Freelance app developer rates, explained plainly
Why two freelance app developer quotes for the same job can differ by a lot, which pricing model suits your project, and how I price work.
How freelance app developer pricing works
Rates for a freelance app developer vary widely by country, seniority and platform, so a single number means little on its own. What you really want to compare is the total cost to get the result, including fixes and delays.
A cheaper hourly rate that needs twice the hours, or a rebuild six months later, is not cheaper. For app developer work in particular, iOS, Android and web each add testing, even from one codebase. Below are the pricing models and the factors that move the price.
Hourly, fixed or retainer
- Hourly — flexible for unclear work, but the total is open-ended. Ask for a weekly cap.
- Fixed price — best when the scope can be written down. You know the full cost upfront.
- Monthly retainer — a set amount of time or output each month for ongoing work.
- What moves the price — seniority, how custom the work is, integrations, deadlines and how clear the brief is.
- Platforms — iOS, Android and web each add testing, even from one codebase.
- Back end — logins, sync, push and admin panels are often half the build.
- Store review — App Store and Play rules can add rounds of changes.
- How I price — fixed price for defined app developer projects and a retainer for ongoing work. The discovery call is free and the quote comes in writing.
What I take on as your app developer
- Cross-platform apps — React Native or Flutter for iOS and Android from one codebase.
- Web apps — installable web apps when a store listing is not needed.
- Back end — APIs, auth, push notifications and admin panels.
- Store launch — App Store and Google Play submission handled.
- MVP scoping — the few screens that prove the idea.
- Updates — OS updates and new features after launch.
Questions, answered
How much does a freelance app developer cost?
Is hourly or fixed price better?
What does an app developer typically handle?
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