What is the Average Rate for Freelance Software Developers for Hire?
Hiring freelance software developers is now the most common way for companies to find agile, scalable, and cost-effective software development capabilities. One of the most common questions that arises is: What is the actual cost of freelance software developers for hire? The answer can differ greatly based on factors like location, technical skillset and knowledge, level of experience, and project complexity.
For example, developers in North America can expect to pay around $75 to $150 per hour for a developer; similar developers in Eastern Europe or India may provide the same service for $25 to $60 per hour. The same can be said with a junior developer with front-end technologies, such as HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, or a senior full-stack developer with knowledge of Python, Node.js, cloud computing, or AI Developers.
It is important to know the average rates and what creates those rates to make informed hiring decisions. In this guide, we will discuss the cost of freelance software developers for hire based on location, technical skillset, and level of experience, while helping you align your talent with your budget and prospective goals for your project.
For example, developers in North America can expect to pay around $75 to $150 per hour for a developer; similar developers in Eastern Europe or India may provide the same service for $25 to $60 per hour. The same can be said with a junior developer with front-end technologies, such as HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, or a senior full-stack developer with knowledge of Python, Node.js, cloud computing, or AI Developers.
It is important to know the average rates and what creates those rates to make informed hiring decisions. In this guide, we will discuss the cost of freelance software developers for hire based on location, technical skillset, and level of experience, while helping you align your talent with your budget and prospective goals for your project.
What is a Software Developer? Roles & Responsibilities
A software developer is a type of technology professional who builds, tests, and maintains applications, websites, mobile apps, and other digital applications. They help take an idea or business need and put it into action through software development.
Software developers work on different platforms, which may include mobile, web, desktop, and cloud systems, based on the project they are working on for a client.
Companies may often look for freelance software developers for hire so that they can get quality work done for a specific technical purpose with less operational costs and more flexibility.
Freelancing as a software developer means that you can work on a multitude of different projects, whether it is a simple brochure website, a mobile app for an emerging business, or an enterprise system for a company.
A freelance front-end developer creates and designs the visual component of an application, being responsible for layout, design, and interactivity with languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or using front-end frameworks.
You can find a freelance front-end developer for hire easily to build an easy-to-use website or a responsive layout for your mobile apps and digital products.
A freelance back-end developer handles the server-side work, which includes API integrations, data, databases, and ensures proper data handling and safe data handling.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Software Developer
- The Developer needs to produce clean and efficient code for both the web applications and web systems.
- Studies and provides a solution to the end users' needs, and translates it into a software solution.
- Participates in writing and testing code to produce high-quality performance and reliability.
- Works closely with designers, product managers & QA to move the project's goals forward.
- Keeps software tools current to add new features or roles, or resolve existing findings.
- Development of code and technical workflows.
Companies frequently hire a software developer to increase efficiency, automate operations, or kick off a new tech product. Whether you’re starting from the ground up or making your existing software even better, a freelance software developers for hire can be a scalable and flexible way to get it done.
Ready to find talent within your budget range?
Most Popular Types of Software Developers
Today's companies rely on various professionals to solve their specific tech needs. No matter if you are building an app, website, or blockchain, choosing the right talent is key. Many companies choose to work with freelance software developers for hire because of the low costs and global expertise. Below are the most in-demand developer roles in the freelance world:
Mobile App Developers
Mobile app development builds the application from an Android developer, an iOS developer, or a cross-platform developer.
You can hire a mobile app developer, or hire mobile app developers in India for a cheap and scalable solution.
Flutter and React Native are the most popular platforms for cross-platform mobile app development.
Android Developers
They specialize in building applications for Android platforms using Java or Kotlin.
Most freelance software developers for hire focus on native Android app development.
iOS & Swift Developers
iOS app developers use Swift or Objective-C to create high-performance iOS apps.
Best for brands that target Apple’s ecosystem and want to hire a mobile app developer in India or a freelance mobile app developer, an iOS app developer with platform experience.
More businesses require front-end developers to build the user interface and user experience of websites.
Front-End Developers
Front-end developers are normally skilled in modern web technologies, especially HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and UI frameworks such as React and Vue.js.
