Understanding the cost of Android app development can be complex, as it varies widely based on numerous factors. However, hiring an Android App developer on freelance platforms such as Upwork will cost you an average of $18 to $85 per hour, depending on the developer’s experience and skills.
That’s why if you’re a business looking for developers, one cost-effective solution is to hire remotely. Extending your search to remote Android App developers not only matches you to the right global talent but could potentially lower your cost of developing an app.
This blog won’t just stop at covering how much it costs to hire an Android developer in 2024. We’ll also guide you to the best places to search for suitable talent and rates across the countries with top-rated software developers, and how to hire them.
How Much Does Android App Development Cost
Many factors are at play when establishing the overall cost of developing an app. Typically, a straightforward approach involves calculating the cost based on the hourly rates of your developers.
A basic formula to estimate app development cost is:
Total App Development Time (in Hours) x Hourly Rate = Total Android App development cost.
However, this method provides only a rough estimate and might not account for additional significant expenses like ongoing maintenance, which forms a crucial part of the app’s lifecycle expense
The following factors may also affect the cost of hiring an Android app developer:
1. Qualifications
To navigate the cost of hiring an App developer, you must first establish the specific qualifications you’re looking for. Different skills come with varying price tags, leading to higher project costs. So, tailoring your hiring approach to match your app’s priorities is highly advisable.
For instance, Android developers well-versed in UX design might attract a higher fee than a mid-level counterpart. Establishing the cost of hiring such a developer will require you to strike a precise balance between expertise and budget constraints.
2. Experience Levels
Experience levels heavily influence the cost landscape of hiring a developer. Senior developers with loads of experience guarantee high-quality code but often demand higher salaries.
On the other hand, entry to mid-level developers may offer lower hourly rates but require more time for task completion. You can navigate the higher cost constraints by choosing a mix of senior, mid-level, and junior developers.
3.Location of Your Development Team
Expanding your hiring boundaries is one way to navigate the cost factor and hire affordable Android developers with the right skill set and qualifications.
Hiring offshore developers is advisable if you’re looking to optimize your resources, access better talent, and stay competitive. When hiring remote talent in countries with lower living costs, you get to save costs and also pay them above the average salary in their countries.
It allows you to save on resources compared to hiring from tech hubs like Silicon Valley, which attracts premium rates. However, ensure you weigh the trade-offs between cost savings and logistical considerations.
4. Technology Stack
The hourly rate of an Android developer is closely tied to the technology stack required for your project. Specialized skills or proficiency in rare technologies command higher rates. The cost also escalates with the number of features and technologies integrated into your application.
You can always opt for frameworks such as Flutter or React Native as a strategy to reduce costs. This technology allows developers to create cross-platform applications, decreasing the need for more tools, technology, and teams.
5. App Complexity and Design Requirements
The intricacy of an app will reduce the Android App development cost. Complexity spans from deployment architecture choices to the integration of third-party applications.
Additionally, design elements such as branding, animation, or visuals contribute to cost variations. Based on the design requirements of the app, each could potentially increase the overall cost of App development.
Types of Android Apps
Google Play Store has an expansive distribution of Android apps in various categories. Hers is a look at some of the most popular ones.
E-commerce Apps
E-commerce apps embody the versatility and effectiveness of Android app development. These apps have numerous features that increase their overall development costs.
For example, E-commerce Apps like Amazon have features that ensure real-time performance and seamless handling of massive user data.
With a large part of e-commerce growth owing its success to consumers using their mobile devices, e-commerce app development is expected to rise.
Social Networking Apps
Android’s capabilities shine in the development of social networking apps. Platforms like Facebook leverage third-party integrations and hardware functionalities, such as cameras that take their development costs higher.
Current data reveals that the social networking app market will grow at an annual rate (CAGR) of 26.2% until 2030.
Hardware-Dependent Apps
Android’s prowess extends to hardware-dependent applications, especially in the Internet of Things (IoT) domain. As the name suggests, these apps depend on hardware devices for actions like data extraction or sending specific commands.
Cost-Effective Strategies to Hire Android Developers
Before you hire a developer for an Android App development job, you must establish that they are real experts. You need to avoid many mistakes most companies make when hiring App developers and find the ideal person with the right skill set and experience.
Let’s take a look at key factors and steps to take:
1. Identify Project Scope
When looking for app developers for Android, the first step is identifying your project’s scope and requirements for your new candidate. This means having a clear outlook of how you want your app to look, its features, functionality, and design.
Don’t be in a race to hire a cost-effective developer only to end up with a poor-quality app. Instead of taking risks with such low-budget developers, define what you want with your app and find someone with the potential to develop a quality-rich app at cost-effective prices.
2. Create a Budget
After identifying the project scope and all other requirements, create a budget to see you through the App development process. Whether your app is simple or complex, the costs of hiring a developer can vary.
For better results, consider quality when hiring a developer, no matter the budget. This will come with a significant price tag, which you should always be ready to pay for.
3. Check their Experience
Experience matters when it comes to hiring in the tech field. Some of the best developers in the world may not have a formal education but have acquired skills independently. Self-taught developers should rank high on your preference list.
Their commitment to learning and taking risks will prove useful when developing an App for your business. This can be a huge benefit to your company and your final product.
4. Think Globally, Hire Globally
Why limit your search to local talent when you can widen your net and have the best? Embrace the magic of remote work by considering Android developers from all corners of the world. Thanks to the wonders of technology, forming a global dream team is now a reality.
You can schedule meetings through emails, texts, and video calls—Geography doesn’t have to be a barrier to collaboration. You can find your dream team of Android App developers in many places. Here are three options to get you started:
DIY Freelance or Full-Time
The question as to whether you want to hire freelancers or full-time developers should come down to your specific project needs. For short-term projects, Freelancers are your go-to developers. Keep in mind this might involve a bit of trial and error.
Full-Time Developers: You can also check your inner circle to find the best full-time developers for your project. They’re also available on job boards, LinkedIn, and other platforms.
Consider Outsourcing
Outsourcing is cost-effective and efficient. It entails handing over specific tasks or projects to an external company. The only challenge of outsourcing is that you might feel you’re working with strangers, not your dream team.
Team Up with an IT Recruitment Agency
Working with a specialized IT recruiting agency like DistantJob ensures you get the best IT talent around the globe. The companies understand your needs and provide pre-vetted candidates, making the process seamless.
Why Settle for Anything Less Than the Best
Creating an Android app isn’t just a project – it’s an investment. The secret lies in hiring the best Android developers with the right skills and experience. Did you know that 78% of users would ditch an app if it stumbles on performance? Your developers are the backbone of a seamless user experience.
Whether you are interested in hybrid app development or developing ads that are compatible with Android and iOS, DistantJob ensures you optimize your resources and access top-tier developers from around the world.
Cheers to finding the perfect match for your Android adventure!
FAQ
To hire an Android app developer and create your app, follow these steps: define your project requirements, search for candidates through online platforms such as Toptal, Upwork or specialized agencies such as DistantJob, conduct interviews to assess their skills and compatibility, and finalize the hiring process with a clear agreement.
The time to build an Android app depends on several factors, such as the app´s complexity, its features, design, and development approach. The development process can take two to three months for an Android app with a simple design and core functionality.
For a more complex app with advanced features such as in-app purchases, social media integration and complex back-end functionality, the development can take from four or six months, if not longer.
According to a survey conducted by Clutch in 2021, the average cost range for developing a simple Android app is between $25,000 and $50,000. However, for more complex apps with advanced features and functionality, the cost can exceed $100,000.
