As of 2024, over 30 million app developers are working worldwide, building apps that power our phones and businesses! But if you're thinking of hiring one, you're probably wondering: how much does it cost to hire an app developer?
Knowing these costs is key for startups, small businesses, or anyone with a big app idea. Whether you're hiring a freelancer, an agency, or a full-time developer, prices can vary a lot.
Getting this right can save you money and help your project succeed.
In this guide, we'll break down what affects app developer costs only. From hourly rates to location differences, we've got you covered.
Our goal? To help you plan smart and hire the right developer for your budget. Let's jump in and explore what you need to know!
Key Takeaways
-
App developer costs vary by experience and type.
Junior developers charge $20-$50 per hour, while seniors or specialists (like AI experts) can cost $100-$250.
Freelancers ($20-$80/hour) are cheaper than agencies ($50-$200/hour) or in-house developers ($80,000-$120,000/year in the US).
-
Location impacts how much app developers cost. Hiring in North America runs $80-$150 per hour, but Asia (like India) offers rates as low as $15-$40, balancing quality and affordability for your project.
-
Save money with smart hiring choices. Use freelancers for small apps, fixed-price contracts to avoid surprises, or junior developers for simple tasks. Compare reviews on platforms like Upwork to get quality at lower costs.
-
Watch for hidden costs when hiring. Recruitment fees, tools ($50-$500/month), onboarding ($1,000-$5,000), and post-launch support ($500-$2,000/month) can add up, so plan your budget carefully.
- Team: Freelance developer + designer
- Platform: Cross-platform (Flutter)
- Timeline: 6-8 weeks
- Developer Cost: $7,000-$15,000
- Team: Full agency (developers, designers, QA)
- Platform: iOS and Android
- Timeline: 3-5 months
- Developer Cost: $40,000-$100,000
- Team: In-house developers, designers, QA engineers
- Platform: Native apps (iOS + Android), Web dashboard
- Timeline: 6-12 months
- Developer Cost: $150,000-$500,000+
Factors Affecting App Developer Costs
Hiring an app developer can feel like a big decision, especially when costs vary so much. So, what drives the price of hiring an app developer? Let's break down the key factors that affect how much you'll pay.
Understanding these will help you plan your budget and find the right developer for your project.
Developer Experience Level
The experience of a developer plays a huge role in their rates. Junior developers, who are newer to the field, charge less, often $20-$50 per hour.
They're great for simple tasks but may need guidance. Senior developers, with years of expertise, charge $100-$200 per hour. They handle complex projects with ease. Then there are specialists, like those skilled in AI or AR/VR, who command premium rates, sometimes $200-$300 per hour, due to their niche expertise.
Type of Developer
Who you hire also impacts costs. Freelancers are flexible and affordable, typically charging $20-$80 per hour. Agencies, which offer full teams and project management, cost more, ranging from $50-$200 per hour.
In-house developers, hired as full-time staff, earn salaries of $80,000-$120,000 per year in the US, making them a long-term investment.
Geographic Location
Where your developer is based matters a lot. In North America, hourly rates run $80-$150 due to high demand and living costs.
Western Europe is slightly cheaper at $50-$100 per hour. Eastern Europe offers great value at $25-$50 per hour, while Asia, like India, is the most budget-friendly at $15-$40 per hour.
Each region balances cost and quality differently.
Project Complexity
The type of app you want affects who you need to hire. Simple apps, like calculators or basic tools, can be built by less experienced developers, keeping costs low.
Complex apps, like games or AI-driven tools, require specialized developers with advanced skills, which drives up the price significantly.
Contract Type
How you pay your developer makes a difference, too. Hourly rates, common for freelancers, range from $15-$200 based on experience and location.
Fixed project fees, often used by agencies, give you cost certainty but may limit flexibility. Retainer models, where you pay for ongoing work, are great for long-term projects but can add up over time.
By knowing these factors, you can better estimate how much it costs to hire an app developer. Whether you're building a simple app or a complex one, choosing the right developer type and contract will save you money.