When you need a responsive, highly performing web interface, you can hire a freelance front-end web developer
JavaScript, React, and Vue.js Developers
JavaScript developers are the heart of important functionality for dynamic websites.
React developers and Vue.js developers are also heavily involved in UI libraries/frameworks to help build scalable web applications.
Back-End Web Developers
Marrying front-end user interfaces and experiences with back-end functionality is essential for client-server applications.
Back-end developers are skilled in server-side applications, data flow management, data security, and database management, like SQL.
Node.js, PHP, Laravel, etc. are popular back-end developer skills.
Hiring a freelance back-end developer or freelance software developers for hire if you're looking for contributor-level speed to scale, such as API integration, and performance optimizations.
Full-Stack Developers
Full-stack developers that is the combination of both front-end and back-end development.
Full-stack developers are uniquely capable of front-end and back-end development.
They can be skilled in multiple programming languages, libraries, and frameworks such as JavaScript, Node.js, React, and Laravel.
You can hire a full-stack developer in India, or hire full-stack developer, or hire full-stack web developer to do end-to-end development as one resource.
Blockchain Developers
Blockchain developers have been coined a new section of developers, who are now specialized in decentralization technologies, decentralized applications (dApps), and secure systems.
Blockchain developers rely mainly on some specific technologies, including Solidity, Ethereum, and Web3.js.
In some instances, large and small companies may want to hire a blockchain developer or a freelance blockchain developer who is competent in programming for decentralized applications, cryptocurrencies, first-level blockchain ecosystems, and, lastly, smart contracts.
Shopify Developers
Specialists in building and customizing eCommerce stores using the Shopify platform.
Are you launching an online store? You can hire a Shopify developer or hire dedicated Shopify developers in India, or hire a freelance Shopify Developer in India to build and grow your business.
When you need to hire a quality specialist to ensure efficiency with your project, or when you want to have the best quality standards for your project, hiring a software developer checks all those boxes. If engagement is short-term or you are searching for freelance software developers for hire to work on a long-term goal, you can find plenty of qualified professionals in the freelance market globally who are ready to work remotely.
What Are the Costs of Hiring a Software Developer?
Costs for hiring a software developer depend on many factors, including their level of experience, specialization, project specifics, and where they are located. You could need custom software solutions or experience building scalable apps, but the cost structure you receive will assist you in making specific budgetary plans.
With many companies looking to freelance software developers for hire because of flexibility and potential savings, understanding the cost structure will help you make sound decisions on which software developer to partner with on your projects and future projects in the future. Costs will greatly vary based on region, type of freelance software developers in India, or extent of hire (hourly, project-based work, or long-term rates).
Key Factors Affecting Costs for Hiring a Software Developer
When you are planning to hire a software developer, there is a wide range of cost factors that will influence budgeting and decision-making on which developer to hire. Depending on geography, experience of the developer, type of project, people will see a significant contrast in terms of costs and types of engagement that will suit their needs most. To illustrate engagement types, when hiring a developer, people will often need to differentiate between developer categories (in-house, agency, and freelance) from which to choose.
Geography
The location of your developer is also going to greatly inform the cost of a developer:
● North America (USA, Canada)
$75 to $150/hour
Excellent quality developers, but the costs are high -- best suited for enterprise-grade custom software development solutions.
● Western Europe (UK, Germany, France)
$60 to $120/hour
Experienced developers in established geographic marketplaces (with established quality and security regulations)
● Eastern Europe (Ukraine, Poland, Romania)
$35 to $75/hour
Excellent value for money. Popular for both start-ups and enterprise-grade freelance software developers for hire.
● India & Southeast Asia
$20 to $50/hour
A very popular spot for companies looking to hire mobile app developers in India or freelance software developers for hire at competitive pricing.
● Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico)
$30 to $60/hour
A favourable choice for clients located in the USA or Canada, as they will be in the same time zone as the developer marketplace and will have a lot of talent to choose from.
● North America (USA, Canada)
$75 to $150/hour
Excellent quality developers, but the costs are high -- best suited for enterprise-grade custom software development solutions.
