For informational purposes only. Not financial or career advice. Rates vary by experience and market.
Freelance Mobile App Developer Rates in Austin
Data-driven rate insights to help you price your services confidently.
Entry Level
$75
/hour
Mid-Range
$140
/hour
Expert Level
$250
/hour
Annual Equivalent (40hrs/week)
Entry
$156,000
Mid
$291,200
Expert
$520,000
Based on 2,080 billable hours/year (actual may be 1,500-1,800 after admin, marketing, and time off)
Rates by Experience Level
Core Skills
- React Native or Flutter
- iOS (Swift)
- Android (Kotlin)
- REST APIs
- App Store deployment
- Mobile UI/UX
- Firebase/backend integration
Premium Skills (+20-50%)
- Cross-platform architecture
- AR/VR development
- IoT integration
- Mobile security
- Performance optimization
Top Industries
Typical Clients
Rate Setting Tips
These are general suggestions, not professional advice. Your situation may differ.
- Austin's startup scene creates strong mobile app demand
- Cross-platform (React Native, Flutter) skills are increasingly valued
- Full-stack mobile developers command 15-25% premiums
- MVP projects for startups can be lucrative fixed-price work
- App Store optimization is a valuable add-on service
Common Pricing Mistakes
- Underestimating app store review and launch time
- Not accounting for device testing
- Accepting vague 'build me an app' scopes
- Ignoring maintenance and update costs
Negotiation Tips
- Show apps in App Store/Play Store portfolios
- Offer MVP-first approaches to reduce initial cost
- Include post-launch support packages
- Set clear scope for each platform (iOS vs Android)
Frequently Asked Questions
What do freelance mobile developers charge in Austin?
Freelance mobile developers in Austin charge $75-250/hr. Mid-level developers average $140/hr, with senior full-stack mobile developers earning $200-250/hr.
Is Austin a good market for mobile developers?
Yes, Austin's startup ecosystem and tech growth create strong demand. Many SF/NYC startups are now based in Austin, bringing competitive budgets.
React Native vs native development: which pays more?
Native iOS (Swift) typically pays 10-15% more for specialized work. However, cross-platform (React Native, Flutter) developers are more in demand for cost-conscious startups.
How much does it cost to build an MVP mobile app?
A basic MVP app costs $15,000-50,000 for one platform, $25,000-75,000 for cross-platform. Complex apps with backend can reach $100,000+.
Should I specialize in iOS or Android?
Cross-platform skills (React Native, Flutter) offer the most opportunities. If specializing, iOS typically pays slightly more and has more Austin startup demand.
Methodology
Rates compiled from job postings, freelancer surveys, and platform data. Austin's tech growth drives mobile development demand.
Data Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024
- Built In Austin Tech Report 2024
- Clutch App Development Pricing Survey
- Austin Technology Council
Important Disclaimer
These rates are estimates for educational purposes. Actual rates vary based on experience, skills, client industry, and negotiation. This is not financial advice.
Rate estimates are not guarantees. Actual rates depend on your specific experience, portfolio, negotiation skills, client budget, and market conditions.
This is not financial or career advice. Consult with a financial advisor or career counselor for personalized guidance on pricing and business decisions.
Data limitations: Freelance rates are notoriously difficult to benchmark accurately. Our data is compiled from multiple sources but may not reflect your specific market segment.
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