Hiring an app developer is a strategic decision that can determine the success of your mobile product. Their role goes beyond development. From writing clean code to integrating APIs and maintaining performance across all devices, they are a key part of the long-term evolution of your product. Whether you're creating an app from scratch or expanding an existing one, understanding how much it costs to hire an app developer is essential for drawing up a realistic and efficient budget.
In this blog, we break down the main factors that influence app development costs. You'll get a clear overview of salary ranges in Latin America, an increasingly popular choice for U.S. companies due to its combination of technical expertise, time zone compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. If you're looking to optimize your investment without sacrificing quality, this guide is for you.
What Does an App Developer Do?
An app developer is the person who designs, builds, and maintains mobile applications. Their job involves everything from coding the software to testing it and ensuring it runs smoothly on different devices and platforms.
There are different types of app developers, but all share a core understanding of programming languages, frameworks, and software development processes. Developers often specialize in a specific platform—Android, iOS, or cross-platform development—or in particular programming languages like Swift or Kotlin.
Some of the key tasks an app developer performs include:
- Writing and testing the code that runs the app.
- Integrating APIs and external services into the app.
- Troubleshooting and debugging to fix any issues.
- Updating and maintaining the app over time.
The cost of hiring an app developer is influenced by the following factors:
Hiring a mobile app developer involves more than just looking at their hourly rate. Several non-salary factors can significantly impact your overall investment:
- Experience and seniority: A mid-level developer might be more affordable, but a senior developer often delivers faster and cleaner code, reducing long-term costs. Their ability to anticipate problems can save hours (and budget) down the line.
- Country and local market: Developers in LATAM offer a strong balance between quality and cost. Hiring from countries with lower living costs often means more competitive rates without sacrificing skill—especially when compared to developers from the U.S.
- Support beyond coding: Some developers only deliver code, while others also assist with testing, deployment, and maintenance. A more complete developer may charge more upfront but reduce the need for extra hires later.
When it comes to how you hire, going solo means you’ll need to handle sourcing, vetting, contracts, payments, and even local tax or labor regulations on your own. In contrast, hiring through a trusted company in Latin America simplifies everything. You get pre-vetted talent, streamlined onboarding, and ongoing support—without sacrificing cost-efficiency or time zone compatibility. And if you’re wondering how much it costs to hire an app developer this way, the answer often includes better value and fewer hidden costs compared to managing everything yourself.
Learn more about the top ten cities for outsourcing in Latin America.
Cost by Level of Experience
The experience level of the developer you hire will heavily influence the cost. Junior developers may cost less, but they might require more supervision and time to complete tasks. Senior developers, on the other hand, come with a higher price tag but can deliver high-quality work faster and more efficiently.
How much does hiring cost in Latin America?
Hiring in Latin America is significantly more affordable than in the U.S. because of the region's lower cost of living. This enables companies to access top-tier talent at a fraction of the cost without compromising quality. Many developers in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina are highly skilled, fluent in English, and work in time zones that align with those of U.S. teams. The table below provides an estimate of typical rates, but keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the developer’s experience level and their city of residence.
Learn more about Hire Latin American Developers: The Complete Guide.
Cost of Hiring an App Developer in LATAM vs. the U.S.
Hiring an app developer in Latin America is a smart way to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, for example, have strong pools of developers proficient in modern frameworks and tools. Depending on experience and location, monthly salaries for app developers in Latin America typically range from $4,650 to $6,800. If you need help calculating the cost for your specific needs, feel free to contact us.
In contrast, hiring in the U.S. can be significantly more expensive, with monthly costs ranging from $7,500 to $13,000. Although U.S. developers offer a high level of expertise, hiring in Latin America can be up to 50% more affordable. For companies looking to build high-quality apps on a budget, Latin America offers a compelling combination of cost-efficiency, time zone alignment, and skilled talent.
How to Reduce the Cost of Hiring an App Developer
While it’s important not to compromise on quality, there are strategies you can use to reduce the cost of hiring an app developer.
Why outsourcing can save you money
Outsourcing app development can help you save significantly on costs. Instead of hiring an in-house team, outsourcing allows you to tap into a global talent pool where developers charge lower rates.
Here are some tips to help you find high-quality developers without breaking the bank:
- Be Clear About Your Requirements: The more specific you are about your app’s features and functionality, the less time developers will spend on revisions and changes. This can help keep costs down.
- Consider Cross-Platform Development: Instead of building separate apps for iOS and Android, consider using cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native. This can cut development time and costs.
- Outsource to the Right Region: Outsourcing to countries like Latin America can offer significant savings without sacrificing quality. The region combines skilled talent, time zone alignment, and competitive rates, making it an ideal option for companies looking to optimize their development budget.
Learn more about the top five advantages of outsourcing to Latin America.
Price transparency with Teilur Talent
Hiring app developers in Latin America can be an excellent decision for US companies, as long as it is done transparently and with solid processes. At Teilur Talent, we believe that clarity from the outset is key to avoiding unnecessary turnover, misunderstandings, and hidden costs. That's why we work with a fixed commission of 20% and 100% transparent pricing, so you know exactly how much you're paying and why.
We focus on finding developers who are not only technically sound—thanks to our technical and English tests—but who also share your company's mission, values, and work style. In addition, we select talent who live in the same time zone, which facilitates communication and collaboration and avoids the frustrations typical of poorly managed remote work.
Our model is designed for long-term relationships. Thanks to this approach, we have achieved a 90% retention rate, because when everything fits—skills, culture, and clear conditions—developers stay. If you are looking for reliable app developers who are aligned with your vision, Teilur Talent is your best option.
Learn more about how Teilur Talent is disrupting the recruiting industry with transparent pricing.
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire an app developer?
The cost to hire app developers varies depending on experience, location, and skill set. In Latin America, monthly salaries typically range from $4,650 to $6,800, offering a more affordable alternative to U.S.-based hires without compromising on quality.
How much does it cost to hire a developer?
Hiring a developer can cost anywhere from $,5,000 per month, depending on their experience and where they are located. Junior developers are cheaper, while senior developers charge more for their expertise.
How much does it cost to get someone to create an app?
The total cost to create an app can range from $10,000 to over $500,000. This depends on the complexity of the app, the features required, and the developer’s location.
Where can I find a designer for my app?If you're looking for vetted, full-time talent, consider nearshore staffing companies based in Latin America. They offer skilled designers who work in your time zone at rates more affordable than those of U.S.-based professionals.
Conclusion
Knowing how much it costs to hire an app developer helps businesses make smarter hiring decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses. Costs can vary greatly depending on the developer’s experience, location, and skill set—but with the right information, it’s easier to find talent that fits both your budget and your project goals. Whether you hire locally or explore nearshore options like Latin America, prioritizing transparency, communication, and technical alignment will help you build stronger, more cost-effective development teams. To help you make the best decision, use the calculator below to estimate your costs and potential savings. For more details and personalized advice, please contact us.
