The demand for skilled developers has been consistently rising over the past few years, with no-code platforms like Bubble rapidly gaining traction. This has led to an increasing number of freelance Bubble developers entering the marketplace. But how much do these developers actually earn per project?
To answer this question, we conducted the 2024 Bubble Developer and Client Insights Survey involving hundreds of developers across the globe, shedding light on their earnings, project types, and career paths. In this blog post, we’ll break down the results and answer some key questions regarding Bubble development.
Overview of the Survey: Understanding the Freelance Bubble Development Market
Big House conducted an extensive survey of Bubble developers worldwide, gathering responses from professionals with varying levels of experience, from junior to senior developers.
The survey covered demographics, skill levels, hourly rates, types of projects, and much more, offering an in-depth look at the current state of the freelance Bubble development market.
Let’s now dive into the key questions regarding freelance Bubble development earnings and the overall industry.
What is the Typical Hourly Rate for a Junior vs. Senior Bubble Developer?
Hourly rates for Bubble developers can vary widely, influenced by factors like experience, skill level, and location. Based on our survey, we can categorize the rates into junior and senior developers.
- Junior Bubble Developers (with 0–3 years of experience) generally charge lower rates, as they are still building their portfolios and gaining expertise. The majority of junior developers charge between $25 to $50 per hour. In fact, only 17% of respondents reported charging lower than $25 per hour, while 24% of junior developers charge rates within the $50 to $75 per hour range.
Senior Bubble Developers (with over 5 years of experience) command significantly higher rates. Around 9% of senior developers reported charging $100 to $125 per hour, and 6.5% earn between $125 to $150 per hour. The highest-earning developers, those in the top-tier category, can command rates of $200 per hour or more, with 2.2% of developers reporting hourly rates of up to $500 or higher.
This significant difference in hourly rates underscores the value of experience and specialization in Bubble development, where highly skilled developers can achieve premium pay for their expertise.
Is Bubble Development a Growing Industry?
The no-code development industry, especially Bubble development, is experiencing remarkable growth. Bubble’s low-code/no-code approach allows entrepreneurs, startups, and large enterprises to create scalable web apps without requiring advanced programming skills. This democratization of app development is driving a surge in demand for skilled Bubble developers.
Survey results further highlight this trend, with 76% of respondents identifying as expert developers who have completed over 10 projects. This signifies a high level of specialization within the field, underscoring the growing recognition of Bubble as a valuable platform for building sophisticated applications. As more developers master the platform, the demand for their services continues to rise.
Additionally, the versatility of Bubble is evident across industries, with businesses utilizing it for a wide array of applications, from MVPs and SaaS platforms to internal tools and automation systems. As companies strive to save time and resources, no-code solutions like Bubble are increasingly seen as viable alternatives to traditional development processes. With businesses seeking faster, cost-effective ways to bring their ideas to life, the demand for proficient Bubble developers is poised to expand even further in the coming years
How Much Do Top-Earning Bubble Developers Make Per Year?
The top-earning Bubble developers are seeing impressive income potential, as evidenced by our survey results. 81% of developer generate revenue by creating apps for clients, with 47.6% focusing on SaaS platforms and 29% dedicating their expertise to building MVPs. This reflects the growing demand for no-code solutions in various sectors, from startup MVPs to robust SaaS products.
Experienced Bubble developers typically charge $100 to $200 per hour, depending on the complexity of the project and the developer's level of expertise. Senior developers, in particular, are well-positioned to earn over $100,000 annually by working on high-value projects. Freelancers who establish a strong portfolio and secure consistent, lucrative contracts can easily push their earnings into six figures, especially when they specialize in high-demand areas like SaaS, MVPs, and enterprise-level tools.
Additionally, the flexibility to work remotely with clients from around the globe offers significant earning potential. Rates can vary based on the geographic location of the client, project scale, and the developer’s skill set.
As businesses worldwide continue to adopt no-code tools like Bubble for app development, the demand for skilled developers remains strong, ensuring that those who specialize in the platform can enjoy a prosperous career. Whether working on local or international projects, the opportunities for top-tier Bubble developers are both diverse and rewarding.
What Types of Projects Do Bubble Developers Most Often Work On?
According to our survey, Bubble developers are engaged in a wide variety of projects, showcasing the versatility of the platform. The most common types of projects include:
- SaaS Platforms: A significant 48% of developers focus on building SaaS solutions. With the growing adoption of cloud-based software, these platforms represent a major area of demand for no-code developers.
- MVPs: 29% of respondents work on Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), which are essential for startups and entrepreneurs looking to launch new ideas quickly and affordably.
- Internal Tools: Another 14% of developers specialize in creating internal tools for companies, helping businesses streamline their operations and improve efficiency.
- E-Commerce: While a smaller portion (2.4%) of developers work on e-commerce solutions, it still represents a growing market as more companies move online.
The diversity of projects highlights the broad applications of Bubble, from complex SaaS platforms to essential internal tools. Developers can choose to specialize in specific areas, like SaaS or MVP development, targeting high-demand niches and ensuring a steady stream of projects.
This versatility not only keeps the work interesting but also offers significant career growth opportunities as businesses across industries continue to embrace no-code solutions for their digital transformation.
Is Hiring a Full-Time Bubble Developer Cheaper Than Working with a No-Code Agency?
