How Much Does it Cost to Hire a React Developer in 2024?

React.js is Facebook’s brainchild and it is one of the most popular JavaScript libraries for building web applications. The reason for its popularity among developers and React development companies is that it is declarative plus it enables them to build web apps quickly with minimal coding.

React’s primary objective is to provide optimal rendering performance with special emphasis on individual components. The best part is that React developers don’t have to work on the whole app, rather they can break down the complicated UI into smaller components.

More than 11,908,579 websites use React for their UI and approximately 4.1% of all websites using a JavaScript library are using React. Fortune 500 companies like Facebook, Instagram, Uber Eats, Dropbox, Netflix and others use React.

This blog will focus on who, what and why you should hire React developers plus the cost and many other factors. Without further ado, let’s get straight into it.

Why Does Your Project Need React Developers?

Before we jump into details like the cost to hire a React developer and related factors, we must understand what React is and what it brings to the table. Facebook created React for personal use in 2011. At first, even the developer community shunned React because it used Markup and Javascript in a single file.

Over time, React gained immense popularity and developers adopted it as a component-centric approach for separating concerns. React Native also went open-source in 2015. Using React’s robust and exhaustive library, developers can create native mobile apps on Android and iOS platforms. The primary thing that differentiates the two are ReactJS is used for web development while RN is used for mobile app development. You can explore exploring ReactJS vs React Native.

Use Cases of React

Whether it is a basic app or a highly complex one, React is perfect for all. It is easily compatible with other technologies, and you get a lot of benefits of using ReactJS with .NET Core and others. React was created to deliver high performance plus its framework provides a virtual DOM program along with server-side rendering. Hence, even complex and large-sized apps run fast. Below are some use cases for React.

1. Single-page applications

React is the perfect choice to build single-page apps that require dynamic user interfaces.

2. Component-based architecture

With a component-based architecture, React makes it easier to build reusable UI components.

3. High-performance applications

React uses a virtual DOM, making it faster and more efficient than conventional DOM manipulation.

4. Mobile applications

React Native (a mobile development framework) is built on top of React, hence its the ideal choice to build mobile applications.

5. Dashboards and other data visualization tools

Dashboards compile and display a project’s business analytics. Data visualization tools must be updated regularly. Dashboards are built like a SPA on the client-side, resulting in longer app loading times.

React is based on JavaScript. Hence, it uses the same code on the server-side and client-side. As a result, server-side rendering speeds up significantly plus React renders and displays the webpage without lags.

6. SE0-friendly websites

React facilitates the creation of SEO-friendly apps with a few simple tweaks like pre-rendering. However, pre-rendering does not work well for dynamic websites and SPAs. It is best to perform SEO optimization for React websites with Next.js.

7. Budget-friendly solutions

It is recommended to use React for front-end UIs demanding high user interaction because coding each interactive element and binding time together to the underlying business logic can be excruciating.

React handles lower-level algorithms, meaning you only need to focus on the interface’s view model.

It is time to move to React if your code is getting out of control. It takes hours to write long, complicated codes for UI. However, if your codebase becomes too complicated to perform simple troubleshooting, React is the answer.

If your website visitors complain about lags and unresponsive pages, it means that there is excessive reloading for the DOM to handle. React’s virtual DOM ensures that your website works optimally.

React’s popularity makes it easier for companies to hire competent and experienced developers. Many developers have learned React.js because it’s in demand.

Essential Skills for React Developers

React developers must have two kinds of skills, technical skills and soft skills.

Must-have Technical Skills for React Developers

The technical skills that React developers must possess are as follows:

1. HTML and CSS

A React front-end developer must possess core skills like the knowledge of HTML and CSS. If the React developer has a complete understanding of these client-side technologies and developer tools, it means that they can create value-laden, visually-appealing and highly interactive UI.

Senior and more experienced React developers should be able to write and manage HTML and CSS tags while possessing a thorough knowledge of the box model.

2. JavaScript basics

React developers must know everything about JavaScript concepts related to code structure, variables, data types, functions, loops, switch statements, objects, primitives, boolean, arrays and much more. This knowledge will also come in handy when performing React while coding in React.js web development.

