How Much Does It Cost To Hire App Developers: Pricing Breakdown

The mobile app market is growing quickly. Statista states it is expected to reach $756 billion by 2027. This growth means more and more people want new and exciting apps. Startups, small businesses, and large companies invest money to create apps that meet customer needs.

The Apple App Store and the Google Play Store see about 35-36 billion app downloads every quarter, so you can see why many businesses are eager to develop apps. However, one big question remains: How much does it cost to hire an app developer?

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an App Developer: Calculate The Final Price 

The cost to hire an app developer depends on several key elements during the assessment process. Suppose you want to know how much it costs to hire an app developer. In that case, you must understand that application development expenses fluctuate according to three main factors: developer experience level, geographical location, and required application complexity.

Level of Experience 

When you are considering how much it cost to hire a app developer, you should firstly think about the developer’s experience level. In the US, developers can be categorized into three primary levels: junior, mid-level, and senior.

• A Junior Developer operates at a rate of $27/hour. The lack of experience among newer developers does not prevent them from performing basic assignments.
• Mid-level Developers cost around $49/hour. Through increased experience, they now handle a broader scope of problems.
• Senior Developer: Charges over $64/hour. Experienced developers provide quick solutions to complex problems that appear throughout projects.

While you might wonder how much does it cost to hire a developer for an app, consider the benefits of hiring a senior developer. A senior developer requires only several hours to resolve any bugs that appear. Senior developers require hours to finish the work, whereas junior developers need several days for the same project. Senior developers have higher hire app developer cost but bring enough value to justify their expenses. 

When thinking about how much it cost to hire an app developer, weigh your project’s needs against your budget. A junior developer might do the job well if you have a simple app. 

You need to realize that there are different experience levels and their associated costs is key to figuring out how much does it cost to hire an app developer for your next project. Evaluating the cost to hire app developer at different experience levels can help you make an informed decision on how much does it cost to hire an app developer.

Region 

The answer to the question how much does it cost to hire an app developer depends heavily on the geographic location of the developer. The hire app developer cost depends considerably on salary levels that differ between nations. The average annual compensation for US app developers is $124,466 per year, yet it stands at $48,000 annually in Poland. The investment for hiring developers from Poland results in yearly savings of $76,466, 61.5%. An overview of the typical cost to hire an app developer follows in the table below.

From this table, you can see that how much does it cost to hire a developer for an app varies based on location. For example, hiring a developer in India can be much cheaper than hiring one in the United States. This difference in salary can significantly influence your overall cost to hire app developer.

If you have a tight budget, consider looking for developers in countries with lower average salaries. If you’re asking how much does it cost to hire a app developer or trying to find the right location for your project, it’s all about balancing cost and quality. 

App Platform

Mobile users primarily choose between two platforms for app downloads: the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Google Play Store

As of the first quarter of 2022, the Google Play Store hosts over 2.65 million Android apps and 494,000+ publishers. Every day, 3,739 new mobile applications become available in the store, even with its existing quality control systems. The Google Play Store has achieved continuous expansion to become the world’s most dominant mobile app store because it attracted 111.3 billion downloads in 2021, which represented a 50% increase from 2016.

Apple App Store

The Apple App Store, the second-largest competitor to the Google Play Store, boasts a diverse global user base. The iOS mobile applications provided by the App Store amount to 2.11 million across 724,000+ publishers. Games constitute 221,666 of these apps, with the remaining designated as non-gaming applications. In June 2022, the App Store released 36,000 iOS mobile apps. Due to its rising global user count, the App Store is projected to generate $96 billion in revenue during 2024 while, starting from $88 billion during Q1 2022.

The average salary of US app developers depends heavily on which platform they work with, as salaries between iOS developers and Android developers differ substantially.

• iOS Developers: $121,570 per year
• Android Developers: $111,710 per year
• Cross-Platform Developers: $145,917 per year

Budgeting is an essential factor for hiring developers who work on iOS, Android, or cross-platform platforms. Cost estimation and knowledge play a fundamental role in developing your app strategy.

How to Calculate Your App Development Cost 

The rate calculation methods used by developers to price mobile application development work requires thorough understanding for businesses and individuals who seek development services. The understanding of developer rate calculation enables you to create project budgets and select the perfect talent for your work.

Hourly Rates

According to Clutch, most app developers charge  $25-$150 hourly, depending on their experience, location, and specialization. This range indicates a broad spectrum of expertise and market conditions. For instance, developers with extensive experience or specialized skills in specific technologies might charge at the higher end of this scale.

Most developers charge between $18 and $39 per hour on platforms like Upwork. This lower range often reflects freelancers just starting or located in regions with a lower cost of living. Understanding these hourly rates allows clients to estimate overall project costs, especially considering a project’s timeline and complexity.

