Costs of hiring an iOS app developer – A complete analysis

Intro

So, you are building an iOS application and need additional expertise, either in-house or externally. What kind of budget are you looking at? And does paying more mean you are getting better-qualified team members? 

In today’s guide, we at Touchlane analyze the job market for iOS development and share our findings, as well as advice for securing top developers and reducing the iOS development cost.

Decoding app developer pricing

To accurately budget for iOS app development, it is imperative to acknowledge the cost-affecting factors such as project difficulty and the programmer’s overall experience. This means there is no one-size-fits-all figure that will give you a definitive number straight away. 

Below we break down the variables that shape what you will pay for hiring an iOS developer. To illustrate the difference in median salary, we look at the U.S. job market first.

Factors that influence iOS developer expenses

1.

Programmer’s expertise and soft skills

An iOS developer’s qualifications and skill level play a major role in determining the average cost of iOS app development​.

A  Junior developers    

Less experienced iOS developers with 1-3 years of practice are often more affordable but will require supervision from more experienced colleagues for most of the tasks. They are well-suited for simpler tasks like bug fixes but may have a harder time working on more complex assignments, such as analytics or feature implementations. 

Entry-level iOS programmers’ pay typically starts from $79,795 (PayScale) to $91,000 (Glassdoor) yearly. They are expected to have some acquaintance with Swift and primary tools for iOS app creation. In terms of soft skills, it is necessary to look for eagerness to learn, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication. 

B  Middle developers

Equipped with 3-5 years of practice, middle developers are adept at handling complex responsibilities such as API integration and code optimization. They are capable of analyzing problems and coming up with solutions, as well as working independently on fairly challenging tasks. Yet, guidance may still be required for complicated assignments. 

Middle programmers are usually good at time management, adaptability, and critical thinking. In addition, they may take on leadership roles within development teams

Mid-level iOS developers earn an average annual salary starting at $94,165 (PayScale) to $105,000 (Glassdoor). 

C  Senior developers

Investing in seasoned developers with over 7 years of expertise can expedite project timelines and ensure high-quality deliverables. Their independence stands out – they excel at analyzing problems, devising appropriate solutions, presenting these solutions to clients, and fully implementing them. These developers may be trusted by clients without needing further supervision. While their rates are premium, their expertise and leadership skills can significantly impact project success.

Senior developers are known for their emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, openness to mentorship, and conflict resolution skills. 

If you plan on hiring a senior-level iOS developer, keep in mind that salaries for this kind of professional start at $112,732 (PayScale) to $132,000 (Glassdoor).   

Summary table 

2.

App type and complexity

For an accurate assessment of your iOS application development cost, it is imperative to examine such factors as app complexity and feature set. Below, we provide insights into how these elements might alter your budget.

Size of the app

• Small apps / MVPs. Typically cost between $20,000 and $50,000 and take about 2-4 months to develop. These apps include basic functionality and standard design.
  Estimated time for iOS development: 
• Mid-level apps. Range from $50,000 to $150,000, requiring 4-8 months. Mid-level apps usually have more complex features, such as API integration, database, and user authentication. 
• Complex apps. Can exceed $150,000 and take over 8 months to develop. Such apps require a highly skilled workforce and advanced features like AI, AR, or IoT integration. 

! Keep in mind that these numbers can differ based on multiple factors we describe in the article. 

3.

Development model

One of the most important decisions that will define your development project’s final result is whether you need to hire iOS developers for your in-house team, rely on freelancers, or outsource the whole scope to a trusted tech company. All of these options have their pros and cons – and we recommend studying each separately before making your decision. The consensus about them is as follows: 

•  Freelancers. Cost-effective for small projects but may lack reliability.
• In-house developers. More control, yet, high upfront costs, including recruitment and benefits, significantly longer time for hiring and forming the team, and challenges that may arise with downsizing or terminating employment. 
• Outsourcing. Offers scalability and access to talent worldwide, as well as full vendor responsibility for the outcome. Typically more economical than in-house teams – and relatively quicker to start the project.  

! Check our offshoring software development guide for deep insights into this model.

Differences in cost to hire iOS app developers based on location

Experience, geographical region, and employment type – freelancer or full-time – are key factors that influence a programmer’s hourly rate. 

The macroenvironment significantly influences costs, with elements such as the maturity of the local IT industry, the availability of skilled software professionals, and government policies supporting technology shaping iOS developer rates. For example, regions with a well-established tech ecosystem may provide access to a broader talent pool but often come with increased competition for skilled workers.

