Curious about how much Shopify developers charge nowadays?
Whether you’re looking to build a custom online store or fix a few issues on your existing one, pricing can feel all over the place. Some developers charge like they’re building the next Amazon, while others seem surprisingly affordable.
So, how do you know what’s reasonable?
In this post, we’ll break down the factors that affect Shopify developer rates, what you can expect to pay, and how much you should spend. Let’s dive into the details!
Shopify Developer Pricing and Hourly Rate
Shopify developers usually charge between $50 to $150 per hour in the US and Canada, depending on experience. In Asian countries like India and the Philippines, rates are lower, typically ranging from $25 to $50 per hour for experienced developers.
The cost of a Shopify developer varies by location, experience, and project type. While I’ll cover those factors in more detail later, here’s a look at the average costs and some common hourly rates, as most Shopify developers charge by the hour:
- Beginner: $15 per hour
- Intermediate: $33 per hour
- Expert: $95 per hour
The cost for a full project typically ranges from $500 to $25,000 for a complete store build, depending on the level of customization.
The figures above are based on Upwork data, but rates can vary if you search on other job platforms like Fiverr or Freelancer, as well as by consulting agencies that specialize in this area.
What Affects Shopify Developer Cost?
Understanding the factors that impact Shopify developer costs is key to effective budgeting for your project.
Costs can vary significantly depending on several elements, including the project’s complexity, the developer’s level of expertise, project duration, the scope of work required and the geographic location of the developer.
Whether you’re planning a complete website redesign or making targeted improvements, knowing what influences pricing helps you make smarter decisions and ensures your investment aligns with your business needs.
Let’s break down what affects Shopify developer costs to help you plan better and avoid surprises.
Project Complexity
The complexity of your Shopify project greatly affects the developer’s charges. Simpler tasks, like basic store setups or minor tweaks, are generally less expensive.
However, more complex projects, such as advanced customizations or unique functionalities, require more time and specialized skills, which increases the cost. In essence, the more intricate the project, the higher the development fees
Expertise and Experience Level
A Shopify developer’s expertise and experience level can greatly influence the cost.
Experienced developers with specialized skills often charge higher rates due to their efficiency and proven results. They can tackle complex projects with speed and accuracy.
Conversely, less experienced developers may offer lower rates but might need more time or guidance. For simpler projects or tighter budgets, a less experienced developer might be sufficient.
Project Duration
The duration of your project significantly influences the cost of hiring a Shopify developer. For short-term projects, such as quick fixes or minor updates, developers often charge higher hourly rates.
This is because these projects can disrupt their schedule and may require prioritization over other work. On the other hand, longer-term projects, like a full website redesign or ongoing support, usually come with more reasonable hourly rates.
Developers can plan and allocate their time more efficiently, often offering discounted rates for extended engagements.
For more information, check out our post on how long it takes to build a Shopify store.
Scope of Work
When hiring a Shopify developer, the scope of your project plays a big role in determining the cost.
If you need a developer to handle every aspect—from custom design and complex functionality to thorough testing—the expense will be on the higher side. This is because a full-service project involves a lot of work, each step adding to the total cost.
However, if your needs are more focused, such as only requiring help with specific tasks like app installations or expert advice while you manage the design yourself, the charges will be significantly lower.
This approach means the developer’s role is limited, which translates to lower costs for you.
In simple terms, the more comprehensive and detailed your project, the higher the price will be.
But if you can take on some of the work yourself and only need a developer for certain parts, you can keep costs down. This allows you to balance your budget and project needs more effectively.
Geographic Location
The location of a Shopify developer can influence their rates.
Developers in countries with a higher cost of living typically charge more. This is because their living expenses and market rates are higher.
In contrast, developers from regions with a lower cost of living often have more affordable rates. While you might save money, ensure they have the skills and quality you need.
As mentioned earlier, Shopify developer rates range from $50 to $150 in the US and Canada, and from $25 to $50 in Asia for experienced professionals, for example.
Top Reasons to Hire a Shopify Developer
You might be asking yourself why you should hire a Shopify developer. The answer is simple: they bring valuable expertise that can make a real difference.
From setting up your store and customizing its design to improving its performance, a Shopify developer can help you achieve your goals more effectively.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your Shopify store, here are some clear reasons why a professional developer could be a smart choice.
Technical Expertise
Technical expertise is a major advantage of hiring a Shopify developer. They possess in-depth knowledge of the platform and advanced skills to ensure your site operates smoothly.
Their expertise helps optimize performance, implement best practices, and handle complex customizations. They can also troubleshoot issues efficiently, saving you time and potential headaches.
With their support, you can ensure your Shopify store runs efficiently and effectively.
Time Saving
Time-saving is another significant benefit of hiring a Shopify developer. Developing and managing a Shopify store can be time-consuming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the platform.
A professional developer can handle setup, customization, and optimization quickly and efficiently, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your business.
By handling complex tasks and resolving issues, they allow you to avoid the trial-and-error approach, which can save you valuable time and effort.
Customization
Customization is a major reason to hire a Shopify developer. They can craft a store that truly reflects your brand’s style and needs.
From designing a unique layout to adding custom features and integrating special tools, developers have the skills to make your vision a reality. Their expertise ensures that everything works together smoothly, giving your store a distinct edge.
With a developer’s help, you get a shop that not only looks great but also functions exactly the way you want.
Maintain and Support Services
Maintaining and supporting your Shopify store is another key reason to hire a developer. After your site is up and running, you’ll need ongoing assistance to keep it in top shape.
A Shopify developer can handle updates, fix bugs, and ensure that everything continues to work smoothly. They can also provide expert advice on how to improve your store and address any issues quickly.
Having a developer on hand means you don’t have to worry about technical problems, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
How Much Should You Spend Hiring a Shopify Developer?
Here’s a quick look at how much you should spend when hiring a Shopify developer, depending on your project’s requirements
For small businesses, a budget of around $500-$1000 could cover tasks that require programming or development skills, while using Shopify’s free pre-made themes can help you save.
For more extensive customization, including a custom theme for a mid-sized business, you might spend from $10,000.
For full-service projects, costs can reach up to $20,000.
Discuss your needs with your developer to find the best solution for your business.
If you run a small business with a tight budget, handling some tasks yourself (DIY) might be a good option. Shopify offers user-friendly tools for setting up your store and adding products, which can be cost-effective and give you control over your site’s design.
However, if your business is growing or if you need a more advanced setup, hiring a Shopify developer could be a worthwhile investment.
For larger companies or those looking for a powerful, scalable online presence, a professional can handle technical details and ensure everything runs smoothly.
The amounts provided are approximate and depend on your specific needs. For more details on costs, check out our article on Shopify website development cost.
Conclusion
Choosing whether to hire a Shopify developer or handle the work yourself depends on your project’s scope, duration, and budget.
Short-term projects may incur higher costs due to the need for focused expertise over a limited time, while long-term projects often benefit from more cost-effective arrangements.
For a more precise estimate, costs typically range from $20-$100/hour, depending on factors like project complexity, required expertise, and the project’s duration.
Understanding these elements will help you make an informed decision about whether to go DIY or invest in professional help.
If you’re leaning toward expert assistance, Tigren is here to support your vision. We specialize in Shopify development and can help create the perfect online store. Contact us today to get a free consultation!