Project-based Rates

App developers usually charge customers based on the project scope rather than hourly billing. Project-based pricing offers clients a straightforward budgeting experience because developers provide one unified project cost. Several factors determine the project-based pricing rates that developers use.

• Scope of Work: The more complex and feature-rich the app, the higher the project-based rate. During the assessment process developers evaluate all project elements starting from design through development and moving to testing before deployment.
• Timeframe: Developers will impose extra charges on clients who demand urgent project completion times.
• Expertise. The rate developers set for their projects depends on their background and comparable past assignments. A developer who successfully develops high-quality apps in particular domains can set higher pricing rates.

Retainer Agreements

Developers use retainer agreements as a method to determine their payment rates. Under this payment structure, clients provide developers with regular monthly installments that include a certain amount of work or availability. The mutual arrangement serves the needs of both client and developer through its advantages.

• Retainer agreements provide clients with predictable monthly spending costs, which allows them to budget more easily.
• The dedicated time availability for clients under retainer agreements enables developers to better track and manage their work hours.
• A retainer agreement proves beneficial for maintaining ongoing projects that need periodic updates and maintenance for their current mobile apps. 
• The appraisal of developer rates occurs through different fee structures which include billing by the hour as well as project-based fees and retainer agreements.

The understanding of these development payment approaches enables clients to determine the cost of hiring a developer for their mobile application project. To maintain successful app development collaboration you must determine your needs then select the right pricing model when working with your developer.

What Affects Your Hiring App Developer Cost

Multiple essential elements determine how much does it cost to hire a app developer. The essential factors you need to understand will hel make a correct developer selection for your project.

Technical Skills and Niche Knowledge 

One of the most significant factors affecting how much it costs to hire a developer for an app is their technical skills and specialization. The prices developers ask for their work increase when their professional capacity includes expertise in specific niches.

For example, the cost of developing complex gaming applications will exceed the budget of hiring basic app developers since you need developers with game development expertise. Specialized talent generates higher prices because of their experienced skills. A developer who understands many programming languages receives higher rates because they offer flexible development capabilities to clients.

Application Type

The final decision about which application to build determines how much it cost to hire an app developer. Different programs need different combinations of application complexity together with necessary resources. For instance:

• Basic applications (such as a simple to-do list program) tend to be less expensive because they need fewer functionalities along with shorter development periods.
• Apps with a medium level of difficulty can be a bit more expensive. A food delivery application including user accounts and payment processing in addition to GPS features costs more to develop due to its increased complexity.
• Advanced functionality and specialized features in mobile apps create a need for longer development periods and skilled developers who drive up project expenses, especially in cases like social networking platforms and ride-sharing solutions.

Your understanding of application type helps determine the estimated costs needed for developer selection.

Hire Localy or Outsource 

Another crucial factor to consider is whether to hire locally or outsource. This decision can significantly impact the hire app developer cost:

• The cost of hiring developers in your local area typically leads to increased expenses due to geographic location premiums. The cost of living and market demand in developers’ location leads them to ask for higher rates when charging their clients. Better communication and collaboration between team members is generally the main benefit developers gain from working locally during their projects.
• Your cost of development will decrease substantially when you hire developers from places where living expenses remain low. For instance, various Asian and Eastern European regions offer lower cost of hiring. The development rates in particular geographic areas range from $20 to $50 per hour since the market prices are lower in those regions.

Your choice evaluation should determine which option will work best for your project alongside your budget constraints. The awareness of how much it costs to hire an app developer  allows you to establish strategic planning and locate the optimal development partner suited for your application initiative.

How To Estimate The Cost of Hiring an App Developer in 5 Steps

When you’re ready to create an app, you might wonder, how much does it cost to hire a developer for an app? Figuring out the costs of hiring an app developer can help you plan your budget and set clear goals. Here are five easy steps to help you estimate the cost to hire an app developer.

1. Define Your Scope

The first step in estimating the cost of hiring an app developer is clearly defining what you want your app to do. Consider the following questions:

• Which platforms will the app be on (like iOS or Android)?
• What features do you want (user accounts, payment options, or GPS)?
• When do you want the project finished?

This way, you can better understand how much it costs to hire a developer for an app. A clear plan also helps when you start looking for developers.

2. Search for App Developers

Next, you’ll want to find suitable app developers. Look for candidates using three websites: Upwork, Freelancer, and LinkedIn. Choose developers from either your local area or those from other nations, depending on financial parameters. You can also partner with A-listware which provides mobile app development services, or also we can find the best app developer for you within a week. Remember, the hire an app developer cost can change a lot depending on where the developer is located and their experience.

3. Check Portfolios and Reviews

Continue by reviewing the portfolios together with customer reviews of potential developers you have selected. Research developers who possess experience developing applications related to what you need. The portfolio and reviews will demonstrate their abilities and suitability for your project. The reviews submitted by former clients provide information about developer reliability and work approach, which enables you to estimate the expense of hiring an app developer.

