So, you’re a business owner looking to establish a solid digital presence through a top-notch website. You probably outsourced the task of developing your website, and you now have one that offers a seamless user experience while being search engine friendly.
But you always need a developer to keep the website up to date and running smoothly, plus you want to make certain changes now and then. Or are you a startup looking to build a website from scratch?
In both scenarios, you need to hire a developer who understands your business and the kind of website that will cater to your target market.
But then again, you have a tight budget and don’t want to overspend into something that becomes a liability. You need an investment that could be your guiding light into the online space.
To achieve a smooth-running, high-performance website:
- You need to first understand the type of developers you need.
- Then, you must prioritize skills and wealth of experience they may offer.
- Lastly, you need to strike a chord between cost and quality.
So, the cost of hiring a web developer should not be a fixed number as it depends entirely on your needs and requirements.
At Mavlers, we have successfully guided numerous businesses through the complexities of web development. Our experts bring over 12 years of professional experience to the table.
Ready to navigate the hiring jumbos thrown at you? In this blog, you will learn how much hiring a web developer costs and find the best web development solution for your business.
Table of Contents
Types of Web Developers and Their Roles
Managed vs. Non-Managed Web Developers
Factors Affecting the Cost of Hiring Web Developers
Comparing Costs Across Agencies: Managed vs. Non-Managed Developers
How to Choose the Right Web Developer Based on Your Budget
By the end of this blog, you’ll have all the necessary information to make an informed decision about hiring a web developer. So, let’s dive right in.
Types of Web Developers and Their Roles
To comprehend the cost structure of web developers, you must know the different kinds of developers available to hire. When you learn their expertise and skill set, you can decide which would be best for your business.
Here is a segregated list of developers based on their roles.
Front-End Developers
Front-end developers make your website look and feel great to users. They work on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to make your website look visually appealing and work seamlessly on all devices and browsers.
The key skills you need to look out for in a high-quality front-end web developer are:
- Proficiency in responsive design
- Expertise in JavaScript frameworks like React.js.
Back-End Developers
Your back-end developers manage the service-side functionalities of your website, like databases, APIs, etc.
The key skills you need to look for are:
- Proficiency in languages such as Python, Ruby, Node.js, etc.
- Understanding of database management systems.
Full-Stack Developers
Full-stack developers handle tasks related to both front-end and back-end development. They are a perfect fit if you’re just starting to build your website.
The skills you need to look for while choosing them are:
- Proficiency in both types of languages: HTML, CSS, Node.js, Python, etc.
Specialized Developers (CMS, e-commerce, etc.)
Specialized developers are useful for developing a website using a content management system such as Shopify, Magento, WordPress, etc.
These developers are well-versed with every aspect of the platform they belong to. For example, a Shopify developer must be informed about the themes, apps, third-party integrations, etc., on the platform.
- You need to look out for web developers with expertise in WordPress, WooCommerce, Shopify, etc.
We will discuss the cost of each type of developer in the latter part of this blog.
Let’s delve into another important aspect of developer hiring…
Managed vs. Non-Managed Web Developers
To learn why some developers cost more than others, even on the same expertise level, you first need to understand the difference between managed and non-managed web developers. If you choose non-managed web developers because they cost less, you might also have to face uncertainties and other issues.
The table below will help us understand why the cost to hire a web developer varies.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Hiring Web Developers
Most of us think that only skills differentiate the hiring cost. However, there can be several reasons why two equally skilled developers may be hired at different costs.
Here are the factors that affect the hiring cost of web developers.
The developer’s geographic location.
There is a huge difference between offshore and onshore developers. In regions like the US and Western Europe, the cost is usually higher ($40 to $120 per hour), while in Asian and African regions, the costs are low ($20 to $40 per hour). You can hire the same level of talent for much less.
The developer’s experience level.
If you hire from on-shore outsourcing agencies, the developer’s years of experience will have the last say in their pricing.
