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Mobile apps have become increasingly more prevalent and important for businesses that want to expand their brands and connect with customers.
Building an app involves many steps, and the costs can vary widely when you don't possess app development knowledge.
So, how much does it cost to hire an app developer? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of app, the app developer's experience, and the complexity of the app project.
In this guide, we’ll guide you through mobile app developer costs and help you understand what determines the price app developers quote. We'll also discuss how to prepare your budget and show how Ozone Builds can bring your app idea to life without hiring an app development team that will cost thousands of dollars.
Several factors influence the overall cost of hiring mobile app developers. Check out what you need to consider before you hire an app developer.
The complexity of your app project is one of the main contributors to mobile app development cost and duration. Apps are generally classified into three categories based on complexity.
A simple app typically includes basic features without complex user interactions. These might be apps like calculators, to-do lists, or informational tools.
Simple apps usually don’t require extensive back-end concepts, such as user logins, accessing large databases, or third-party integrations.
Because they have straightforward functionality, a junior app developer or mobile developers with lower prices might cut down your app development cost. These apps can often be completed within a month, with a cost range of $5,000 to $10,000.
Simple apps are ideal for businesses looking to test an idea or create an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) without a huge investment.
Medium-complexity apps require more features, such as user authentication, data storage, or integration with third-party APIs (e.g., payment gateways or social media). E-commerce apps, social networking platforms, and booking apps generally fall into this category.
Developing mobile apps of medium complexity requires additional front-end and back-end efforts, resulting in an estimated cost of $20,000 to $50,000. These mobile app development projects usually take around 2-3 months to develop.
Complex apps are those with highly advanced features like real-time data processing, artificial intelligence, custom animations, or extensive data analytics. Apps like Uber, Instagram, and high-end e-commerce platforms with personalized recommendations are examples of complex apps.
These apps require you to hire app developers with significant resources and expertise. The best app developers can take 6+ months and cost $100,000 or more.
Hiring a mobile app developer from a different location can vastly affect the price. Different regions have varying hourly rates, which are influenced by the local cost of living, the economy, and the demand for skilled app developers.
Check out the average hourly rate of hiring an app developer from a specific region:
Hiring app developers from North America or Western Europe often comes with higher costs, but these regions are known for high-quality work, efficient project management, and strong communication skills.
On the other hand, the cost of hiring app developers from regions like Eastern Europe and Asia can bring down app development costs without compromising quality. When considering offshore mobile app development, be mindful of potential time zone differences and potential language barriers that can affect the app development process.
The experience and skill level of app developers affect both the cost to hire and the quality of the app development project. Developers are typically classified as junior, mid-level, or senior developers, and each level has its price range.
Working with a highly experienced developer can mean faster turnaround times and fewer revisions, which may ultimately save on app costs by reducing the need for additional iterations, such as bug fixes or feature modifications.
The type of app developer you hire affects the total mobile app development cost. Let’s look at three main types of app developers:
By carefully selecting the type of app developer, you can control app development costs and choose a solution that best suits your app development project’s needs and budget.
App development follows several stages, each with unique costs. Understanding the cost of each stage can help you prepare an accurate app development budget.
App development has the following stages and each comes with a price:
Beyond core development stages, you might encounter other expenses during the mobile app development process. Some additional costs to consider include:
By accounting for each stage and potential additional costs, you’ll develop a more comprehensive and realistic app development budget.
The mobile app development platform you choose affects the overall app development cost. Different platforms come with unique tools, requirements, and testing needs.
Developing for iOS involves using Swift or Objective-C within Apple’s Xcode environment. Due to Apple’s strict guidelines, iOS developers can take additional time for testing and approval and charge higher prices:
Android apps are coded using Kotlin or Java in Android Studio. Android app developers need to ensure compatibility across a variety of devices, adding complexity to the project.
Cross-platform apps are built using frameworks like React Native or Flutter, enabling the app to run on both iOS and Android. Cross-platform developers come with a more affordable cost to hire and usually take less app development time.
The pricing model you select influences the cost of hiring mobile app developers. Here are the three main models:
When it comes to hiring mobile app developers, choosing between freelancers and agencies is a crucial decision. While freelance app developers may initially seem cost-effective, they often lack the comprehensive resources needed for smooth, high-quality app development.
