Node.js Developers on Upwork cost $18–$38/hr.

The first step to determining the cost to hire a Node.js developer will be to define your needs. Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.

Cost factor #1: project scope

The first variable to consider when determining scope is the nature of the work that needs to be completed. Not all Node.js development projects are created equal. Hooking up your application server to a well-known third-party API will typically take less time than building your entire Node.js-powered back end from scratch. 

Tip: The more accurately your job description describes the scope of your project, the easier it will be for talent to give you accurate cost estimates and proposals.

Cost factor #2: Node.js development experience

Choosing the right level of expertise for the job is closely tied to how well you determined the scope of your project. You wouldn’t need an advanced Node.js developer to set up the back end for a simple business landing page. Hiring a less experienced Node.js developer who understands the basics of routing, templating, and setting up a database will be enough to get the job done at a lower price point.

Beyond experience level, you need to consider the specific skills and technologies a Node.js developer possesses. The following table breaks down the rates of the typical types of Node.js developers you can find on Upwork.

Rates charged by Node.js developers on Upwork

Cost factor #3: location

Location is another variable that can impact a Node.js developer’s rates. It’s no secret that you can leverage differences in purchasing power between countries to gain savings on talent. But it’s also important to factor in hidden costs such as language barriers, time zones, and the logistics of managing a remote team. The real advantage to sourcing talent remotely on Upwork is the ability to scan a global talent pool for the best possible person for the job. Location is no longer an obstacle. 

Cost factor #4: independent contractor vs. agency

The final variable regarding talent cost is hiring an independent contractor vs. an agency. An agency is often a “one size fits all” model, so you’ll often have access to a designer, a project manager, an engineer, and more. When hiring individuals you have total autonomy regarding who is responsible for which part of the project, but you’ll need to source each of those skills separately.

The trade-off between hiring individuals vs. hiring an agency is the level of administrative overhead you incur personally in coordinating tasks among all members of the team. Project scope and personal preference will determine which style is a better fit for your needs.