4. Decide on Your Collaboration Model

The selection of your working method with the developer holds significant importance. There are multiple methods to hire developers, which include:

• Hourly rates are ideal whenever you need help with small assignments or short-term work whose total duration remains unknown.
• Fixed project rates: Best for projects with clear goals and features.
• The retainer agreement is an appropriate framework for ongoing projects requiring persistent updates.

5. Ask for a Quote

After reducing your developer options, you should request evaluation proposals. By obtaining proposals, you will obtain a definite understanding of how much it costs to hire an app developer for your desired project. The quotes should encompass every aspect of the work, from design through development to testing and continuous support.

Estimating the cost to hire an app developer is easy and fast with the strategies we have gathered for you. Defining your project scope, searching for app developers, comparing their work, choosing a collaboration model will  help you better estimate the cost of hiring a developer for an app. 

Hidden Costs of Hiring App Developers that You Should Know 

Most people needing app developers solely consider their hourly and project rates when hiring. Various hidden expenses accumulate swiftly while working with app developers. Knowing all possible expenses will help you create a budget that properly accounts for app developer costs.

Onboarding Expenses

The onboarding cost appears during the initial phase of adding developers to your team structure. The developer needs training about your company’s tools and processes and should obtain access to the required accounts and resources. Project complexity determines the length of onboarding, which might require assistance from your current team, causing potential delays to your project schedule. The entire cost calculation for developer app development should include all expenses before determining the price of hiring a developer for an application project.

Equipment Costs

If you’re hiring app developers who will work in your office, you’ll need to consider the costs associated with providing equipment. This could include laptops, monitors, software licenses, and other technology required to perform their tasks effectively. Even for remote workers, you may need to provide specific tools or reimburse them for technology expenses. These equipment costs can significantly impact your total hiring app developer costs, so it’s a good idea to factor them in during the planning phase.

Project Management Costs

Keeping track of an app development project requires effective project management. If you’re working with a remote team or multiple developers, you may need to invest in project management tools. The costs associated with project management software and the time spent coordinating the team should not be overlooked when calculating the cost to hire an app developer.

How to Hire an App Developer at a Good Cost

Hiring the right app developer at a reasonable cost is crucial for the success of your project. In this section, we have gathered practical tips to help you find skilled developers without overspending.

Find the Right Hiring Model

Negotiate 

When hiring freelancers, in-house developers, or development agencies, it’s essential to negotiate the best rates for your project. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your budget:

• Define your requirements: Clearly outline your project’s scope, timelines, and deliverables to get accurate quotes and avoid misunderstandings.
• Research market rates: Look at industry standards to determine fair compensation for your project and negotiate accordingly.
• Consider the benefits: Evaluate each vendor’s benefits, such as expertise, experience, and reputation, and factor them into your negotiation.
• Ask about discounts: Some vendors may offer discounts for long-term projects, bulk work, or referrals, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Furthermore, if you’re unsure about a vendor, consider a small trial project to assess their skills.

Ensure Quality Within Your Budget

While negotiating the best rates is crucial, it’s equally important to ensure the quality of your project. Prioritize your needs by identifying the most critical aspects of your project and allocating your budget accordingly. Set clear expectations with your vendor regarding quality, timeliness, and deliverables, and regularly review your project’s progress to ensure it’s meeting your standards. Don’t be afraid to test your project’s quality and make necessary adjustments to ensure it meets your expectations.

Conclusion

Hiring app developers can be a significant step, and understanding the costs involved is crucial to making an informed decision. By considering the factors that affect app development costs, such as the type of app, technology stack, and location of the development team, you can plan budget for your project.

You can choose to hire an in-house team, outsource to a development agency, or work with freelancers, it’s essential to negotiate the best rates and ensure quality within your budget. With strategies from this guide, you can confidently navigate the app development process and create a flawless app that meets your clients’ needs and expectations.

FAQs

How much does it cost to hire someone to develop an app?

The cost of hiring someone to develop an app depends on the developer’s level of expertise and experience. Junior developers typically charge between $25 and $40 per hour, while mid-level developers can command hourly rates of $50 to $100, and senior developers charge $100-$150 per hour.

How many hours does it take to develop an app?

The time it takes to develop an app is also a significant factor in determining the overall cost. Generally, building a mobile app can take anywhere up to 6. As a result, the total cost of hiring a developer to build an app can add up quickly.

How much does it cost to hire an IOS app developer? 

The rate for an iOS developer is between $40 to $60 per hour. This translates to a daily cost of around $400 for an 8-hour workday, or $2,000 per week and $8,000 monthly. Understanding these costs and factors allows you to better plan and budget for your app development project.