Flutter has exploded in popularity over the last few years as the go-to framework for building beautiful, high-performance cross-platform mobile apps. Originally created by Google in 2017, Flutter enables developers to write code in Dart that compiles into native UI for both iOS and Android. The key benefits of Flutter include faster development cycles, a unified codebase across platforms, and access to platform-specific features and SDKs. Flutter is being adopted by companies like Alibaba, eBay, and Tencent for large-scale app development. With this surge in demand, many businesses are looking to hire dedicated Flutter developers. But how much does it really cost? Hiring a full-time Flutter expert can be a significant investment depending on factors like experience level, project scope, team size, and location. In this guide to hire offshore Flutter developers, we’ll break down the typical hourly rates, monthly costs, and annual salary ranges for hiring dedicated Flutter developers. We’ll also discuss the key factors that influence the overall cost, as well as tips for budgeting and cost management.
The Cost of Hiring a Flutter Developer
According to PayScale, the average hourly rate for Flutter developers in the US ranges from $40 – $60 per hour. The entry-level rate starts at around $40 per hour, mid-level developers charge $50 – $75 per hour, and senior Flutter developers command rates of $75 – $100 per hour or more. These rates translate to roughly $8,000 – $12,000 per month for a full-time US-based Flutter developer. Annually, the cost for a dedicated developer ranges from $96,000 for an entry-level resource up to $144,000 or more annually for senior talent. The rates are often lower when hiring remote Flutter developers based overseas. Eastern European countries like Ukraine, for example, offer strong talent pools at $25 – $50 per hour. Nearshore regions like South America also offer savings on labor costs compared to North American developers.
Key Factors That Influence Cost
Hiring dedicated Flutter developers is a significant investment. But the exact costs vary based on several key factors:
Developer’s Skills and Experience
The more skilled and experienced the developer, the higher the rate they can command. Entry-level developers just learning Flutter may only charge $30 – $45 per hour. Mid-level resources with 2-4 years of experience with Dart, mobile SDKs, and Flutter best practices will have higher rates in the $50 – $80 per hour range. Senior Flutter developers with 5+ years of experience have expertise in advanced techniques like animations, gestures, and custom graphics. Their hourly rates typically start at $80 per hour or more. It’s important to match the skill level to the complexity of your project. An advanced app with complex UI transitions or integrated APIs warrants a seasoned developer. Simple CRUD apps can be built by junior resources.
Project Complexity
The scope and complexity of your Flutter project greatly affect the costs. Building a basic prototype app with just a few screens can be accomplished at a low cost. But larger projects with diverse features, complex animations, extensive back-end integration, and robust testing require more time and expertise. The more complex the project, the more important it is to hire senior developers despite the higher rates.
Team Size
Larger development teams allow for more specialization (front-end, back-end, QA, etc). But they also increase coordination costs. For smaller projects, hiring one or two dedicated, highly versatile Flutter developers is often the most cost-effective approach. Evaluate whether you need a full in-house team or if an outsourced agency would be more affordable for an MVP build. In some cases, hybrid teams provide the right mix of internal and external skills.
Location
Flutter skills are in high demand globally, but rates vary dramatically by region. Hiring locally in high-cost-of-living areas like New York City or the Bay Area in California will result in the highest hourly rates. To reduce costs, consider remote hires from regions like Eastern Europe, Latin America or Southeast Asia. You can find strong Flutter talent for 30-50% lower rates in lower cost-of-living countries. Just be sure to account for potential communications challenges.
Additional Costs
When budgeting your project, don’t forget about additional costs beyond the developer’s rate. You may need to purchase devices for testing iOS and Android apps. App publishing fees, code signing certificates, CI/CD tools, and other infrastructure expenses also add up.For remote team members, costs for communications tools and project management platforms need to be included as well.
Tips for Budgeting and Cost Management
Hiring dedicated developers involves a significant investment. Here are some tips to keep your project on budget:
Set Clear Requirements Upfront
Take the time to thoroughly plan out the features, functionality, and technical specifications for your app. Document this in a comprehensive design doc or wireframes before kicking off development. This will prevent endless changes or uncontrolled feature creep that can blow your budget.
Prioritize Your MVP
Focus your initial development on the absolute minimum viable product (MVP) that fulfils your core use case. Schedule nice-to-have features or enhancements in later phases after launch. Deliver ongoing value in small increments, rather than overbuilding.
Consider Phased Development
For larger products, it may make sense to work with developers on an hourly basis for the initial design and prototyping phase, then switch to fixed monthly rates once the main features are built out.
Vet Candidates Thoroughly
Don’t just look for the lowest bid when evaluating candidates. Focus on proven expertise in Flutter and a track record of successful app launches. Sample code reviews and technical screening during the interview process are musts.
Invest in Quality Assurance
Spending a bit more on rigorous QA will pay dividends. Identify bugs early to avoid costly delays and save your developers time. Automated unit testing and UI testing are highly recommended.
Look Beyond In-House
Consider outsourcing your MVP or first release to an established Flutter agency. The fixed price model caps costs, and you benefit from the agency’s experience launching apps efficiently. Later you can bring development in-house once traction is proven.
Conclusion
Hiring dedicated Flutter developers requires a significant investment, with costs ranging from $40 – $100+ per hour based on experience levels. While expert Flutter skills command higher rates, the long-term benefits are well worth it for critical mobile app projects. Focus on constraints like project scope, timelines, and budget requirements when planning your resourcing. And be sure to build in some cost buffer for potential changes in features or technical challenges discovered mid-project. With the right Flutter team in place, you’ll be well-positioned to deliver beautiful, consistent mobile experiences on both Android and iOS platforms. And you’ll continue reaping the benefits of high productivity, faster iteration, and unified codebases well into the future.
