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Hiring a developer is one of the most important decisions you make when starting or expanding a digital project. Whether developing websites or more complex software, the right developer elevates your project to the next level. But how do you ensure that you make the right choice? What are the costs and benefits of hiring different types of developers? Here, we guide you through hiring developers in 2024 and show how 3Bird helps you make the best choice.
How does hiring developers work?
Hiring developers goes beyond simply finding someone with the right skills. It’s about building a relationship, setting clear expectations, and creating a smooth collaboration. Here are the steps to successfully navigate this process:
1 Create a profile
The first step is to create a detailed profile. This defines exactly what kind of developer you need. It should include not only technical skills, such as knowledge of specific programming languages or frameworks, but also soft skills like communication and problem-solving abilities. Consider the following questions:
- What technologies and tools are you using or planning to use?
- What level of experience are you looking for (junior, mid-level, senior)?
- Is knowledge of specific industries or domains important?
- What deadlines need to be met?
A clear profile helps you search more effectively and increases the likelihood of a successful match.
2 Recruitment and selection
Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to find the right developer. There are various channels where you can find developers, such as freelance platforms, job boards, and specialized agencies like 3Bird. During the selection process, it’s important not to focus solely on a candidate’s resume and technical skills. Consider their past work and references as well. A good developer often has an extensive portfolio of completed projects for you to review.
How 3Bird does this…
At 3Bird, we take this process seriously. We only select developers who meet our strict quality standards. This means you can always rely on a professional who is technically skilled and also a good fit for your team from a personal perspective.
3 Onboarding
Successful onboarding is crucial for a strong start to the project. Facilitate the right tools, access to relevant documentation, and provide a clear overview of expectations.
- Preparation – Ensure that all systems and tools are ready to use when the developer starts.
- Introduction – Offer a thorough introduction to the team, project goals, and the developer’s role.
- Training – Provide any necessary training or guidance to get the developer up to speed.
How 3Bird does this…
3Bird offers a streamlined onboarding process, ensuring your developers can get to work quickly. With our support, we make sure all steps run smoothly, resulting in a strong start for your project.
How do you calculate the costs?
The cost of hiring developers can vary greatly, depending on factors such as experience, location, and project complexity. It’s important to understand the different pricing structures to make the best choice for your project and budget.
Hourly rates
One of the most common ways to hire a developer is on an hourly basis. This provides flexibility, especially for projects where the workload may fluctuate. Hourly rates vary widely based on the experience and specialization of the developer. Recruiters and HR specialists often provide the following estimates:
- Junior developers – €25 to €50 per hour. These developers usually have less than 2 years of experience and require guidance.
- Mid-level developers – €50 to €100 per hour. With 2 to 5 years of experience, these developers can work independently on projects of moderate complexity.
- Senior developers – €100 to €150 per hour. These experienced professionals have over 5 years of experience and can lead and implement complex projects.
How 3Bird does this…
At 3Bird, you can hire developers starting at €22 per hour, with slightly higher rates for fractional CTOs, depending on the type of project and required expertise. Thanks to outsourcing, this is significantly more affordable compared to hiring within the Netherlands.
Project pricing
For larger or one-time projects, it can be beneficial to agree on a fixed project price. This provides clarity and makes budgeting much easier. Project costs can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of euros, depending on the scope and complexity.
- Small projects – €500 to €5,000. Think of simple websites or small applications.
- Medium-sized projects – €5,000 to €15,000. For example, a complex web application or a mobile app with basic features.
- Large projects – €15,000 to €50,000 or more. This includes extensive software solutions, business apps, and custom-built systems.
These are just indicative ranges.
How 3Bird does this…
At 3Bird, we offer our services on an hourly basis, adaptable to the specific needs of your project.
What influences the costs?
The cost of hiring a developer is influenced by a range of factors that go beyond just experience and the type of project. Some of the key factors that determine the price include:
1 Type of developer
Front-end developers – Generally less expensive than back-end developers, as their work focuses on the visual aspects of a website or application. However, this doesn’t mean their work is less important. A good front-end developer can significantly improve the user experience.
Back-end developers – Tend to charge higher rates due to the complexity of their work. They are responsible for building and maintaining the server, application logic, and databases.