● Western Europe (UK, Germany, France)
$60 to $120/hour
Experienced developers in established geographic marketplaces (with established quality and security regulations)
● Eastern Europe (Ukraine, Poland, Romania)
$35 to $75/hour
Excellent value for money. Popular for both start-ups and enterprise-grade freelance software developers for hire.
● India & Southeast Asia
$20 to $50/hour
A very popular spot for companies looking to hire mobile app developers in India or freelance software developers for hire at competitive pricing.
● Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico)
$30 to $60/hour
A favourable choice for clients located in the USA or Canada, as they will be in the same time zone as the developer marketplace and will have a lot of talent to choose from.
Level of Experience
A developer's amount of experience and the depth of their portfolio directly impact rates:
● Junior Developers (0–2 years)
$20–$40/hour
Suitable for basic work and startups in their infancy.
● Mid-Level Developers (2–5 years)
$40–$80/hour
Suitable for mid-sized apps, custom dashboards, and integrations.
● Senior Developers (5+ years)
$80–$150/hour
Suitable for high-level custom software development, architecture plans, and security-sensitive projects.
Valuable to many organizations is the ability to hire freelance software developers for hire to gain experience without being vested long-term.
● Junior Developers (0–2 years)
$20–$40/hour
Suitable for basic work and startups in their infancy.
● Mid-Level Developers (2–5 years)
$40–$80/hour
Suitable for mid-sized apps, custom dashboards, and integrations.
● Senior Developers (5+ years)
$80–$150/hour
Suitable for high-level custom software development, architecture plans, and security-sensitive projects.
Valuable to many organizations is the ability to hire freelance software developers for hire to gain experience without being vested long-term.
Technology Stack and Skillset
Different types of developers will charge different rates based on their technology stack knowledge:
● Frontend (React, Vue.js, JavaScript)
$25-$60/hour
You can hire a freelance front-end developer for UI/UX design, interactive components, and responsive designs.
● Backend (Node.js, PHP, Laravel, Python)
$30-$80/hour
You can hire a freelance back-end developer for handling APIs, server logic, and databases.
● Full-Stack (React + Node.js, Laravel + Vue)
$40-$100/hour
Companies will hire full stack developers in USA, hire a full stack developer, or hire a full stack web developer for complete end-to-end solutions.
● Mobile (iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter)
$30-$90/hour
You can hire a mobile app developer or hire mobile app developers in India to create mobile-first experiences.
● Shopify & eCommerce Platforms
$25-$75/hour
Companies looking to grow their business online can hire a Shopify developer or hire dedicated Shopify developers in India for custom app themes and integrations.
● Blockchain & Web3
$50-$120/hour
You can hire a blockchain developer to create NFT apps, smart contracts, and secured Apps.
● Frontend (React, Vue.js, JavaScript)
$25-$60/hour
You can hire a freelance front-end developer for UI/UX design, interactive components, and responsive designs.
● Backend (Node.js, PHP, Laravel, Python)
$30-$80/hour
You can hire a freelance back-end developer for handling APIs, server logic, and databases.
● Full-Stack (React + Node.js, Laravel + Vue)
$40-$100/hour
Companies will hire full stack developers in USA, hire a full stack developer, or hire a full stack web developer for complete end-to-end solutions.
● Mobile (iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter)
$30-$90/hour
You can hire a mobile app developer or hire mobile app developers in India to create mobile-first experiences.
● Shopify & eCommerce Platforms
$25-$75/hour
Companies looking to grow their business online can hire a Shopify developer or hire dedicated Shopify developers in India for custom app themes and integrations.
● Blockchain & Web3
$50-$120/hour
You can hire a blockchain developer to create NFT apps, smart contracts, and secured Apps.
Project Scope and Complexity
Project requirements can dramatically affect pricing.
● Basic Apps/Websites (1–3 months)
$3,000 – $15,000
Used for MVPs and small scale apps, are assigned to freelance software developers for hire.
● Medium-Sized Projects (3–6 months)
$15,000 – $40,000
Requires a team of full-time developers with talented skills.
