Guide to Find and Hire Dedicated Developers In The USA

Every company wants to make a big impact in the market and get noticed. The best way is to launch a unique and innovative app. Although these companies have the budget and vision, they may lack the knowledge and experience. Plus, they don’t want to get into the hassles of hiring a specialized in-house development team. Hiring app developers is a perfect solution for such one-off projects. However, the most challenging aspect is hiring developers in the USA, where rates are high for specialized talent.

The global mobile app market size is expected to grow from $330.2 billion in 2026 to $1017.18 billion by 2034 (CAGR of 15.1%). Outsourcing app development to companies in the USA or elsewhere enables companies to experience the best of both worlds. First, they don’t have to hire a specialized team and pay fat packages to developers and other professionals. Additionally, they can adjust the team size at will. Not to mention faster development and time to market.

That said, finding and hiring dedicated developers in the USA can be complicated. The app development partner should share your vision and assemble a team of experienced professionals. In this blog, we will discuss the pros and cons of hiring dedicated developers, the challenges, plus the process to make this happen. Without further delay, let’s get into the details.

Pros and Cons of Hiring Dedicated App Developers in the USA

Hiring dedicated developers in the USA has its share of pros and cons. Below are the pros and cons in brief.

Pros of Hiring Dedicated Developers in the USA

• Top Notch Talent

The USA has a reputation for setting new trends in technology and innovation. This attracts talent from all around the world. Be it engineers, developers, or other professionals, the USA has the cream of the crop. Combine that with cutting-edge tools and knowledge of enterprise-grade systems, and you get a world-class team.

• Better Communication

Companies based in the USA will prefer to outsource their app development projects to American companies. Not only does it eliminate time zone issues, but it also simplifies communication. Benefits of this approach include real-time collaboration and faster development.

• Strong American Work Culture

App developers in America work in Agile or Scrum environments. In these environments, app developers work in short sprints with quick feedback loops. Whenever they get feedback, they make the necessary changes. This approach focuses mainly on the following:

1. Optimal Code Quality
2. Use of CI/CD Pipelines
3. Automated Testing
4. Code Reviews
5. Modern Testing Frameworks

Focusing on the above aspects ensures that the app remains reliable and is easier to update/adapt over time. Besides the above, the agile methodology also emphasizes maintaining accurate and uniform documentation. Documentation covers the reasons for technical decisions and the benefits they bring. Additionally, the documentation also explains how each API or feature works. Detailed guides related to APIs and features help new members get acquainted with the app. Simple comments within the code ensure that new developers can understand the code. All of this eliminates guesswork and fosters informed decision-making while reducing technical debt.

• Legal and IP Protection

Hiring app developers in the USA is beneficial for startups and emerging companies. This allows them to sign enforceable contracts. At the same time, NDAs are more reliable, and intellectual property rights are more secure. If a company/individual violates the agreement or takes undue credit for the work, they can be taken to court. Startups and new companies handle confidential information. They may also invest in the latest technology or software.

Loss of data or unauthorized use of patented products can result in losses. The U.S.’s strong legal system protects businesses against data leaks, theft, or disputes.

• US Market Familiarity

App is tricky in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, edtech, and enterprise SaaS. This is because companies in these sectors are subject to stringent rules and regulations. App development companies in the USA are familiar with the prevailing laws and client expectations. They take all the necessary measures to protect client data under rules such as HIPAA. In the Edtech sector, companies ensure safe learning environments. Ensuring proper compliance and developing standardized apps help companies earn client trust.

Cons of Hiring Dedicated Developers in the USA

• Higher Costs

Although app development companies in the USA deliver top-notch work, the costs can be high. American companies have to pay high salaries to developers. Besides salaries, employee benefits, insurance, and taxes, add to the overall app development costs. Compared to other countries, app developers in the USA have the highest per-hour wages. Startups or companies with long-term development cycles can’t afford these sky-high costs.

• Cut-Throat Competition

The best tech companies in the USA fight tooth and nail to get the best talent. While startups and new companies may not be able to attract these talented developers, Fortune 500 companies seize the opportunity. This leaves the smaller players with fewer options. Tech hubs such as the ones in Silicon Valley are always hiring app developers. The demand exceeds the supply. So, hiring app developers can be tricky. The fewer the options and the longer the hiring timeline, the more complicated the hiring becomes.

• Stringent Labor Laws

Under U.S. employment laws, companies are required to adhere to stringent compliance laws. These laws include the following:

1. Overtime Laws
2. Drafting Contracts
3. Taxation
4. Benefits

These laws are no doubt beneficial for people working in America. But for companies wanting to outsource app development projects in the US, these regulations can be a headache. They increase administrative burdens and costs.

