Are you looking to hire an iOS developer for your project? Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand the cost implications.
In this article, we will explore the factors that affect the cost of hiring an iOS developer and provide a comprehensive analysis of the current market rates.
Location
The location of the developer plays a crucial role in determining their cost. Developers based in major cities, such as San Francisco or New York, tend to charge higher rates due to the cost of living and the competitive job market. In contrast, developers based in smaller towns or countries may charge lower rates.
Experience and Expertise
The level of experience and expertise of the developer also affects their cost. Senior developers with over 5 years of experience tend to charge higher rates than junior developers with less experience. Similarly, developers who specialize in a particular area of iOS development, such as ARKit or Core ML, may charge higher rates due to their niche expertise.
Company Size
The size of the company also affects the cost of hiring an iOS developer. Large companies with a high budget tend to hire more senior and experienced developers, which can drive up costs. On the other hand, small startups may opt for less expensive junior developers or freelancers.
Freelance vs. Full-Time
Freelance iOS developers tend to charge higher rates per hour than full-time employees due to their independence and flexibility. However, they may not be available for long-term projects and may have fluctuating availability. Full-time employees, on the other hand, tend to charge lower rates per hour but are available for long-term projects and can provide more stability.
Market Rates for iOS Developers
According to a recent survey by Glassdoor, the average salary for an iOS developer in the United States is $110,526 per year. However, this figure can vary widely depending on the factors discussed above. Here are some examples of market rates for different types of iOS developers:
Senior Developer (5+ years of experience)
Senior developers with over 5 years of experience tend to charge an average of $120,000 – $140,000 per year in the United States. This can vary depending on their location and area of expertise.
Junior Developer (0-2 years of experience)
Junior developers with less than 2 years of experience tend to charge an average of $60,000 – $80,000 per year in the United States. This can vary depending on their location and area of expertise.
Full-Stack Developer (iOS + Other Technologies)
Full-stack developers who specialize in both iOS development and other technologies tend to charge an average of $100,000 – $120,000 per year in the United States. This can vary depending on their location and area of expertise.
Freelance Developer (Hourly Rate)
Freelance iOS developers tend to charge an average of $150 – $200 per hour in the United States, but this can vary widely depending on their experience and location.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Hiring Costs
Example 1: Hiring a Senior Developer in San Francisco
A small startup based in San Francisco wants to hire a senior developer with over 5 years of experience to develop their flagship iOS app. They plan to pay the developer an hourly rate of $200 per hour, which is standard for experienced developers in the city. Over a 40-hour work week, this would cost the startup $8,000 per week or approximately $416,000 per year.
Example 2: Hiring a Junior Developer in a Small Town
A large corporation wants to hire a junior developer with less than 2 years of experience to work on a small iOS project. They plan to pay the developer a salary of $70,000 per year, which is standard for junior developers in smaller towns. Over a 40-hour work week, this would cost the corporation $1,333 per week or approximately $685,200 per year.