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Developer Costs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Developer in the US? [2025 Guide]

January 8, 202515 min read

Understanding the true cost of hiring developers in the US is crucial for budget planning and making informed hiring decisions. This comprehensive guide breaks down all costs—from salaries to hidden expenses—so you can plan accurately.

Full-Time Developer Salaries by Experience Level

Junior Developer

$60-85K/year

0-2 years experience. Requires mentorship and supervision.

Mid-Level Developer

$85-130K/year

3-5 years experience. Can work independently on most tasks.

Senior Developer

$130-180K/year

5+ years experience. Can lead projects and mentor others.

Lead/Principal Developer

$180-250K+/year

8+ years experience. Architectural decisions and team leadership.

Hidden Costs of Full-Time Hiring

Salary is just the beginning. Here are the additional costs:

Benefits (health, dental, vision)+20-30% of salary
Payroll taxes+7.65% of salary
Equipment & software$3-5K/year
Recruitment costs$5-15K per hire
Training & onboarding$2-5K per hire
Office space (if applicable)$5-10K/year

Total Cost Example: Mid-Level Developer

Base Salary:$110,000
Benefits (25%):$27,500
Payroll Taxes:$8,415
Equipment & Software:$4,000
Recruitment:$10,000
Total First Year Cost:$159,915

That's 45% more than the base salary!

Staff Augmentation: A Cost-Effective Alternative

With staff augmentation, you pay only for hours worked with no hidden costs:

$30-45/hr
Junior Developer
$45-70/hr
Mid-Level Developer
$70-110/hr
Senior Developer

Save Up to 40% with HireADeveloper.io

Get experienced developers at transparent hourly rates with no hidden costs, benefits overhead, or long-term commitments.

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