3. JavaScript ES6

Apart from the foundation of JavaScript, developers must also have thorough knowledge of the newer JavaScript version known as ES6. Javascript ES6 enables developers to build custom web apps. Some of the most desirable ES6 skills are as follows:

As JavaScript ES6 is an advanced version of JavaScript, developers should possess adequate knowledge about it.

4. JSX (JavaScript XML)

JSX is a syntax extension to JavaScript, enabling developers to code ergonomically. With adequate JSX knowledge, React developers can easily code and integrate HTML/XML elements in React while building robust apps that require React APIs.

Note that Babel (a JavaScript) parser can convert HTML syntax into basic JavaScript files. Hence, if the project demands Babel knowledge, a React developer with the required knowledge can be an apt replacement for JSX.

5. Git

React developers with adequate Git knowledge can manage tasks like version control, maintenance and code storage. Moreover, these skills help React developers to store the project on centralized version control systems like GitHub or GitBucket. Using commands like push, pull, comment, add and others, developers can modify the code.

GitHub and similar internet hosting services keep a detailed record of such changes. These records enable React developers to merge/isolate branches to analyze code performance under differing circumstances.

Therefore, React developers can add or withdraw features separately without disrupting the source code or other modules. It is clear that React developers with sufficient Git skills and knowledge can maintain code flexibility without losing sensitive data or causing functionality issues.

6. Node and NPM

If the project demands a React.js full-stack developer (like MERN) with the necessary skills, having Node knowledge may be essential. React will manage front-end development while Node manages back-end development.

Knowledgeable developers can run codes in the Node environment and vice versa, further enhancing their interoperability. Also, React features on the server-side and client-side script, so developers with Node knowledge are huge assets. Last but not least, developers must also have thorough knowledge of the Node Packet Manager registry.

With the NPM registry, React development companies can get more out of the React library and update app packages.

7. Redux

State updates in React are asynchronous. This means that whenever you request an update, there is no assurance that it will happen at that very moment. So, state updates are the weakest links in React. Hence, Redux knowledge is a must-have skill for React developers.

Redux enables developers to control and preserve the React library. Additionally, React developers also use Redux for state management from a scalability perspective. Adopting functional programming and immutability principles allows developers to create apps that work consistently across all platforms while being easy to test and operate in diverse environments.

Other Tools that React Developers Must be Familiar With:

Essential Soft Skills for React Developers

8. Clear Communication

Whether it is internal or external communication, a React developer must communicate effectively with all teams. Clients will not give you a second chance and in-house employees will not enjoy working with developers who can’t convey their ideas.

During the app-building process, understanding project requirements, sharing reports, and while measuring progress, developers must communicate effectively to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

9. Problem-Solving Mentality

A React developer must be able to work independently even without supervision. Sometimes, managers may be busy with other tasks and the developer may have to manage this single-handedly.

With logical thinking, reasoning and understanding, the developer can solve many problems. Starting with identifying the problem to finding the right solution, a React developer must stay on top of things. Sometimes projects don’t progress as expected due to unforeseen roadblocks and management issues.

An experienced developer must be creative enough to put the rule book aside and think of a new solution. Companies and project managers must keep these qualities in mind while hiring a React developer.

10. Team-player Attributes

No matter how talented a React developer is, he will have to communicate and work with other departments to ensure project success. Along with departments, the developer must also work collectively with testers, designers and clients if the situation demands it.

If the developer is not a team player, his knowledge is of no use. Rigidness and unwillingness to adapt can create problems for other teams.

Other Desired Soft Skills in a React Developer

How to Hire React Developers?

You need to follow a specific strategy to hire the best React developers for your project. The key to success lies in choosing the appropriate developer hiring model.

Hiring Models for React Developers

The following are the different hiring models for React developers.

1. In-house Team

The in-house team model is the traditional model where everyone works in a physical office. As an employer, you need to oversee aspects like hiring testers, React developers, designers, and other professionals. Everyone must get paid on time to ensure a healthy work environment. This model requires considerable money and effort.

