If you’ve never hired a developer before, the first question on your mind is likely, “How much does it cost to hire a web developer?”. You’re starting from scratch and trying to figure out how to budget for that website, app, or platform you’ve been dreaming of. It’s a big step, and you want to get it right from the start.

Now, if you’ve hired a developer before, you might be wondering if you got the best value for your money. You paid, but you’re not sure if what you got was worth it. Maybe you’ve even thought, Did I overpay? It’s okay to ask these questions and to do your research. After all, developers don’t come cheap, and it’s smart to want to make sure you’re investing wisely.

If you’re asking questions before hiring, then you’re already ahead of the game. But here’s what you should also know: the price can swing wildly depending on where you look and what you need. And that’s exactly why most people get it wrong.

We’ll break down everything you need to know about how much it costs to hire a web developer and what you should be looking for to make the right decision.
 

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The Big Factors That Affect the Cost of Hiring a Web Developer

1. Location of the Developer
2. Type of Website
3. Developer Experience and Expertise
4. Project Timeline
5. Ongoing Maintenance
    

You shouldn’t just be asking how much it costs to have a web developer; you should be more interested in the factors that directly impact the price tag. Because, like with most services, the cost can be influenced by several key variables.

Here’s what you should pay attention to:
 

1. Location of the Developer

Location plays a huge role in determining the cost of hiring a web developer. It’s no secret that web developers in the U.S., Canada, or Europe tend to charge significantly higher rates compared to their counterparts in regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, or Eastern Europe.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a better product from Western developers, it just means they have higher costs of living, and their rates reflect that.

This is where RocketDevs comes in. We connect you with top-tier pre vetted developers from Africa who bring the same level of expertise and professionalism you’d expect from developers anywhere else, but at a fraction of the cost.

By leveraging global talent, RocketDevs makes it possible for startups and small businesses to access talented developers without paying Silicon Valley prices.
 

2. Type of Website

What kind of website are you looking to build? This question makes a world of difference when calculating the cost of hiring a web developer. A simple portfolio website or blog will cost significantly less than a complex e-commerce platform or a web app with custom features.

More sophisticated websites require more coding, custom development, and often additional functionalities like database integration, security protocols, and payment gateways.

For example, if you’re just looking for a basic website to showcase your services or products, you could be looking at a few hundred dollars. But if you need something more involved, like an e-commerce site with hundreds of products and a secure payment system, the cost can quickly escalate into the thousands.

The more complex the site, the higher the price tag.
 

3. Developer Experience and Expertise

Not all developers are created equal. Just like in any industry, you have beginners, mid-level professionals, and seasoned experts.

It’s no surprise that a junior developer with a few projects under their belt will charge less than a senior developer with years of experience and a hefty portfolio. But does that mean you should always go for the most experienced (and expensive) developer? Not necessarily.

In some cases, a less experienced developer may be perfectly capable of handling your project, especially if it’s a straightforward one. But if you need advanced features or custom coding, you may want to consider paying more for someone who’s been around the block and can guarantee the level of quality and expertise you need.
 

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4. Project Timeline

How fast do you need your website? The more urgent the project, the higher the cost is likely to be. Developers may charge a premium for rush jobs, especially if they need to work outside regular hours to meet your deadline.

So, if you’re flexible with your timeline, you might be able to save a bit of money. However, if time is of the essence and you need a quick turnaround, be prepared to pay extra.
 

5. Ongoing Maintenance

Here’s something that often gets overlooked: websites require ongoing maintenance. It’s not just about building the site and walking away.

Websites need updates, security patches, and occasional tweaks to keep everything running smoothly. Whether it’s a bug fix, a security upgrade, or new features you want to add, all of this costs money.

So, when calculating the cost of hiring a web developer, don’t forget to account for ongoing maintenance. Some developers offer maintenance packages, which can help you manage these costs over time.
 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Web Developer?

1. Freelance Developers
2. Development Agencies
3. Location-based Pricing

As we’ve mentioned, the cost can vary significantly based on the factors we’ve covered. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect:
 

1. Freelance Developers: If you hire a freelance developer, you could be looking at anywhere from $500 to $5,000 depending on the complexity of the project. Simple websites like blogs or portfolios will fall on the lower end, while more intricate websites with custom features will push you toward the higher end of the spectrum.
    

2. Development Agencies: Hiring a web development agency is generally more expensive than working with a freelancer. Agencies typically charge anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 for website development projects, but the trade-off is that you often get a team of experts who can handle design, development, and ongoing support.
    

3. Location-based Pricing:

   • U.S./Canada/Europe: $70 to $200+ per hour
   • Eastern Europe: $40 to $100 per hour
   • Africa/Southeast Asia: $15 to $50 per hour
      

For small and medium-sized businesses looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality, you should be focused on finding a solution that offers the most competitive rates that fall on the more affordable side of the spectrum without compromising on the quality of the work.

Whether you need a simple website or a fully functional web app, we have the developers you need to get the job done without breaking the bank. And there are no hidden surprises down the road.
 

For You: How To Hire A Programmer For A Startup: 11 Top Tips

 

Freelance vs. In-House Web Developers

Freelancers typically charge based on the scope of the project or their hourly rate, making them a flexible choice for short-term or smaller-scale work.
 

However, depending on the region, experience, and technical expertise, freelance web developers’ rates can vary widely.
 

