What is the cost of hiring a Bubble Developer part-time vs full-time role?

Introduction: Understanding the Cost of Bubble Developers

Bubble has revolutionized software development by making no-code application building more accessible. But for businesses looking to hire Bubble developers, understanding the cost differences between part-time and full-time roles is crucial. 

‍

To provide an accurate answer, Big House conducted the 2024 Bubble Developer and Client Insights Survey on hundreds of Bubble developers worldwide. This survey reveals insights into Bubble developer earnings, work hours, experience levels, and career aspirations.

‍

How to Price a Bubble Development Project?  

One of the biggest challenges when hiring a Bubble development agency is understanding how to price your project. Should you pay hourly, per project, or on a retainer basis? The right pricing model depends on your project’s complexity, timeline, and budget. Based on our global survey of Bubble developers, here’s how most agencies and freelancers structure their pricing:  

• Per hour: 48%  
• Per project: 19%  
• Per month: 17% 
• Per year: 7%  
• Other: 10%  

Nearly half of Bubble developers charge hourly, giving businesses the flexibility to scale development work up or down as needed. If your project scope is well-defined, you might prefer a fixed per-project price, though only 19% of developers follow this model. Retainer-based monthly or yearly contracts are less common but can be a good option for ongoing development needs.

What Should You Expect to Pay for a Bubble Developer in 2024?

Bubble development rates vary significantly based on experience, expertise, and geographic location. According to our survey, hourly rates in 2024 are distributed as follows:  

‍

• $0 to $15/hour: 9% (entry-level developers)  
• $15 to $40/hour: 18% (junior developers)  
• $40 to $65/hour: 25% (mid-level professionals)  
• $65 to $90/hour: 7%  
• $90 to $115/hour: 11% (senior developers)  
• $115 to $140/hour: 9%  
• Over $140/hour: 20% (highly specialized experts)  

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution, junior developers in the $25-$50/hour range may be ideal for small MVPs, internal tools, or simple web apps. However, only 17% of developers charge below $25/hour, meaning experienced talent typically comes at a higher cost.

For businesses needing scalable, high-performance SaaS platforms or enterprise solutions, hiring an expert-level agency is the best investment. Developers charging $100+ per hour typically have 5+ years of experience, advanced Bubble certifications, and proficiency in traditional coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (71.4%).  

‍

Additionally, 76% of survey respondents classify themselves as experts, and 62% are Bubble Certified, ensuring agencies can provide high-quality, scalable solutions while reducing costly development mistakes. Investing in an experienced Bubble agency means faster turnaround times, better architecture, and long-term scalability for your application.

Do Bubble Developers Need a Computer Science Degree?

‍

A common misconception about Bubble development is that a formal computer science degree is required to build high-quality applications. However, our survey data proves otherwise—Bubble’s no-code platform allows developers from diverse backgrounds to excel.  

‍

• 45% of Bubble developers are self-taught or have no formal education in traditional programming.  
• Only 26% hold a computer science degree, while 12% completed a coding bootcamp or certification program.  
• Another 12% took some college-level coursework in programming but did not earn a degree.  

‍

This highlights that nearly three-quarters of Bubble developers do not have a formal computer science background, yet they are still able to build scalable SaaS products, internal tools, and enterprise applications.  

‍

Furthermore, 76% of Bubble developers classify themselves as experts, demonstrating that success in Bubble development is more about experience and platform mastery than traditional education. 

‍

Whether hiring a freelance developer or a full-scale agency, businesses should focus on proven experience rather than formal credentials when selecting the right Bubble partner.

Do Bubble Developers Earn More as Freelancers or In-House Employees?

When hiring a Bubble developer, one key decision is whether to work with a freelancer, an agency, or an in-house employee. Our survey results highlight the distribution of Bubble developers across these roles:  

‍

• 30% are freelancers, handling projects independently.
• 37% work for agencies, collaborating on multiple client projects.  
• 24% are company-employed developers, working in-house for a single business.  

‍

Freelancers typically enjoy greater earning potential, especially those who set competitive hourly rates. 9% of freelancers charge $200+ per hour, while agency and in-house developers often earn fixed salaries. However, freelancing comes with challenges—developers must source their own clients, manage finances, and handle inconsistent workloads.  Check out our related article How Much do Bubble Developers Make per Year.

On the other hand, agency developers benefit from a steady stream of projects and structured workflows, while in-house developers enjoy job security, benefits, and a more predictable schedule. 

‍

Businesses seeking long-term support and consistency may prefer agencies or in-house hires, whereas startups needing agility and cost flexibility often turn to freelancers.

What Is the Typical Monthly Income of a Freelance Bubble Developer?

‍

Freelance Bubble developers' earnings vary widely based on experience, skill level, and location. However, our survey data on hourly rates provides a useful estimate.  

‍

Assuming a freelancer works 40 hours per week at an average rate of $50 per hour, their monthly income would be: $8,000 per month (before expenses and taxes).  

‍

That said, actual earnings can vary. Developers charging $100+ per hour can make over $16,000 per month, while those in lower-income regions may earn closer to $4,000 per month. Success depends on a developer’s ability to secure high-paying clients and maintain a steady project pipeline.  