Full-stack developers – These professionals can handle both front-end and back-end tasks and therefore often have higher rates. However, they offer more flexibility and can perform a wide range of tasks within a project.
2 Experience and expertise
The experience of a developer plays a major role in determining the cost. A senior developer with years of experience will cost significantly more than a junior developer. However, this investment is often worth it, especially for complex projects requiring specialized knowledge and problem-solving skills.
3 Location
Developers in countries with higher wage levels, like the Netherlands, are generally more expensive than developers in other parts of the world. While local developers may come with higher costs, they can offer benefits such as better communication, shared culture, and matching working hours.
4 Freelance vs. full-time employment
Freelancers often offer more flexibility and can be available on short notice, making them ideal for temporary or project-based work. On the other hand, full-time developers tend to be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you need ongoing support in a specific location.
How do you compare the hiring of different developers?
You want to understand which type of developer fits your specific needs. Here’s a comparison of front-end, back-end, and software developers to help you make an informed choice:
Front-end developers
Front-end developers specialize in building the user interface of websites and applications. They work with languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js.
Characteristics
- Development of visual elements.
- Enhancing user experience and interaction.
- Ensuring compatibility across different devices and browsers.
What does it cost?
The rates for front-end developers typically range from €50 to €120 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the project.
When to hire?
If you want to develop an attractive and user-friendly website or application that performs well across various devices, a front-end developer is essential.
Back-end developers
Back-end developers work on the “back end” of applications, meaning they are responsible for the server, databases, and application logic. They have expertise in programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, Ruby, and .NET.
Characteristics
- Ensuring a stable and secure server environment.
- Data processing and integration with other systems.
- Ability to implement complex logic.
What does it cost?
Back-end developers typically charge higher rates, ranging from €70 to €150 per hour, due to the complexity of their work.
When to hire?
If you want to develop a complex web or software application that emphasizes data management, security, and server logic, a back-end developer is essential.
Software developers
Software developers have a broader knowledge base and can work on both front-end and back-end tasks, depending on project requirements. This role is often referred to as a full-stack developer. They are proficient in various programming languages and tools.
Characteristics
- Flexibility to perform both front-end and back-end tasks.
- Reduced need to hire multiple specialists.
- Suitable for developing end-to-end solutions.
What does it cost?
Rates for software developers vary. Depending on their expertise and role within the project, this typically ranges from €60 to €140 per hour.
When to hire?
If you need to develop a solution that incorporates both front-end and back-end elements at once, or if you are short on time, a software developer or full-stack developer is often the best choice.
What is the working method of 3Bird?
At 3Bird, we believe in a personal and streamlined approach to hiring developers. Our method is designed to ensure that you hire the best developers and that the process runs smoothly.
This allows you to hire developers starting at €22 per hour.
Here’s how we operate:
Getting to know you and exploring your needs
We always start with an introductory meeting where we explore your goals, wishes, and challenges. This helps us gain a clear understanding of what you need and how we can assist you. We ask questions such as: 1) What are the main goals of your project? 2) What technical requirements and constraints are there? 3) What is your budget? 4) Is there a deadline? This first step is designed to fully understand what you’re looking for, ensuring you receive the best possible service.
Creating a detailing action plan
Based on our introductory meeting, we create a detailed action plan. This plan outlines the key objectives and responsibilities of all parties involved. It serves as a living document that can be adjusted throughout the project, acting as a blueprint for our collaboration.
Selection of the most suitable talent
With our extensive network of developers, we can find the perfect match for your project. We select only the best candidates who meet your specific requirements and present them to you. In the selection process, we consider both technical skills and cultural fit to ensure the team collaborates seamlessly.
Kick-off and monitoring
Once the right developers are selected, we kick off the project and closely monitor its progress. Regular updates and feedback sessions are built in to ensure that the project stays on track and meets your expectations. Our use of Dutch fractional CTOs means that you always have someone overseeing the project, regardless of where the developers are located. This ensures a high level of engagement and quality, making it feel like you have your own team in-house.
This webpage was written by Oscar Bout, the founder of 3Bird. This article was last updated on September 11, 2024. The following sources were consulted in the creation of this webpage: Uptech.team, Solveit.dev, Iteratorshq.com, and High5hire.com. If you have any questions about this content, please contact us at 075-7993038 or send an email to contact@3bird.nl.