- Junior developers (usually with less than 3 years of experience) charge between $20 to $40 for an hour.
- Mid-level developers (usually with 3 to 5 years of experience) would cost between $40 and $70 an hour.
- Senior developers (usually with 5+ years of experience) would cost you beyond $70 per hour.
These are the starting freelance rates on sites like Upwork.
The complexity and scope of projects.
Simple projects should cost less than complex projects. Complexity requires more expertise, time, and custom coding. A simple website can cost around $5000 to $15000, but a complex site with complex functionalities, multiple integrations, back-end coding, etc., can cost around $40,000 to $150,000.
Now, let’s compare what web developers from the best agencies and outsourcing platforms worldwide would cost you.
Comparing Costs Across Agencies: Managed vs. Non-Managed Developers
To get a broader picture of where managed and non-managed web developers stand in the market, let’s discuss what top agencies consider their worth.
Mavlers
Mavlers offers comprehensive managed services that are unparalleled in the industry. This means you have higher quality assurance, and they manage everything about your hired talent.
It’s like hiring a remote in-house talent without going through the tedious screening process and interviewing them yourself.
Toptal
Toptal is a global network of top web developers across the globe. They screen talents, and only 3% (as claimed) make the cut. You have a pool of talented profiles in front of you from which to hire. However, the higher pricing may not suit everyone’s budget.
| Front-End Developer | Back-End Developer | Full Stack Developer | Specialized Developer | |
| Salary (per year) | $102K (avg.) | $104K–$172K | $122K (avg.) | $71K (WordPress) $91K (Shopify) |
Codeable
Codeable is also a remote talent network, but it specializes only in WordPress and WooCommerce. You can be sure of the expertise you receive, but the costs are usually higher as they offer niche expertise. Hiring and getting such a talented pool isn’t a slice of cake. It requires precision and rigorous vetting processes. That’s why the costs are higher. (You can check out the costs in the comparison table below.)
Upwork
Upwork offers flexible hiring options at an affordable rate. But the talents won’t be managed. You will have to go through the long hours of the hiring process yourself. And you may also face quality issues or mismanagement and misalignment.
| Front-End Developer | Back-End Developer | Full Stack Developer | Specialized Developer | |
| Hourly Rate | $15-$35 | $20–$40 | $16 and $35 | $15-$28 (WordPress) $15-$29 (Shopify) |
Fiverr
Fiverr offers talents at hourly rates. You may have a quick turnaround time on projects. But since it’s a non-managed platform, you won’t have the flexibility to have things your way. There will always be risks of quality and delays in project completion. Now, let’s formulate the answer to the primary question: How much does it cost to hire a web developer?
How to Choose the Right Web Developer Based on Your Budget
Now that you are aware of how much a web developer would cost you, it’s time to reassess your strategies for picking the right one for your business. So, here are three steps you need to take to make an informed decision.
- Jot down your project needs. Is it a complex e-commerce site? How quickly do you want the project to be completed?
- Finalize between managed and non-managed services. You have heard both sides of the story. You know whether your requirements are long-term or short-term.
- Balance cost and quality with a refined budget. Low cost doesn’t always mean low quality. It’s simply about finding the right fit.
Key Takeaways
Hiring a web developer for your website shouldn’t be random. You don’t want someone you have to teach and train all the nuances of your website goals. You can use any platform, such as Shopify, WordPress, etc. But you need web developers with matching skills and experience.
We know that now you’re in a better position to stratify your needs for website development and hire a developer that feels like an in-house member. Strike a balance between your budget and requirements, and you’ll have an investment that will pay off in the long run.
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“Red Flags to Steer Clear Of When Hiring WordPress Developers For Your Business Websites”
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Ahmad Jamal - Content Writer
Ahmad works as a content writer at Mavlers. He’s a computer engineer obsessed with his time, a football enthusiast with an MBA in Marketing, and a poet who fancies being a stage artist. Entrepreneurship, startups, and branding are his only love interests.
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