2. Staff Augmentation

Companies with existing staff can use this model to expand their operations. This model eliminates the need to conduct multiple rounds of interviews to hire talent. All you need to do is team up with a third-party that hires the right talent for your project without exceeding your budget.

3. Agency Partners

Agency partners are great because they handle all the development responsibilities. An ideal agency partner with the relevant expertise will demand remuneration as per the project type or by the hour. Either way, you only pay for what you get plus it gives you the freedom to hire talent from anywhere in the world.

Most companies prefer the agency partner model where the remote team works with the company management to deliver customized solutions. Why do businesses choose this model out of the three? The reasons are as follows:

While identifying the ideal partnership model for your project requirements, you should follow the right strategy to ensure a smooth and fruitful partnership.

5 Factors That Affect the Cost of Hiring a React Developer

It is crucial that you consider multiple factors while hiring a React developer. These factors will affect your product price, investment cost and time-to-market. Let us look at the most important factors.

1. Size of the Application

The project cost depends greatly on the size of the application. An app with basic features and simple UI requires only one developer. It requires less time, effort and money to build such apps. Medium-sized apps with custom UI and payment features will cost more.

Large and enterprise level apps with complex features and back-end development require a team of experienced React developers, resulting in higher costs.

2. Team Size and Structure

Depending on the complexity of the project, you would need an adequate number of developers with relevant skills. The more complex the project, the more professionals you need which escalates the costs.

3. Project Deadlines

The project cost or cost of hiring developers for your React project also depends on the number of hours required to complete the project. Some React development companies charge by the hour while others provide a quote for the entire project. Either way, the longer the project duration, the higher the cost.

Keep in mind that projects may not move as expected due to unforeseen circumstances and other constraints. You need to set aside some money for such emergencies.

4. Region of Hiring

The remuneration for hiring React developers varies as per the geographical location. Developers, testers and other professionals in North America, Europe will cost more than those in South Asia or other locations. With so many countries and professionals to choose from, you can pick the ones that match your requirements without burning a hole in your pocket.

Cost Breakdown – Hiring Developers by Region

As per the Payscale report, the average yearly cost of hiring a React developer is between $83,000 and $126,000. However, the cost depends greatly on the experience, geographical location and other factors mentioned above.

Below is the cost breakdown for hiring React developers from various locations.

Cost of Hiring Developers from North America

Cost of Hiring Developers from Asia

Cost of Hiring Developers From Europe

Average Hourly Rate for Hiring React Developers WorldWide

As seen above, it is affordable to hire React developers from South Asia, particularly India. The main reason to hire React developers from India is affordability plus quality output. The average hourly rate for hiring developers from India is $16. Other reasons to hire React developers from India are as follows:

Cost of Hiring React Developers As Per Expertise

The average cost of developing a React solution (app or website) is between $30,000 to $130,000. For large-scale and long duration projects, the costs could rise to $200,000. Specialists will demand higher remuneration compared to less experienced React developers. Please refer to the table below for more information.

Expertise Wise Hourly Wages for React Developers

Hiring Costs for React Developers Based on Project Complexity

Depending on the application size, the cost of hiring React developers can vary. Below is the average estimate for building app sizes from basic to complex.

Summing Up..

With the right React development company as your partner, you can build top-notch web and mobile apps for your business. Understand that the cost of hiring React developers for a the project depends on various factors. It is important to know your budget, long-term objectives, and limitations to set realistic expectations.

First, you need to define your expectations followed by creating a list of potential candidates/companies. The next step is to interview them. Lastly, compare the offerings of all these prospects and choose the best one for your project. The budget should not be your only consideration when choosing a React developer. Prioritize quality over price at all times.

There are thousands of React developers worldwide and it can be challenging to find the right team or developer for your project. Hence, it is recommended to work with experienced and knowledgeable developers with a proven track record. Hire ReactJS developers who meet your parameters and project requirements.

Do you want to hire React developers for your next project? Contact Us now.