• Cultural Expectations

App developers in the USA have higher expectations. They expect work-life balance and the flexibility to work from home, and also hybrid work models. As far as perks are concerned, they may expect the following:

1. Health Insurance
2. Wellness Programs
3. Performance Bonuses

Due to these increased expectations, companies may struggle to hire and retain employees. Higher operational costs add to the problem.

• Time Zone Rigidity

App developers in the USA prefer working according to times that fit their lifestyle. They may not be ready to work nights or odd shifts. For companies based in Europe, Asia, or the UAE, this may not sit well. The difference in time zones can create coordination issues and may cause project delays.

Companies using agile workflows will find it next to impossible to work with partners in other time zones. This is because agile workflows require quick updates, daily meetings, and instant rework.

5 Different Hiring Models

Below are the top five hiring models for app development.

1) In-House Hiring

This model focuses on hiring developers and other professionals who work only for the company. Under this model, companies have complete control over the project. They can collaborate with developers efficiently and own the app. With that being said, they have to pay fat salaries to employees, and take care of their other needs like insurance, PF, and more. Most importantly, they have to rent/purchase office premises.

2) Freelancing

Not every company can afford to pay salaries to developers throughout the project duration. Most freelance developers charge by the hour or per project. This works for small projects or MVP products. However, development quality may suffer as the developers are not totally immersed in the process. Again, if the app experiences crashes or malfunctions post-launch, the company will have to find another agency to fix things. So, outsourcing the project to freelancers may make the app unreliable and unstable.

3) Dedicated Development

A dedicated development project is where a company hires an external agency that will devote full attention to a project. The external team will not replace the in-house staff. On the contrary, it will complement the in-house team and work with them. A dedicated development model helps companies hire employees quickly and limit costs. Additionally, companies can increase/decrease team size depending on business needs. The best part is that the dedicated development team, aka the agency, manages all the work.

4) Outsourcing (Project-Based)

This is a model where an external company handles app development from start to finish. With this model, the app development company considers multiple aspects, including project timeline, budget, and development plan. This is a methodical approach, but monitoring progress constantly may not be possible. 

This is because the agency does all the work. So, the client and the app development company have to agree on timelines for each project phase. The expectations must be conveyed before the development partner starts working on the project.

5) Staff Augmentation

Staff augmentation involves companies bringing in outside developers who work with the existing team. Staff augmentation is perfect when you don’t need a full-blown team but a bunch of professionals to fill in the gaps. This allows companies to scale without hiring full-time employees. Although the client is in total control of the project, the secondary team guides them with the proceedings.

Looking to hire dedicated developers in the USA? The key is to consider the company’s goals, vision, budget, and other factors before hiring developers.

10 Step Process to Hire Dedicated Developers in the USA

Whether it's an iOS or an Android app development company, hiring dedicated developers in the USA is always hard. Companies need a solid strategy to find the perfect candidates and hire them. Below are the steps to accomplish this goal.

1) Defining Roles and Requirements

Before thinking about hiring app developers for the project, a company must have a proper plan in place. Additionally, the company must be aware of the skills the developers must possess to be a part of the project. These skills include must-have skills and optional skills. Other aspects that matter include experience, skills, problem-handling, and management skills.

Many clients want to hire freelancers/employees whom they want to monitor and see in person. In such cases, the candidate must know if they are being hired for an on-site or off-site role. Some clients may be flexible and provide remote/hybrid work options, while others may not. It is important to set clear expectations right from the start. This ensures that the employee works diligently throughout the project duration.

2) Compensation and Employment Type

Next, companies must decide the employment type they want to offer. Popular employment types include the following:

• Full-Time
• Part-Time
• Contract-Based
• Freelance
• Temporary
• Seasonal

Check out the prevailing rates for developers and other roles in America. Based on these rates, companies can predict the remuneration candidates may expect. Understand that candidates won’t be happy with the bare minimum. They would expect health benefits, performance bonuses, or shares.

Depending on the location, employment type, and benefits, the compensation for developers in the USA may vary. Market research will reveal a lot about this.

3) Staying Ready for Legal Issues

Before jumping into hiring employees, companies should prepare for the legal issues they may face. In the USA, employees in organizations can quit at will. The law makes it mandatory to treat candidates with equal fairness. But the US market is complicated because all its states have different hiring rules. 

Companies not based in the U.S. should consider setting up an entity in America. They can consider hiring an EOR. An EOR service handles various aspects of hiring, including payroll, taxes, and legal compliance.

4) Compelling Job Description

When developers apply for a role, they want to know exactly what employers expect from them. This includes the following:

• Roles and Responsibilities of Developers
• Expertise in Certain Technologies
• Team Collaboration Methods
• Growth Opportunities

The key is to keep the job description direct and simple. Using jargon may confuse or mislead candidates. Employers must also convey whether they can offer any flexibility in terms of remote working options, work hours, advanced tools, and more. Candidates expect transparency, and this goes beyond salary. They have a right to know about the benefits they can avail and the duration of the contract. Under no circumstances should employers overpromise, as it can cause feelings of distrust in employees.

