08-May-2025
In the US, mobile applications account for 70% of all digital media time spent by users. It’s no surprise that companies of all sizes, from scrappy startups to large enterprises, are investing heavily in mobile application development to engage customers and drive growth. In fact, the global mobile app market is projected to reach $756 billion by 2027.
With such high stakes and opportunities, the decision to hire mobile app developers is one of the most important choices a business can make.
Hiring skilled developers isn’t just a technical step, it’s a strategic investment in your product’s quality and your brand’s future. As Apple co-founder Steve Jobs famously put it, “The secret of my success is that we have gone to exceptional lengths to hire the best people in the world.”
Great developers can turn an app idea into a seamless, secure, and high-performing mobile experience that delights users. On the other hand, cutting corners on talent can lead to poor user experiences, and quality matters.
Over a third (34%) of smartphone users say they will delete an app if they encounter a single bug or glitch. In a saturated market with millions of apps available, users won’t hesitate to abandon a subpar app. In short, your app’s success hinges on the people building it.
Building a mobile app is a complex process that goes far beyond writing code. Experienced mobile app developers bring a deep understanding of platform guidelines, user experience design, performance optimization, and security best practices. This expertise directly impacts your bottom line.
For example, a study by McKinsey found that mobile shoppers spend 37% more per transaction than those on desktop, but only if the app delivers a smooth and convenient experience. A skilled developer knows how to create that kind of user-friendly app, which can translate into higher revenue and customer engagement for your business.
Hiring the right talent is also critical to avoid costly pitfalls. Beyond the risk of users uninstalling buggy apps, there’s the risk of project delays or budget overruns if your development team isn’t up to the task. Industry research shows that demand for quality mobile apps far exceeds the supply of talent. Gartner analysts projected that demand for enterprise mobile apps would outpace internal IT capacity by 5 to 1.
In one survey of development managers, only 6% felt they had all the skilled talent they needed on staff. This talent gap means competition to hire mobile app developers is intense, and companies must make a compelling case to attract and retain top developers.
As Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg noted about hiring exceptional people: “Someone who is exceptional in their role is not just a little better than someone who is pretty good. They are 100 times better.” In the context of mobile apps, an “exceptional” developer can be the difference between an app that accelerates your business and one that falls flat.
When you set out to hire app developers, it’s important to know the types of mobile app developers available. Different projects call for different expertise. Here are the main categories of mobile developers:
Specialize in building apps for Apple devices (iPhone, iPad). They typically use Swift or Objective-C and follow Apple’s strict design and security guidelines. An iOS mobile app developer will ensure your app runs smoothly on iOS and meets App Store standards.
Focus on developing apps for Android devices. They usually work with Java or Kotlin and understand the diverse Android hardware ecosystem. Android specialists can optimize your app for various screen sizes and OS versions common in the Android market.
These developers use frameworks like React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin to build apps that work on both iOS and Android from a single codebase. Cross-platform development can save time and cost by reusing code, though it may sacrifice a bit of native performance or UI nuance. This is a good option if you need to launch on multiple platforms quickly with a smaller team.
In addition to front-end app coding, some developers also handle the backend services that power the app (databases, APIs, server logic). Often, mobile apps require integration with a cloud backend.
A full-stack mobile developer can build both the client-side app and coordinate with backend development. (In some cases, you might hire separate backend developers, but having mobile developers who understand backend infrastructure is a plus for small teams.)
Hiring mobile app developers is a critical process that requires a structured and strategic approach to ensure the success of your project. Here are five essential steps to guide you through this process:
1. Define Your Project Requirements
Begin by clearly outlining your app’s objectives, target audience, core features, and desired platforms (iOS, Android, or cross-platform). This detailed specification will serve as a roadmap for developers and help in aligning their expertise with your project needs.
2. Choose the Appropriate Hiring Model
Decide between hiring in-house developers, freelancers, or partnering with a mobile app development company. In-house teams offer better control and integration with your existing operations, freelancers provide flexibility and cost savings, while development companies bring comprehensive expertise and resources.
3. Source Qualified Candidates
Utilize various platforms to find potential developers:
Job Portals: LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor for in-house positions.