Average Hourly Rate: Freelance web developers in the US generally charge between $50 and $150 per hour depending on their expertise and location. Rates in countries like India, the Philippines, and Africa can be as low as $10 to $30 per hour.
 

Project-Based Pricing: For project-based work, freelance developers often charge a flat rate. For example:

• Simple websites (informational, 5-10 pages): $500 to $5,000.
• Medium-sized websites (e-commerce or more complex functionality): $5,000 to $15,000.
• Custom web applications: Can go up to $50,000+ depending on complexity.
   

The advantage of working with a freelancer is that you pay only for the specific tasks or projects you need, without the burden of long-term commitments. However, unexpected revisions or ongoing maintenance can add to costs over time, especially if the developer charges for every change or additional feature.
 

In-House Web Developers: Cost Breakdown

In-house developers come with fixed, ongoing expenses, but they provide greater control, dependability, and alignment with the company’s goals over time. Here’s what employing an in-house developer looks like financially:
 

Annual Salary: The average annual salary for an in-house web developer in the US ranges from $75,000 to $120,000, depending on their experience and the company’s location. Developers in regions outside the US, such as Eastern Europe, South America, and Africa, often earn between $30,000 to $60,000 annually, which can offer cost savings for companies hiring remote employees.
 

Additional Costs: Hiring in-house means you also have to account for benefits like healthcare, paid time off, equipment, training, and taxes. These additional expenses can increase the total cost of an in-house developer by 20-30% or more. For instance, in the US, the cost of benefits can add an average of $15,000 to $25,000 per year per developer, depending on the benefits package offered.
 

While freelancers may seem more affordable upfront, in-house developers can be more cost-effective for businesses with long-term projects, ongoing updates, or proprietary software that requires dedicated development.
 

Over time, an in-house developer who works full-time and is dedicated to your company’s projects can deliver more consistency and potentially lower your overall costs, especially if you factor in the high cost of repeatedly onboarding new freelancers.
 

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Hourly Rates vs. Project-Based Pricing

Hourly Rates:
 

When paying developers by the hour, you pay only for the time they spend working on your project. However, the final cost can be unpredictable depending on how long the project takes.
 

• Freelance Developers: As mentioned earlier, freelance developers charge between $50 to $150 per hour in the US, and $10 to $30 per hour in regions like India or Africa.
• In-House Developers: If broken down hourly, an in-house developer earning $100,000 annually would effectively cost about $48 per hour based on a 40-hour workweek, 52 weeks a year. However, once you add in benefits and other costs, this can rise to around $65-80 per hour.
   

Project-Based Pricing:
 

With project-based pricing, you agree to a set fee for the entire project upfront. This pricing model works well for defined projects where the scope is unlikely to change.
 

• Small Websites: $1,000 to $5,000.
• E-Commerce or Medium-Sized Sites: $5,000 to $20,000.
• Complex Web Applications: $20,000 to $100,000+.
   

Which Pricing Model Is Right for You?

Choosing between hourly and project-based pricing depends on your business needs and the type of project you’re tackling:
 

• Choose Hourly Rates: If your project is small, undefined, or ongoing and you want the flexibility to scale the work up or down based on your needs.
• Choose Project-Based Pricing: If you have a clear, well-defined project and need a firm cost estimate to manage your budget.
   

The decision between freelance versus in-house and hourly rates versus project-based pricing will depend on your budget, project scope, and long-term needs.
 

If you’re unsure, you can always start with a freelance developer on an hourly basis for a small project, then transition to an in-house developer or a long-term freelance contract for ongoing work as your business grows.
 

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For While Hiring A Developer

 

1. Design Costs
2. Hosting and Domain Fees
3. Plugins and Extensions
4. Security and SSL Certificates
    

Now that you’ve got an idea of what to expect in terms of pricing, let’s talk about some of the hidden costs that can catch you off guard if you’re not careful.
 

1. Design Costs: Not all developers offer design services. You might need to hire a separate web designer if you want a custom look and feel for your website. This can add anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to your total cost.
2. Hosting and Domain Fees: Don’t forget, you’ll need to pay for web hosting and your domain name. Depending on the hosting provider and the package you choose, this can range from $5 to $30 per month for hosting, and about $10 to $50 per year for your domain.
3. Plugins and Extensions: If your website requires special plugins or extensions (for example, e-commerce functionality, booking systems, etc.), you may need to pay for these separately. Some plugins are free, but others come with a cost, either as a one-time fee or an ongoing subscription.
4. Security and SSL Certificates: For websites that handle sensitive data, security is a must. An SSL certificate can cost anywhere from $10 to $200 per year, depending on your needs.

 
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What Should You Pay?

 

How much should you be paying? How much does it cost to hire a web developer that is talented and ready to bring your ideas to life? The answer depends on your specific needs and the complexity of the website. But to give you a ballpark, here’s what you can expect:
 

1. Simple websites: $700 to $3,000
2. Mid-range websites: $3,000 to $7,000
3. Complex websites: $7,000 to $15,000+
    

Getting Started

Hiring a web developer doesn’t have to drain your budget if you’re smart about where you look and what you need. Whether you’re building a basic site or a complex platform, understanding these factors can save you time, money, and headaches.

If you want to make sure you’re getting the best value, your search is over. RocketDevs is the best value for developers on the web. Our developers are screened to Silicon Valley coding standards. Get a developer today, risk free for 14 days.

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