The demand for PHP has increased among modern businesses, who want to build dynamic and user-friendly web solutions. They look to hire PHP developers who help them in building a new website, e-commerce platform, custom web application, and maintaining the existing project. However, the cost of hiring PHP developers varies from project type to developers’ expertise and location.
This blog will help you break down PHP development costs while also uncovering invisible expenses and tips to reduce development costs.
Why Hire a PHP Developer?
PHP, being a server-side scripting language, is popular for modern and custom web development solutions. It is open-source, flexible, and offers a wide range of strong frameworks that allow PHP developers to develop tailored web applications. Such as e-commerce, SaaS platforms, enterprise-level websites, or Content Management Systems (CMS). The skilled PHP developers ensure the following benefits:
- Rapid development
- Access to a large talent pool
- Provides security and scalability
- Custom solutions
- Allows ongoing support and maintenance
Whether you are a startup or already running a PHP project, custom PHP development can help you stay ahead of your competition.
Top Factors Influencing PHP Developer Costs
The cost of a PHP developer varies depending on the factors listed below:
1. Level of Expertise
The experience level of a developer directly affects the development cost. These PHP developers are categorized as:
- Junior developers have experience of 0 to 2 years, which is suitable for simple websites or maintenance work
- Mid-level developers have experience of 2 to 5 years, who are best suited for full-stack development and complex coding
- Experienced developers have more than 5 years of experience and are capable of building custom web applications and high-performance websites
Consequently, the more experienced developers have a more hourly or fixed rate than they demand.
2. Type of Hiring
There are different ways to hire dedicated PHP developers, such as:
- Freelancers are best for short-term, small, and flexible projects; they are also cost-friendly, but may lack coherence and project management
- In-house developers are ideal for businesses that demand a full-time developer; however, it includes extra costs to retain them, such as benefits, salaries, and bonuses. IT recruiters can help a company find the right developer quickly.
- PHP development agencies are a little expensive but offer a skilled team and individual PHP developers who manage and design reliable projects
Consider partnering with trusted agencies like Bizmia, which offer skilled PHP developers who are proficient in delivering high-quality projects for all types and sizes of businesses.
3. Geographical Location
As the area of development changes, so do the developer rates. Developers present in the Southeast Asia region demand lower rates, like $20 to $45 per hour, which is ideal for startups and less budget. However, developers from the United States or Canada will demand $100 to $250 per hour, depending on the project type and the developers’ expertise.
4. Project Size and Technical Demands
The more complex and feature-rich the project is, the high-rate PHP developers will demand. In case business demands more advanced features and integrations, developers will put in more effort and time, which will likely cost more. For example, a simple website will cost around $500 to $2000, and a more complex, fully featured e-commerce platform will cost about $30,000.
Payment Model: Fixed vs Hourly
It depends on the project’s requirements which payment model is best suited for it. There are the following two payment methods:
1. Hourly Rate
Many freelancers and remote developers charge per hour for providing PHP development services. Some PHP development agencies like Bizmia also provide hourly billing to offer flexibility and customization options to their customers. It is well-suited for startups that demand flexibility and ongoing support, and maintenance.
2. Fixed Price
It is offered by many agencies and project-based teams, who clearly show how much time and effort this project will require. This payment method provides less flexibility, and developers mention deadlines at the start by which they can deliver the project.
Project-Based Cost Breakdown
There are different types of PHP projects, which certainly will not cost the same amount. Let’s have a look at the types of PHP projects:
- Simple website ($5000 to $15000)
- Customized WordPress website ($10,000 to $20,000)
- Web apps like SaaS or CRM ($25,000 to $50,000+)
- e-commerce platforms ($10,000 to $100,000)
- API development and integrations ($10,000+)
The development costs may vary depending on the developer’s expertise, hourly rate, and project scope.
Unexpected Charges to Monitor
Besides the basic custom PHP web development cost, there are some hidden charges that developers will add to the bill, such as:
- UI/UX design
- Testing and QA
- Hosting and Domain
- Ongoing support and maintenance
- Project management
All these services are already being added to the package offered by trusted agencies, which will provide a complete solution, and you will not pay any unexpected costs.
Tips to Reduce Development Cost
Businesses that are looking to hire dedicated PHP developers must follow these tips, which will help them to effectively manage web development costs:
- Define project requirements to the developer, which will lead to fewer chances of misunderstanding
- Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) idea, so that you can test at the start and later grow by following results
- PHP offers open-source tools that support PHP frameworks for web development, like Laravel and Symfony, which help developers use ready-made features to save their development time and cost
- Hire remote or offshore developers from regions where labor costs are lower, but ensure they provide high-quality projects by examining their resumes or past work
- Begin with a paid test project to check their technical and soft skills
Conclusion
Hiring PHP developers for custom web development depends on several factors such as the developer’s experience, location, project size, and hiring model. Prices vary widely, and it is not easy to get the right estimation and budget planning. But with a smart hiring strategy and proper guidance, businesses can save on web development costs. If you are looking for a cost-friendly and tailored web solution, hiring a PHP developer or consulting with a trusted PHP agency is the right option.