Cost Breakdown by Developer Type
Hiring an app developer means choosing the right type for your project and budget. Each option, freelancers, agencies, or in-house developers, comes with different costs, benefits, and trade-offs.
Let's dive into what you can expect to pay and what you get with each. This will help you decide who fits your needs best.
Freelancers
Freelancers are a popular choice for many projects. Globally, they charge $20-$80 per hour. Pros: They're affordable and flexible, letting you hire for specific tasks or short timelines.
Cons: Reliability can vary, and support might be limited after the job's done. You'll need to check reviews or portfolios to find a dependable one.
Agencies
Agencies offer a full team of experts, with rates ranging from $50-$200 per hour.
Pros: You get project management, designers, and developers all in one package, ensuring a polished product.
Cons: The higher costs can stretch smaller budgets. Agencies are ideal for bigger or more complex projects.
In-House Developers
In-house developers work full-time for your company, with salaries in the US typically between $80,000-$120,000 per year.
Costs vary by region, lower in Asia, higher in Europe.
Pros: They're dedicated to your project and offer long-term control.
Cons: You'll face high upfront costs, plus benefits and taxes, making this a bigger investment.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time
Hiring part-time developers costs $30-$100 per hour, offering lower commitment for smaller tasks. Full-time developers, whether in-house or contracted, cost more but suit large projects needing consistent work.
Part-time saves money upfront, while full-time ensures deeper focus.
Also Read: 5 Tips for Choosing the Best App Developers
Average App Developer Costs
Now that you know the types of developers, let's look at average costs based on region, experience, and specialization.
By Region
App developer rates vary based on location, experience, and demand. Here's a quick look at the average hourly costs in different parts of the world.
These numbers are helpful if you're budgeting for your project or comparing outsourcing options.
By Experience
Experience levels set developer rates. Junior developers, newer to the field, charge $20-$50 per hour. Mid-level developers, with solid skills, range from $50-$100 per hour.
Senior developers, who tackle complex tasks, cost $100-$200 per hour. More experience means higher prices but better expertise.
By Specialization
General developers, who build standard apps, charge $20-$80 per hour. Developers with niche skills, like blockchain or machine learning, demand $100-$250 per hour due to their specialized expertise.
If your app needs advanced features, expect to pay more for these pros.
Understanding these costs helps you plan smarter. Whether you're hiring a freelancer in Asia or a senior developer in the US, you can now estimate your budget for hiring an app developer.
Tips to Save on App Developer Costs
Wondering how to hire an app developer? Smart choices can keep your budget in check while still getting a great app.
Here are three ways to save money when hiring an app developer, so you can build your dream app affordably.
Choose Affordable Talent
Hiring freelancers or developers from cost-effective regions saves big. Freelancers charge $20-$80 per hour, perfect for small projects or MVPs.
For example, a freelancer on Upwork can build a basic app for $1,000-$5,000. Developers in India or Eastern Europe charge $15-$50 per hour, compared to $80-$150 in the US. You get skilled pros at lower rates without sacrificing quality.
Pick the Right Developer for the Job
Match the developer's experience to your project's needs to avoid overpaying. Junior developers, at $20-$50 per hour, handle simple tasks like basic app layouts.
Save senior developers, who charge $100-$200 per hour, for complex features like AI or gaming. Check portfolios on Clutch to ensure you're getting quality work at the right price.
Use Smart Contracts
Fixed-price contracts help you avoid surprise costs. They lock in a set fee for your project, ideal for clear tasks like a small app.
For ongoing work, consider part-time developers at $30-$100 per hour instead of full-time hires. This flexibility keeps costs low while meeting your needs. Compare reviews to find reliable developers who fit your budget.
Hidden Costs of Hiring App Developers
When planning how much app developers cost, don't miss the hidden expenses. Beyond hourly rates or salaries, unexpected costs can add up fast.
Here are three hidden costs to watch for when hiring an app developer, so you can budget wisely and avoid surprises.