When deciding between hiring a full-time Bubble developer or working with a no-code agency, the choice depends largely on the project’s scope, complexity, and the company’s needs.
A full-time Bubble developer is a good option for businesses that require consistent, long-term work. Companies able to offer a full-time salary can benefit from having a dedicated developer on staff.
However, hiring a full-time developer comes with additional costs beyond salary, such as benefits, taxes, and other employee-related expenses. This makes it more suitable for companies with ongoing, repetitive tasks or long-term projects that don’t require immediate scaling.
Alternatively, no-code agencies offer the advantage of a multidisciplinary team. Agencies can bring together experts with diverse skill sets, making them ideal for larger or more complex projects that demand a variety of expertise, such as project management, quality assurance (QA), and ongoing client support.
Agencies are typically more expensive on a per-project basis but provide a broader range of services. With teams already in place, agencies can also scale quickly, taking on urgent or multifaceted projects that may be beyond the capacity of a single developer.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on the size of the project, the need for specialized skills, and whether long-term commitment or flexibility is more important to the company’s goals.
What’s the Level of Seniority of Bubble Developers?
Bubble developers come from a diverse range of seniority levels, as revealed by our survey. The data shows that:
- 31% of developers are individual contributors, focused on technical tasks without managing direct reports.
- 30% hold senior managerial roles, overseeing teams of 3–8 people.
- 26% are executives, managing multiple managers and having a strategic impact on their organizations.
This broad range of roles indicates that the Bubble development community is highly professional, with developers advancing to managerial and executive positions as they gain experience.
The high percentage of senior managers and executives suggests that there are ample opportunities for career progression within the field, allowing skilled developers to take on leadership roles as they grow in expertise.
This also reflects the increasing complexity of Bubble-based projects, which require experienced professionals to guide teams and make high-level decisions. As the demand for no-code solutions continues to rise, the career trajectory for Bubble developers is likely to keep expanding, with more opportunities for leadership and organizational impact.
How Do Bubble Developers Primarily Earn Money?
The majority of Bubble developers earn their income by developing apps for clients, with 81% of survey respondents indicating that their primary revenue source comes from freelance work. These developers create custom applications for clients across a variety of industries, taking advantage of the flexibility and scalability that Bubble offers.
In addition to client work, some developers diversify their income streams in other ways:
- Selling Templates/Plugins: 4% of developers earn money by selling pre-built solutions, such as templates or plugins, that can be used by others building apps on Bubble.
- Teaching or Consulting: 2% of developers engage in consulting or educational roles, offering their expertise to help others learn how to use the platform effectively.
Freelance developers typically find clients through popular platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Bubble’s own listings, where they can showcase their skills and bid on projects.
Many also build successful personal networks through their websites, word of mouth, or connections with no-code agencies. This multi-channel approach to client acquisition allows developers to broaden their reach and maximize their earning potential, whether through repeat business or new opportunities that arise from professional relationships.
Is Freelancing or Agency Work More Profitable for Bubble Developers?
The answer to whether freelancing or working at a Bubble agency is more profitable depends on the individual’s career goals, preferences, and opportunities. However, based on our survey:
- Freelance developers tend to earn more per project due to the direct nature of their client relationships. Freelancers often have the flexibility to set their own rates, which can be more profitable if they target high-value clients.
- Agency developers, while working in a team environment, may receive a steady income and benefit from additional perks such as health insurance, bonuses, and training opportunities, which can enhance long-term financial stability. However, they may not have the same earning potential as freelancers on a per-project basis.
Conclusion: What You Need to Know
In conclusion, freelance Bubble developers have the potential to earn high hourly rates, especially as they gain experience and specialize in high-demand project types like SaaS platforms and MVPs. While some developers charge $25 per hour at the junior level, senior developers can command $200+ per hour or more, making freelance work highly profitable for those who establish themselves in the market.
The Bubble development industry continues to grow as more businesses embrace no-code solutions, and the demand for skilled developers remains high. Whether you’re a junior or senior developer, there are ample opportunities to earn well while working on diverse and interesting projects.
At Big House, we’re excited to see how the landscape evolves, and we will continue to track trends like these through ongoing surveys. If you’re looking to enter the Bubble development space or need a custom solution for your next project, we’re here to help.
Thank you for reading, and be sure to check out our other articles for more insights into the world of Bubble development and no-code tools.
Download Report
To dive deeper into the insights shared in this article and explore more detailed findings, we invite you to download the full survey report. By accessing the complete report, you’ll gain valuable knowledge on:
- In-depth analysis of the most lucrative Bubble development niches and how you can capitalize on them.
- A detailed breakdown of Bubble developers’ average earnings, including top-earning categories and hourly rates.
- Insights into the most common use cases for Bubble development and how different industries are leveraging the platform.
Key trends that will shape the future of the no-code development landscape, helping you stay ahead of the curve.
Whether you're an aspiring Bubble developer or a business looking to hire the best talent, this report will provide the critical information you need to make informed decisions.
Download the free report now to unlock exclusive data and strategies to enhance your Bubble development journey.
About Big House
Big House is committed to 1) developing robust internal tools for enterprises, and 2) crafting minimum viable products (MVPs) that help startups and entrepreneurs bring their visions to life.
If you'd like to explore how we can build technology for you, get in touch. We'd be excited to discuss what you have in mind.
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