● Large or Enterprise Projects (6+ months)
$50,000+
Includes advanced architecture, security layers, AIML and continuous custom software development.
● Basic Apps/Websites (1–3 months)
$3,000 – $15,000
Used for MVPs and small scale apps, are assigned to freelance software developers for hire.
● Medium-Sized Projects (3–6 months)
$15,000 – $40,000
Requires a team of full-time developers with talented skills.
● Large or Enterprise Projects (6+ months)
$50,000+
Includes advanced architecture, security layers, AIML and continuous custom software development.
Also Read:
How to hire Indian coders?Engagement Type
How you engage a developer affects costs, as well:
● Hourly Rate
Best for short-term or flexible work. Best for freelancing in capacity of software developer.
● Project-Based
Fixed price for specified deliverables/due dates.
● Retainer/Monthly Contract
Best for an extended project or for continual updates.
Freelance software developers for hire pricing is generally more flexible than in-house or agency rates.
● Hourly Rate
Best for short-term or flexible work. Best for freelancing in capacity of software developer.
● Project-Based
Fixed price for specified deliverables/due dates.
● Retainer/Monthly Contract
Best for an extended project or for continual updates.
Freelance software developers for hire pricing is generally more flexible than in-house or agency rates.
Not sure whether to go freelance or full-time?
Freelance vs Full-Time Software Development: Which Should You Choose?
While developing software, one of the decisions businesses need to make is whether to hire a freelance or full-time in-house software developer. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision will depend on your particular needs, budget, and schedule.
Freelance Software Development
Freelance software development provides flexibility, cost savings, and access to a global talent pool. Start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises often hire freelance software developers for hire to build MVPs, web and mobile applications, or even as a way to add features without committing to a long-term contract.
● Advantages
- Less operational overhead costs - no benefits or office space
- Faster hiring process as global talent can be accessed
- Well suited to short-term or project work
● Disadvantages
- Requires clearly defined project scope and communication
- Can take longer to onboard and integrate people
In-House Software Development
Hiring an in-house full-time developer is the best choice when companies will have ongoing development needs, with larger teams or long-term projects. You really can get to know your company workflow better with a developer deeply immersed and integrated into it.
So, which option is right for you? Choose to hire freelance software developers if:
What are the pros?
- Focus and availability
- Easier collaboration with team dynamics and planning that tends to unfold over time
- Ownership of how you manage and arrange the development tools and software development workflow
What are the cons?
- Long term costs are higher (salary, benefits, infrastructure)
- Longer hiring stage and onboarding time
- Decreased flexibility when it comes to scaling up or down
So, which option is right for you? Choose to hire freelance software developers if:
- You have a project that is fixed-scope
- You need temporary or niche expertise
- You want flexibility to reduce overhead and scale fast
Choose to work with a full-time developer
- You have a project that will be ongoing, likely continuing to evolve
- You require tight collaboration with your team
- You can commit and invest in long-term development resources
Conclusion
It is important to know the average rates of freelance software developers for hire to develop your project budget and to ensure selection of the right talent. Rates will be different from developer to developer primary based upon skill set, years of experience, and location—you may find rates for freelance software developers for hire as low as $20/hour in India and as high $150/hour in the U.S. Whether you need a freelance software developers for hire to develop a front-end, back-end, web mobile, or full-stack, you can find flexible pricing methods to either developer for any business need.
By using freelance software development, you can access specializations skills without long-term commitment or ongoing overhead charges. Lucky for you, businesses of all size, from startups to enterprise, hire independent freelance software developers for hire today to develop high quality, scalable custom software solutions in an affordable manner.
Ultimately, whether you hire a freelance front-end developer, a freelance back-end developer, or a freelance mobile app developer understand the average rates in your region allows you to make budgets conscientious decisions when hiring software developers for hire in your area, choose the right freelance developer for hire based on your project goals, and then let the developer take your project into motion, efficiently and affordably.
Make your next hire smart, affordable, and scalable. Find the perfect freelance software developer today.
The Author
Karthikeyan
Co Founder, Rytsense Technologies