Desktop applications, also known as web applications, are software programs designed to run on computers with Windows or iOS and mobile phones from the home screen. Freelance desktop application developers and programmers are an affordable option to consider instead of an agency offering desktop application development services.
If your startup is looking to hire a desktop applications developer to deliver high-quality web applicationsโtry Upwork has desktop applications developers that can complete banner ad design for you. Desktop application developers are typically software developers that train and test for hours in understanding programming languages, UX design, operating systems like Windows or iOS, and open source platforms in order to hone their web developer capabilities.
As a business owner or working professional, you want to make sure the desktop applications developer is familiar with the various browsers and programming languages required to deliver a desktop software application. The cost to hire a desktop applications developer will vary due to many factors, including years of experience, the scope of work, the project timeline, market conditions, and the freelancerโs location.
Take a look at what your app development project needs, what the business requirements are, and if you need a full-time development team to complete the job. Thatโs the best way to estimate the development cost to hire a desktop application developer for your project.
Experience and Expertise
To hire desktop applications developers, itโs important to consider their level of expertise and years of experience. While a more seasoned desktop applications developer with full-time software development experience may command higher pay to deliver your web application. Rates for an experienced desktop application developer can start at around $100 per hour. A freelancer that is new to software development may be more competitive and low cost in their price, require a longer timeline, and could still be learning desktop application development services. Rates for a beginner or intermediate freelancer tend to start at $50 an hour.
There are several programming languages to consider when estimating the cost to hire freelance programmers to create a desktop application including HTML, Python, Linux, Php, NodeJS, and Javascript. Desktop applications are not available on iOS, Android, or Google Pixel. Keep in mind that a desktop application programmer with experience in project management, social media, UI/UX design, backend, and front-end development could be valuable to help you get a highly downloaded web application but could affect the cost of your job.
Scope of Work
Before hiring a freelancer for desktop software development, you must first define the project scope. Will your web application have interactive features? Should the web application need an accompanying mobile app? Do you already have the API or will the programmer need to develop it?
The scope of work is a step-by-step outline of the project tasks, the timeline, expertise, workflow, development process, and recommended years of experience needed to get the job done. Be sure to develop a detailed scope of work before hiring a desktop applications developer so there is clarity about the costs associated with your specific desktop applications job.
Timeline
A beginner desktop applications developer should be able to execute standard web applications that involve prototyping, scripting, dashboards, or integrating Microsoft Excel in a short period of time. However, more complex, agile, and responsive software solutions with automation, API, Microsoft, or other ecommerce integrations could take several weeks or months to complete.
If youโre not in a hurry, you can negotiate a lower rate with even the most experienced desktop application developer. If you are on a strict timeline or need the project completed last minute, it is possible you could pay a premium.
Geography
The cost of hiring a desktop applications programmer or software engineer can also be affected by their geographic location. Outsourcing your project to freelancers in another country, with a lower cost of living, can help reduce your cost to hire or the ability to negotiate a fixed price. However, if you prefer a freelancer who lives in a country with a higher cost of living, you may have to adjust your expected pay or budget for their time and effort.
Popular desktop applications projects & costs examples
While there should be multiple iterations included in your costs, here are a few common desktop application projects you can find on Upwork in real-time:
Interactive Web Application Bot: $50-$100
The cost of desktop app development for a bot or integration will depend on the skill level of the software engineer and their knowledge of the frontend and backend development required to build it.
Cross-Platform Mobile Application: $150-$550
A cross-platform mobile application that is developed for both phones and computers will depend on the skill level of the software engineer and their knowledge of the frontend and backend development required to build it.
Mac iOS Custom Software Tool: $100-$500
The cost of creating a custom desktop web application tool in Java or SQL will depend on the skill level of the software engineer and their knowledge of the frontend and backend development required to build it.
Find Talent at the Worldโs Work Marketplace
It is possible to find a desktop applications developer with the experience and expertise you need to build a custom web application, add new features, or integrate software solutions on Upwork. At Upwork, get access to top professionals and freelancers that can build the best freelance desktop application developers for your project, within budget.
Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.