As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the demand for skilled developers is on the rise. With the global developer population projected to reach 28.7 million by 2024, companies are increasingly seeking talent that can drive innovation and enhance user experiences.
Among the most sought-after professionals are full-stack developers with the skills of both front-end and back-end technologies. In fact, job growth for full-stack developers is expected to increase by 8–13% annually in 2024, reflecting their growing importance in the tech industry.
Hiring a full-stack developer is a strategic decision for businesses aiming to improve their web and mobile applications. However, understanding the costs associated with hiring a full-stack developer is essential for effective budgeting and resource allocation.
This article will delve into the factors influencing the cost of hiring a full-stack developer, providing insights to help businesses make informed decisions.
What is the Cost of Hiring a Full-Stack Developer?
The cost to hire a full-stack developer varies based on factors such as experience, location, project complexity, and hiring model. In the U.S., rates typically range from $80 to $150 per hour, while developers in regions like Eastern Europe or India may charge between $30 and $70 per hour.
Hiring models also influence costs—full-time hiring might range from $80,000 to $140,000 annually, while freelance or project-based developers may offer more flexibility with hourly or milestone pricing.
Additionally, companies that offer pre-vetted full-stack developers ensure higher quality and faster onboarding, making it crucial to weigh both cost and value.
Factors to Influence the Cost of Hiring a Full-Stack Developer
Finding the right dedicated team of full-stack developer for your project can feel tedious.
However, understanding the factors that influence the cost of hiring a full-stack developer can make this process a lot smoother.
Here are 6 most important factors that directly affect the overall cost of hiring developers for Full-stack development projects:
Experience Level
A junior developer with 1 to 3 years of experience will charge less than a seasoned professional with extensive expertise.
However, it’s not just about the time spent in the industry—it’s about the depth of their skills.
Full-stack developers proficient in multiple programming languages, frameworks, and tools typically demand higher fees as they add more excellent value to your project.
Here is an average cost to hire Full-Stack developers based on experience level, & critical skills:
Position | Experience Level | Key Skills | Average Costs |
Junior Full-Stack Developers | 1-3 Years | Basic front-end & back-end | $20–50/hour |
Mid-Level Full-Stack Developers | 3-5 Years | Advanced JS frameworks, APIs | $50–100/hour |
Senior Full-Stack Developers | 5+ Years | Complex database management | $100–150/hour or more |
Lead Full-Stack Developers | 10+ Years | System architecture, team lead | $200-300/hour or more |
You also need to read IT staff augmentation guide to hire the right Full-Stack developers for your project.
Location of Developers
The location plays a crucial role in determining the cost of hiring Full-Stack developers, as regional wage differences can vary significantly.
Onshore developers located in regions like the US, Canada, and Western Europe are the most expensive, typically charging between $80–150 per hour. Nearshore developers from areas such as Latin America and Eastern Europe offer a more affordable option, with rates ranging from $30–70 per hour.
For businesses seeking cost-effective solutions, offshore developers in regions like India, Southeast Asia, and Africa charge the lowest hourly rates, between $20 and $50.
Here are geographical cost differences that will help you plan your budget effectively, ensuring you get the right expertise without overspending.
Geographic Location | Additional Expenses | Average Hourly Rates |
Asia | Lower living costs, fewer benefits | $20 to $50 |
North America | Higher living costs, extensive benefits | $70 to $150 per hour |
New Zealand & Australia | Moderate living costs, some benefits | $40 to $80 |
Eastern Europe | Lower living costs, few benefits | $30 to $80 |
Western Europe | Higher living costs, good | $50 to $120 |
Project Complexity
A small project with well-defined requirements and a straightforward structure will be more affordable than a large, complex one with numerous features and integrations.
If your project involves extensive back-end development, advanced database management, or sophisticated user interfaces, the costs will naturally be higher.
