What needs to go into your project, how long will it take, and how much it will cost to hire the right Android developer for the job? Here’s a look at the process and what to expect.
- Will your app require a login? Will it be via email or social profiles? And will users need to create profiles?
- Do you need security, like 2-factor authentication?
- Will your app need to enable in-app purchases, reviews, or direct access to your site?
- How important is design? Do you need an app icon created?
If you have preferences about Android IDEs or programming languages, state those upfront as well. With your project clearly defined, here are a few aspects that can typically affect cost.
1. Project timeline and deliverables.
Laying out what features you need from your app will help you determine deliverables, phases, and the amount of time it will take to complete. Android development projects can take a week, a month, six months, or more.
2. Developer experience & rate
Define what the Android developer will be doing. Are they adding to or updating an existing app? Are they creating an app from scratch? Do you have an existing app that needs some bugs fixed? Do you need your developer to have UI and UX experience, or are they working alongside a designer? How much server-side scripting or database administration experience do they need? The more you require, the more you should be prepared to spend.
Typical Rates Charged by Android Developers*
| Type of Android Developer | Description | Average Hourly Rate |
| Basic Android Developer | Mastery of basic Android development fundamentals which include wireframing and storyboarding, Java, Android SDK, and the Android Studio IDE. | $15+ |
| Intermediate-Advanced Android Developer | Beyond fundamentals, also skilled with one or more frameworks like Ionic, Corona, and Material Foundation. Familiarity with bug tracking system like Jira, dependency management tools like Gradle, and version control with GitHub—technologies typically learned while working on project teams. | $35+ |
| Android Developer and UI/UX Designer in one. | These Android developers can also perform traditional design tasks like high fidelity visual mockups with Photoshop and are well versed in color schemes, typography, and Android Material Design. | $45+ |
*Reflect rates charged by freelancers on Upwork in North America with over 1,000 hours and 90% success rate.
3. Scope and complexity of the project
The quickest way for a timeline and budget to balloon beyond scope is by not anticipating complexities and challenges. Does your app require complicated API integration? Will it handle sensitive data and require complex OAuth customization?
Defining your Android project up front will help you more accurately determine time and cost estimates when finding a developer. Bear in mind: an app is never “really done,” and often requires follow-up work to keep it updated with new versions of operating systems and devices, as well as patches and bug fixes.
