Ask HN: How much do you charge as iOS Contractor?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4923463

by 31reasons • 14 years ago

16 16 14 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

I am thinking of getting into iOS contracting/consulting. It would be great to know from you guys how much should I charge. (I am interested in the US rates). Thanks a lot.

codegeek• 14 years ago

In NYC area, I know that a good iOS contractor can make $90-100/hr.

pdenya• 14 years ago

This is correct for a mid-level developer.

    Jr: $50-$80/hr
    Sr: $90-$150/hr

glimcat• 14 years ago

You can increase this further by abstracting away the "code monkey" aspect.

1. Specialize & productize your output, then offer fixed pricing. Customer gets a predictable result for a predictable cost, you produce something you can estimate to good accuracy while earning a higher effective rate.

2. Retarget your deliverables on business value instead of a technical spec sheet, then charge accordingly.

Note that both of these involve business development strategies, not improved technical skills.

JoeCortopassi• 14 years ago

$50/hour. Not because I am incompetent, but because I choose to work from home(more productive, more time with family vs commuting). Most people want you to come to their office for butt-in-seat hours, so I have to lower my rate to still be desirable. Unfortunate, but there's not a ton of full-time remote iOS demand these days

----

For reference:

Cheap overseas outsourcing = $20-30/hour

Junior/entry-level contract rate = $50-75/hour

Competent developer (i.e. able to work well without need for help or guidance) = $75-125

Highly skilled professional (flies in to help, recognized industry professional, directs projects architecture) = $150-300

tagabek2• 14 years ago

What would you say the current market rates in the San Francisco area would be for full-time iOS developers? What are the variables that this depends on?

smartwater• 14 years ago

Charging by the hour is the wrong way to do it. Most developers who charge by the hour are making a lot less than they have to. Charge per project and you can structure it for $300 an hour or whatever you want within reason. It has been talked about a lot in other posts if you want to know more about it.

xoail• 14 years ago

I charge $150-$200/hr in NYC (4 years experience). My clients find value in me. There are many developers that charge $50 - $100 but end up taking 2x time to get the product out. Lately I've noticed there isn't much iOS work out there. Consider learning iOS + Android + Windows Phone to make yourself appeal more to potential clients. Great portfolio speaks a lot.

avalore• 14 years ago

Been freelancing in iOS dev for about 4 years. Don't charge hourly, only day rates. About $800/day - £500/day

scottchin• 14 years ago

Great to hear! How did you get started? Any comments/thoughts on how things are different now in terms of getting started?

revorad• 14 years ago

Lots more data here - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AlD_6iEb8Ed9dGs...

31reasons3• 14 years ago

This is a great source of the data. Thanks!

lewissharder• 14 years ago

UK based, standard rate about $100/hr. I'm offering some cheaper to HN'ers for Christmas, so I can purchase myself a gift: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4925205

mansigandhi• 14 years ago

I charge $20-25/hr though I used to get paid 5 times that in the US (that's cuz we moved to India and I had to charge based on those standards as opposed to the US ones!)

Ask HN: How much do you charge as iOS Contractor?

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