Here is an average cost to hire Full-Stack developers based on project complexity and size:
Project Size | Average Costs |
Simple Websites or MVPs | $5,000–10,000 |
Medium Complex Applications (e.g., E-commerce) | $10,000–50,000 |
Highly Complex Applications (e.g., SaaS, ERP) | $50,000–100,000+ |
Hiring Model
The engagement model you opt for—whether full-time, freelance, or project-based—directly influences both hourly and monthly expenses. Full-time developers are ideal for long-term needs, part-time for limited work, freelance for short-term tasks, and project-based for defined scopes with specific deadlines and deliverables.
- Full-Time (40 hours/week): $5,000–15,000/month
- Part-Time (20 hours/week): $2,500–7,500/month
- Freelance/Hourly: $30–150/hour
- Project-Based: $10,000–100,000+
Tech Stack Used
The technology stack you select significantly impacts hiring costs. Popular stacks like JavaScript have a larger talent pool, making them more affordable, while niche or specialized frameworks with limited experts result in higher hourly rates.
- MERN/MEAN (JavaScript): $30–80/hour
- Python/Django or Ruby on Rails: $50–120/hour
- Specialized Frameworks (Next.js, Nest.js): $70–150/hour
Market Demand and Availability
The tech industry is ever-evolving, leading to fluctuations in the demand for specific skills. When there’s a surge in demand for full-stack developers proficient in particular technologies, their rates can increase significantly.
For instance, developers with expertise in modern technologies such as Node.js or React may command higher fees compared to those specializing in older frameworks.
According to Glassdoor, the hourly rates for full-stack developers generally range from $26 to $66. In today’s fast-paced business landscape, having a full-stack developer on your team can be a tremendous asset, making the investment worthwhile in terms of quality and efficiency.
On average, full-stack developers in the USA earn about $120,000 per year, equating to roughly $57.69 per hour. Entry-level positions typically start at around $100,000 annually, while highly experienced developers can earn up to $155,000 per year.
Google reports that the average annual salary for a full-stack developer in the United States is approximately $165,385, which is 44% higher than the national average.
So, these are essential factors that impact the cost of hiring Full-Stack developers for your project. Now, it’s time to know about Full-stack developers' expenses comparison on different stacks.
Comparing Full Stack Developers Cost Based On Different Stacks
The hourly rates for full-stack developers can vary significantly based on the technology stack they specialize in. Here’s a breakdown of the rates for popular full-stack combinations:
- MEAN/MERN Stack: Due to the high demand for JavaScript frameworks, full-stack developers proficient in MEAN or MERN typically charge between $50 and $120 per hour.
- LAMP Stack: This traditional stack is commonly used for web app development. The hourly rate for LAMP stack developers generally falls between $30 and $100, depending on their level of experience.
- Python-Django: Full-stack developers who specialize in Python and Django can expect to earn between $40 and $130 per hour, reflecting the growing demand for Python in web, machine learning and AI development.
- Ruby on Rails: Ruby developers typically charge $50 to $150 per hour, mainly due to the limited talent pool and the framework's effectiveness for rapid application development.
Ultimately, the choice of stack will significantly influence your overall development costs, making it a crucial factor in determining your hourly rate for full-stack development.
When considering the cost of hiring a full-stack developer, it’s essential to evaluate your project needs, budget constraints, and the level of expertise required. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.
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At VLink, we specialize in connecting businesses with top-tier full-stack developers tailored to your specific project requirements. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that you have access to the top 3% of pre-screened talent, ready to deliver results within your timeline and budget.
If you’re looking to hire a full-stack developer, contact us today to learn how we can help you build a successful project with the right talent!
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring full-stack developers offers several benefits. They possess versatile skills for both front-end and back-end development, enabling seamless project execution. Their broad knowledge enhances collaboration, reduces the need for multiple specialists, and accelerates the development process. This ultimately leads to cost savings and faster time to market for your projects.
To hire full-stack developers, define your project requirements clearly, determine your budget, and decide on an engagement model. Use platforms like job boards or agencies, conduct thorough interviews to assess technical skills, and check references to ensure the right fit.
To reduce hiring costs for MERN stack developers, consider hiring remote talent, opting for freelance or contract arrangements, and leveraging staffing agencies. Clearly define project requirements to minimize scope changes and prioritize candidates with relevant experience to enhance efficiency and reduce training time.
