Hiring a mobile app developer

A mobile app developer uses various programming languages and technologies, such as Java and Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS, to build apps that not only function well but are also secure, fast, and user-friendly. Mobile app developers also often work with frameworks like React Native or Flutter to efficiently develop apps for multiple platforms.

A common way to hire a mobile app developer is on an hourly basis. This provides flexibility, especially for projects with fluctuating workloads or unclear scope. You can hire both freelance developers or specialists for longer periods.

Hourly rates vary widely, depending on the developer’s experience, expertise, and location. As a rough guide:

• Junior developers – €30 to €50 per hour. They typically have less than 2 years of experience and work under supervision on less complex parts of an app.
• Mid-level developers – €50 to €100 per hour. With 2 to 5 years of experience, they can independently build and maintain complete parts of an app.
• Senior developers – €100 to €150 per hour. They have more than 5 years of experience, lead the technical aspects of the project, make architectural decisions, and solve complex problems.

Depending on the project, a fixed project price can also be agreed upon. This can range from a few thousand euros to as much as €50,000 or more, depending on the complexity, features, and platform (Android, iOS, or both).

At 3Bird, we offer hourly rates starting at €25–€30 and provide flexible options.

Attracting the right mobile app developer is crucial for the success of your app. Whether you’re launching a completely new app or further developing an existing one, the right developer makes all the difference in quality, user experience, and technical feasibility. But how do you find a developer who aligns with your vision, goals, and technical requirements?

Step 1: Create a profile

When looking for a mobile app developer, there are several factors to consider. The foundation is having a clear understanding of what your project needs. This will allow you to more effectively determine which skills and qualities are important for the ideal developer.

The first step is to create a clear profile. This will help you define the technical knowledge and soft skills required. Think not only about experience with specific programming languages or frameworks, but also about skills such as clear communication, independence, and problem-solving.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Which technologies and tools are being used, or do you want to use in the future (e.g., Kotlin, Swift, Flutter)?
• What level of experience fits your project (junior, mid-level, senior)?
• Is knowledge of a specific sector or app type (such as e-commerce or healthcare) important?
• What are the deadlines and expected project timeline?

A carefully crafted profile will help you search more effectively and increase the likelihood of a successful collaboration.

Step 4: Onboarding

A good onboarding process is essential for a smooth start to the project and for building a strong working relationship with the new mobile app developer. It ensures that the developer can quickly integrate into the team and start working efficiently. This process begins with careful preparation to avoid unexpected technical hurdles for the developer.

• Preparation: Ensure that all necessary systems and tools are ready before the developer starts. Proper preparation prevents delays and makes it easier for the developer to hit the ground running.
• Introduction: It’s important to introduce the developer properly to the team, project goals, and their specific role within the project. This helps them integrate quickly and gives them a clear understanding of how their work contributes to the bigger picture and the strategic direction of the project.
• Training and Guidance: Offering targeted training and guidance ensures that the developer quickly becomes familiar with the technical environment and the specific tools needed for the project. This may include explaining the technologies, tools, or internal processes used, so the developer can adapt quickly to the work environment and expectations.

Simply hiring 3Bird is, of course, another option! This makes it much easier to quickly find a good app developer.

Our mobile app developers work from our office in Kathmandu, Nepal, as an integral part of our team. They are not external freelancers but are fully integrated into our organization and work processes. Our developers are closely involved in every project and work hand in hand with our local CTOs to ensure smooth communication and collaboration. Thanks to this internal cooperation and clear alignment, we can ensure that your project is executed efficiently and of high quality, regardless of geographical distance.