Recruitment and Hiring Fees
Finding the right developer isn't free. Posting on job boards like Indeed costs $100-$500, while hiring agencies may charge $1,000 or more in commissions.
For example, a recruiter might take 10% of a developer's first-year salary ($80,000-$120,000 in the US). These fees can quickly eat into your budget if you're not prepared.
Tools and Support Expenses
Developers need tools like coding software or cloud services, which aren't always included in their rates.
Licenses for tools like AWS or testing platforms can cost $50-$500 per month. Remote developers also require communication tools like Zoom, adding $10-$20 per user monthly. Time zone differences can slow work, increasing indirect costs.
Post-Hire and Ongoing Costs
After hiring, costs don't stop. In-house developers need onboarding and training, which can cost $1,000-$5,000 in time and resources, plus taxes and benefits (20-30% of their $80,000-$120,000 US salary).
Post-launch, bug fixes or updates often require retainers of $500-$2,000 monthly. For instance, a freelancer in Asia might charge $500 for support, while a US agency could bill $1,500. Plan for these to keep your app running smoothly.
Cost Estimation Examples
App development costs can vary a lot depending on your goals, team setup, and features. To help you understand what to expect, here are three real-world examples.
Each shows how different business types handle app development and what they pay.
Scenario 1: A Startup Building a Basic MVP with Freelancers
A small startup wishes to use a basic MVP to test an idea. The app includes user sign-up, a home screen, and basic data input.
This setup is cost-effective and ideal for early testing. If the app gains users, they can upgrade later.
Scenario 2: A Mid-Sized Company Building a Full App via Agency
A growing business needs a more advanced app with user accounts, payments, and third-party integrations.
Agencies offer project management, design, and testing, all in one package. Ideal for businesses that want a complete solution without managing freelancers.
Scenario 3: A Funded Tech Firm Building an Enterprise App In-House
A large tech company is developing a complex app with backend systems, real-time data, and AI features.
By now, you would have figured answer how much does it cost to hire an app developer and retain an internal workforce, doing so offers complete control and long-term scalability.
Great for high-growth firms with funding.
Conclusion
Knowing how much app developers cost is a game-changer for anyone planning a mobile app. Whether you're a startup founder, a small business owner, or an entrepreneur with a big idea, understanding these costs helps you budget smartly and avoid surprises.
From freelancers charging $20-$80 per hour to agencies at $50-$200 or in-house developers earning $80,000-$120,000 a year, prices vary widely. Factors like experience, location, and project complexity all play a role. By grasping these, you can make informed choices that keep your project on track and your wallet happy.
To get the best value, compare your options carefully. Freelancers suit small projects, agencies offer full teams for complex apps, and in-house hires provide long-term control.
Weigh the pros and cons to find what fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I protect my budget from unexpected app development costs?
You can reduce surprise costs by having a clear scope, using fixed-price contracts when possible, and building in a 10-15% buffer for changes or delays.
Regular communication with your team helps catch issues early.
Does hiring a cheaper developer always lead to lower quality?
Not necessarily. Excellent quality is provided by a large number of talented developers in less expensive areas.
What matters most is experience, past work, and communication, not just the hourly rate.
How much time does it usually take to create a mobile application?
A simple app might take 2-3 months, while complex apps can take 6-12 months. Timelines depend on features, platforms, and team size.
Can I switch developers or agencies mid-project?
Yes, but it's not always easy. You'll need a clean code handover and detailed documentation. Switching teams mid-way can lead to delays and added costs.
How do I know if a developer's quote is fair?
Compare quotes from multiple vendors, review their past work, and ask for a detailed breakdown. A clear proposal with milestones and deliverables is a good sign.
What's the difference between fixed-price and time-and-materials pricing?
Fixed price gives you a set cost for a set scope. Time-and-materials is flexible, you pay for the actual time spent.
Fixed is safer for tight budgets; T&M works well for ongoing or evolving projects.
Ready to build a high-quality app?
Connect with our expert at the developers.dev today.
We'll help you plan smart, build fast, and stay on budget, without compromising on quality. Let's bring your idea to life.
