge-case discussion.

Practice 80+ questions →

api design

high

50+ questions covering this topic area. Prepare with practical examples and edge-case discussion.

Practice 50+ questions →

system design

high to very-high

150+ questions covering this topic area. Prepare with practical examples and edge-case discussion.

Practice 150+ questions →

distributed systems

engineering

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Airbnb Behavioral Questions — 5 Principles

Airbnb maps every behavioral question to one of these core values. Prepare STAR method answers for each principle.

BEHAVIORAL

Champion the Mission

Prepare a specific, measurable STAR answer demonstrating this principle in your own experience.

BEHAVIORAL

Be a Host

Prepare a specific, measurable STAR answer demonstrating this principle in your own experience.

BEHAVIORAL

Embrace the Adventure

Prepare a specific, measurable STAR answer demonstrating this principle in your own experience.

BEHAVIORAL

Be a Cereal Entrepreneur

Prepare a specific, measurable STAR answer demonstrating this principle in your own experience.

BEHAVIORAL

Simplify

Prepare a specific, measurable STAR answer demonstrating this principle in your own experience.

Airbnb Backend Engineer Salary

Total compensation ranges from $140K to $240K per year for a Backend Engineer at Airbnb.

$140K
Base (Fresher/Junior)
$240K
Senior/Staff (with equity)

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