Freelance Platforms: Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal for freelance developers.
Development Agencies: Clutch, GoodFirms, and DesignRush for vetted development companies.
4. Evaluate Technical and Soft Skills
Assess candidates’ technical proficiency in relevant programming languages and frameworks (e.g., Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android, React Native for cross-platform). Review their portfolios, conduct technical interviews, and evaluate their problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and cultural fit with your organization.
5. Establish Clear Communication and Legal Agreements
Once you’ve selected a developer or team, set up effective communication channels and project management tools to facilitate collaboration. Ensure all legal aspects are covered, including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), intellectual property rights, and detailed contracts outlining project scope, timelines, and payment terms.
How much will it cost to develop your project and hire mobile app developers?
The answer depends on several factors that include complexity of the app, the experience level of the developers, and whether you hire in-house or outsource to a team (such as a mobile application development company).
Let’s break down some cost considerations with data:
$5,000 to $50,000 – A basic app with core features and a simple interface (e.g. a basic utility or MVP with minimal screens) might fall in this range.
$50,000 to $120,000 – Apps with moderate features, custom UI design, and perhaps third-party integrations (for example, a food delivery or fitness app) typically land here.
$100,000 to $300,000 (or more) – Feature-rich apps or enterprise-grade apps (such as those with real-time updates, extensive databases, or AR/VR features) can cost into the six figures. Highly customized or regulated apps (think mobile banking or large e-commerce platforms) often exceed this range.
For a detailed breakdown of the costs of mobile app development read our focused guide.
$100,000 to $130,000 per year – This is roughly the annual salary range for a mobile app developer in the United States (experienced developers in major tech hubs can cost more). Hiring mobile app developers in-house also incurs additional costs like benefits, taxes, and recruiting expenses.
These figures are broad averages, but they provide a realistic ballpark. It’s worth noting that developer location and hiring model dramatically affect cost. For example, partnering with a mobile app development company or agency can be billed on an hourly or per-project basis.
Rates vary by region. A U.S. or Western Europe-based firm might charge $100–$200+ per hour, whereas an offshore developer in regions like Eastern Europe or South Asia might charge closer to $25–$50 per hour. Freelance developers offer flexibility and often lower hourly rates, but may require more oversight and project management on your part.
Beyond development itself, remember to budget for maintenance and updates. A mobile app is not a one-and-done product; it will require periodic improvements, bug fixes, and OS updates.
Many companies allocate an additional 15-20% of the initial development cost per year for ongoing maintenance. This ensures your app stays compatible with the latest iOS/Android versions and continues to meet user expectations over time.
Choosing to hire mobile app developers is a pivotal step in turning your app idea into reality. By understanding the different types of developers and the costs involved, you can make informed decisions that align with your business goals and budget. Whether you opt to hire an in-house team, bring on freelancers, or work with a mobile application development company for a turnkey solution, the key is to prioritize skill and experience.
At MyTeams, we offer four flexible engagement models tailored to meet the unique needs of startups, enterprises, and scale-ups. Whether you’re seeking quick scalability or full-cycle product development, we’ve got you covered. Choose from:
Staff Augmentation: Seamlessly integrate our top-tier developers into your in-house team.
Dedicated Teams: Get a full-fledged team working exclusively on your product.
Project Outsourcing: Offload your entire mobile or web development project to MyTeams.
Selective Outsourcing: Delegate specific components of your project as needed.
50+ successful projects delivered
30+ in-house developers
Access to the top 1% vetted talent
25+ projects under active management
Creators of the renowned Myco Web3 Super App
Fundraising support for your mobile app ideas
$5,000 in free app marketing with our full project outsourcing service
A well-built mobile app can be a game-changer for your startup or enterprise driving customer engagement, new revenue streams, and operational efficiencies. On the flip side, a poorly built app can damage your brand. As the evidence shows, users have little patience for subpar apps, and companies that invest in top talent see the payoff in user satisfaction and financial returns.
In our mobile-first world, hiring skilled mobile app developers is not just an HR task; it’s a strategic move that can propel your business forward. With the right developers on board, you’ll be well-equipped to create an app that stands out in the marketplace and delights your users, positioning your company for long-term success in the mobile era.