Time zones are another important factor, especially for businesses hiring offshore iOS developers. Having overlapping working hours can greatly improve teamwork and project progress, making some regions more appealing even if their rates are comparatively higher.

Here is a summary of the current trends.

United States

• Known for high-quality developers, but rates are steep due to living costs and demand.
• Highly mature, innovative IT industry.
• Competitive job market for skilled developers, demand might outpace supply.
• Government policies significantly influence technology – in 2023 alone, 65 tech-related laws were passed at the state level.  
• Time zones: UTC -5 to UTC -10.

Typical hourly rates: $100-$150.

Western Europe (Germany, UK)

• Skilled professionals with competitive rates compared to the U.S.
• Well-established IT industry, characterized by a strong focus on innovation and digital transformation. Berlin and London are known as international hubs for tech innovation.
• Notable skills gap that poses challenges for companies seeking to fill technical roles (Germany), challenges in retaining talent post-Brexit (UK).
• Active governmental support of technology, emphasis on green solutions. 
• Time zones: UTC, UTC +1.
• Typical hourly rates: $80-$100.

Eastern Europe (Estonia, Poland)

• A growing tech hub with talented developers offering lower rates without compromising quality.
• Robust digital ecosystems supported by both local talent and foreign investment.
• Strong educational framework that produces a steady stream of skilled software professionals.
• Governments actively promote digital innovation (e-Estonia, Digital Poland).
• Time zones: UTC +1, UTC +2
• Typical hourly rates: $30-$65.

Asia (India, Philippines)

• Lower rates, but quality may require extra vetting to ensure standards.
• Global leader in BPO and IT (India), developing IT sector player in fintech and AI (Philippines),
• Vast pool of skilled software professionals.
• Governments have implemented various policies to bolster its IT sector (Startup India, Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act).
• Time zones: UTC +05:30, UTC +08:00)
• Typical hourly rates: $20-$50.

How do developers calculate their rates?

Rates charged by developers are commonly affected by:

• Experience. Senior developers charge 2-3x more than juniors.
• Hard and soft skills. Proficiency in frameworks like SwiftUI or expertise in niche areas like AR secure higher rates. Soft skills are equally important, particularly strong English proficiency, which facilitates communication and collaboration in international projects.
• Reputation. Established developers or agencies with proven portfolios often charge premiums, significantly raising the total price of hiring an iOS developer.
• Scope. Projects requiring intricate work and fast turnaround generally cost more.

What to look for when hiring iOS developers

1.

Assess competence and expertise

A skilled iOS developer should possess a strong foundation in key technical areas, often demonstrated through formal IT education and training. Look for:

• Degrees from top universities 
• Proficiency in computer networking, operating systems, human-computer interaction, databases, security engineering, and software engineering
• Hands-on experience with modern iOS tools and frameworks. 

2.

Define your requirements

Before reaching out to developers, it is important to have a well-defined project brief outlining:

• Core features
• Target audience
• Budget and timeline.

3.

Vet candidates thoroughly

• Review portfolios and references
• Conduct technical interviews or coding tests
• Assess soft skills like communication and problem-solving.

Closing remarks on app development costs

A successful mobile app always starts with the best-suited iOS developer or team. Cost is definitely a major consideration, yet, it should not outweigh other important factors. In addition to talented iOS developers, you will need a dedicated team to test, integrate third-party tools, and guarantee the highest quality for your app. Focus on professionals who combine quality, experience, and value. For example, when picking an iOS development partner, look for a team skilled in Swift, Objective-C, and frameworks like UIKit or SwiftUI. Furthermore, do not forget about soft skills, selecting professionals who are apt at teamwork, agility, and communication – and motivated to deliver excellent results by internal initiatives.   

As our work on the Color Therapy project shows, these skills can lead to smooth app performance and effective integrations that align with your business objectives.

Investing in top-notch talent is an investment in your app’s longevity.

FAQ

1. Is it generally cheaper to hire a freelancer or a tech company?

Opting for freelancers can be a cost-effective choice but these professionals may lack reliability. Tech companies provide more structure and quality assurance, though they generally command higher fees.

2. Which region is ideal for outsourcing iOS app development?

Eastern Europe offers an excellent balance of cost and quality, making it an ideal choice for many SMEs and startups.

3. How quickly can an iOS app be developed?

The time frame for development may fluctuate, taking between 4 to 8 months for a medium-complexity app.

4. What are the hidden costs to watch out for?

• Ongoing maintenance and enhancements
• iOS Apple Developer fee (usually $99/year and $299/year based on the membership type)
• Extra functionalities or integrations.