App development agencies offer structured project management, an experienced app developer team, and a range of expert services that freelancers can’t match.
If you're looking for long-term support and maintenance, full-service app development companies will ensure your app development project is handled with efficiency and precision.
An excellent choice for agency support is Ozone Builds, a mobile app development company that offers comprehensive solutions and delivers the desired result within 14 days, regardless of the app complexity.
Ozone Builds provides end-to-end app development services, covering every stage from initial app idea brainstorming to launch, maintenance, and updates.
Their team of skilled app developers, designers, and project managers works together seamlessly to ensure your app development process is streamlined and stress-free. With extensive experience in developing mobile apps across multiple platforms, Ozone Builds can focus on cross-platform or native apps.
Project managers will help clients anticipate and navigate challenges that could otherwise slow down the project timeline or increase app development costs.
Choosing a full-service agency like Ozone Builds means working with experts who know how to handle app development costs without sacrificing quality. When you hire an app developer, you need to go over your app's functionalities and make sure everything is in order.
By managing all aspects of the project, software development companies help avoid issues common with freelance teams, such as coordination problems and inconsistent quality.
If you’re looking to bring your app idea to life, contact Ozone Builds today and start the development process today.
Estimating your app development budget accurately helps prevent unexpected costs. Here’s how to calculate your budget.
You can use online calculators to get a rough estimate of the cost of hiring. These calculators consider factors like app features, type, and platform.
Another aspect to consider is the project scope. You should create a document that goes through every detail to make sure you and the app developer are on the same page regarding project requirements. This document should include app features, target audience, platforms, and third-party integrations.
Finally, hidden costs, such as hosting and post-launch updates, can arise during app development. Planning for these in advance helps prevent budget overruns.
Avoiding common mistakes can save you time and money. Here’s a list of key mistakes to avoid:
Ozone Builds offers a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to create a solid marketing strategy for a new product.
Their branding services help ensure that your product stands out in the market with a consistent and impactful visual identity. From graphics for app store optimization to creating stunning UI and UX, Ozone Builds creates unique branding that resonates with your target audience.
Additionally, their social media management services provide a powerful platform for increasing product awareness. They manage and optimize your social media channels, leveraging targeted campaigns and engaging content to generate buzz and foster connections with potential customers.
Whether you're looking to build pre-launch excitement or maintain long-term engagement, Ozone Builds offers the expertise needed to make your product a success.
Contact Ozone Builds today–a team from Fortune 500 Co's!
The cost of hiring app developers varies widely, typically ranging from $5,000 to over $100,000 depending on factors like app complexity, chosen mobile platform, and the developer’s level of experience.
For simpler apps with basic features, costs are generally on the lower end. However, for feature-rich applications, the price will be higher. Whether hiring an app developer for a simple project or a complex application, it’s essential to align the project’s budget with its needs.
Development timelines can vary significantly based on the project’s scope, complexity, and platform. A basic app might take around 4-6 weeks, while more complex projects can require 6+ months.
The timeline also depends on the development approach and the use of project management tools to streamline tasks. For instance, native iOS app developers or Android app developers working on separate codebases may need additional time compared to cross-platform development. Setting clear milestones and employing effective project management tools can help keep the development on schedule.
After development, ongoing maintenance costs are essential for keeping your future app functional and up to date. Typical maintenance costs can range from $500 to $2,000 per month, depending on factors like bug fixes, compatibility updates, and new feature rollouts.
For apps that rely on back-end services or high data traffic, server and hosting expenses will also contribute to monthly costs. Regular updates are especially crucial for Android app development and iOS to ensure compatibility with the latest OS versions and security standards.
The average hourly rate for app developers varies widely, generally falling between $20 to $200 per hour based on location, experience, and expertise in specific programming languages.
For example, Android app developers and iOS developers may charge differently based on demand, with North American developers often at the higher end of the range. Rates also depend on the developer’s skill level; junior developers may charge lower rates, while senior or specialized developers may charge premium fees.
Yes, you can hire freelancers and in-house teams, or partner with app development companies like Ozone Builds. While freelancers can be cost-effective, Ozone Builds offers full-service solutions with dedicated mobile developers, designers, and project managers who handle everything from concept to launch.