5) Source Candidates From Multiple Platforms

Posting job ads is a good way to hire developers. But the problem with job posts is that they may not reach candidates with the right skills and experience. The best place to find such app developers is platforms such as Indeed and LinkedIn. Stack Overflow is also a good platform to find technically sound professionals. Developers active on LinkedIn and other platforms will respond to job offers almost instantly. At the same time, companies should explore options. Other options include direct outreach and referrals from existing employees.

Active tech communities on Slack and Discord are also good options to find app developers in the USA. No single platform or website will help find diverse talent. Using a mix of platforms, websites, and other techniques will help create the perfect team for an app development project.

6) Resume Screening

Screen candidates by checking their technical skills. This will determine if they are a good fit for the particular job role. If the candidate has previously worked in a similar role, then that's a massive advantage. Also, it is necessary to know if the candidate has a valid visa to work in the USA. When screening candidates, look for short and precise resumes. Companies must also consider the candidate’s performance in past projects or gigs. Stability in different organizations is also something to bear in mind.

7) HR Interviews and Technical Evaluation

At this stage, the HR professionals come into the picture. They must analyze the following when interviewing a candidate.

• Communication Skills
• Joining Date/Availability
• Salary Expectations.

Another point to consider is whether the candidate will fit in the company’s culture. Candidates in America want quick feedback and expect transparency, especially during the initial stages. If a candidate seems promising in the first round, he/she must be given a brief assignment. This will give the management an idea of his coding skills.

Keep the assignments brief to respect the candidate’s time. No developer wants to perform a lengthy task and be rejected later. When such things happen, candidates get disenchanted. Later, they post negative reviews on online platforms and social media.

8) Final Interviews and References

If the candidate is found suitable, the company must proceed to the final interview. For deeper technical rounds and other tests, it is advisable to bring team leaders and product managers into the loop. Team leaders, product managers, and department heads will be able to choose the right candidate because they have years of knowledge and experience. 

Lastly, conducting reference checks is mandatory when hiring employees in the USA. Don’t forget to check the candidate’s visa status and other eligibility criteria.

9) Make the Offer

If candidates make it this far, it means they have ticked off all the right boxes. The HR department should make the offer. This includes an offer letter that includes the following information:

• Job Title and Description
• Salary Breakup
• Joining Date
• Salary
• Bonuses and Benefits

Often, candidates get multiple offers from companies. So, companies must not waste time and handle the negotiations accordingly.

10) Onboarding and Compliance

After the candidate accepts the offer, the company has to bring him on board. First, fill out the necessary forms to identify the candidate’s eligibility and identity. The next step is to set up the candidate’s account, followed by providing them with the necessary tools. These tools are necessary for candidates to help them perform their duties efficiently. Next comes the onboarding session. This session will educate new joiners on company policies.

Thinking of hiring dedicated developers in the USA? Partner with a professional software development agency for the best results.

Cost of Hiring Dedicated Developers in the USA

Below are the costs of hiring developers in the USA versus other parts of the world.

• USA - $60 - $250/hour
• India - $10 - $60/hour
• Asia - $12 - $60/hour
• Latin America - $25 - $100/hour
• Central Europe - $30 - $70/hour
• Western Europe - $60 - $140/hour
• Southern Europe - $35 - $77/hour

As seen above, the USA has the highest app development rates per hour. Companies that want to save money will opt for app development firms in Latin America, India, and Southern Europe. Note that these figures are just to give our readers an approximate idea. It is best to consult a professional app development company for exact details.

Platform-Specific App Development Rates

• iOS Development (Swift/Objective-C) - $25 - $100/hour. Market median - $25 - $80/hour.
• Android Development (Kotlin/Java) -  $15 - $90/hour. Market median - $20 - $60/hour.

These rates are based on global averages. Rates may differ in India, Europe, Latin America, and other parts of the world.

Closing Thoughts

Hiring app developers in the USA has its share of benefits. Availing top-notch and experienced talent and getting optimal output are the obvious advantages. However, hiring app developers in America can be expensive for small and emerging firms. That said, the USA has always been a few steps ahead of other countries when it comes to app development. Suppose a company wants to create something innovative and out of the box, hiring dedicated developers in the USA would be the perfect solution.

With that being said, companies should consider the pros and cons of hiring dedicated developers in the USA. Even if companies can afford the costs, they must consider the legal and compliance requirements. Other aspects to consider include the availability of skilled professionals, hiring models, the technical evaluation process, and long-term scalability.

Looking to hire app developers or need guidance to complete your dream project? Consider partnering with a professional app development company or a staff augmentation agency.