How Experience Impacts Bubble Developer Pricing

When hiring a Bubble developer, experience is a key factor in determining cost. According to our survey, most developers have been using Bubble for several years:  

‍

• 1 to 3 years of experience: 33%  
• 3 to 7 years of experience: 52%  
• More than 7 years: 14%  

‍

This means that 66% of developers have at least 3 years of experience, making them well-versed in building complex applications. More experienced developers tend to charge higher hourly rates—with 8% of developers charging $200+ per hour—due to their deep understanding of the platform, ability to optimize performance, and experience working with advanced integrations.  

‍

For businesses looking for budget-friendly options, developers with 1 to 3 years of experience may offer lower rates, typically in the $25 to $50 per hour range. These developers are still capable of building functional MVPs and internal tools but may require longer development timelines compared to experts.  

‍

Ultimately, choosing the right Bubble developer depends on budget, project complexity, and required expertise to ensure high-quality results.

How Many Hours Do Bubble Developers Work Per Week?

Understanding a developer’s workload can help businesses decide whether to hire part-time or full-time Bubble developers. According to our survey, most developers work full-time hours, with nearly half working 40+ hours per week:  

‍

• 30-39 hours per week: 20%  
• 40-49 hours per week: 46%  
• Over 50 hours per week: 13%  

This suggests that the majority of Bubble developers treat their work as a full-time career, making them a reliable choice for businesses needing consistent development support.

For companies with smaller projects or ongoing maintenance needs, hiring a part-time developer can be a more cost-effective option. Part-time developers typically work 10-30 hours per week, which is sufficient for handling MVP iterations, internal tool enhancements, or bug fixes without committing to a full-time salary.  

‍

If your project requires complex features, integrations, or rapid scaling, hiring a full-time developer or an agency may provide faster turnaround times and greater long-term stability. The right choice depends on your budget, project scope, and development timeline.

‍

How Many Vacation Days Do Bubble Developers Have Per Year?

Freelance Bubble developers enjoy flexibility but often take fewer vacation days compared to full-time employees who have structured leave policies. 

‍

According to the survey data, 17% of freelancers take fewer than 10 vacation days per year. In contrast, full-time developers typically enjoy more time off, with 26% taking 20-29 days and 24% taking 30-39 days annually. 

‍

For businesses, this difference in vacation days means that full-time developers may offer more predictable availability. They can plan ahead for time off and work around established schedules, ensuring more consistent progress on long-term projects. 

‍

Freelancers, on the other hand, may have variable availability due to their flexible work schedules, which can impact the continuity of development work.

‍

While freelancers can offer a more cost-effective and agile solution, companies looking for stability and long-term commitment may benefit from hiring a full-time developer. 

‍

Understanding the vacation day policies can help businesses plan and manage their developer’s availability and ensure smoother project timelines.

What Do Bubble Developers Hope to Be Their Next Career Move?

Understanding a developer’s career goals can help businesses assess the potential for long-term collaboration. The 2024 survey reveals that over half of Bubble developers—55%—intend to continue as Bubble developers in the long term. 

‍

This indicates that these developers are likely to be a reliable choice for full-time roles, as they have a strong commitment to mastering the platform and delivering high-quality work.

‍

In contrast, 19% of developers are considering transitioning into entrepreneurship, which could mean they seek greater independence or new business opportunities, making them more suited for freelance work or short-term projects. 

‍

Similarly, 12% are interested in transitioning into product management, which could suggest they’re looking for a shift toward overseeing the development process rather than coding directly. These career aspirations may impact their availability and willingness to commit to full-time development roles.

‍

For businesses looking for long-term stability and expertise, hiring developers who plan to stay within the Bubble ecosystem is often the best approach. These developers are more likely to have a deep understanding of the platform and be committed to evolving with it. 

‍

Therefore, understanding the career goals of Bubble developers is an important factor when making hiring decisions, ensuring businesses can secure developers who align with their long-term project needs.

‍

Conclusion: Should You Hire a Bubble Developer Part-Time or Full-Time?

‍

According to Big House’s global survey, hiring a Bubble developer part-time is a great option for businesses facing budget constraints or working on short-term projects. 

‍

Part-time developers provide flexibility and cost savings while still delivering high-quality work. However, if your business requires ongoing development or long-term support, hiring full-time Bubble developers is a more reliable choice. Full-time developers offer stability, consistency, and a deeper commitment to your project’s growth and success.

‍

For companies seeking to hire the right Bubble developer, it’s essential to consider factors such as pricing models, expected work hours, and the developer’s career goals. Understanding these elements will help you make a more informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.

At Big House, we specialize in connecting businesses with top-tier Bubble developers who can bring your project to life. Whether you’re looking for part-time or full-time talent, we can help you find the perfect fit for your team. Reach out to Big House today and let us match you with expert developers ready to deliver outstanding results for your business.

Download the 2024 Survey Report

To gain deeper insights into the Bubble developer landscape and make more informed hiring decisions, we invite you to download the free survey report. 

‍

This comprehensive report offers valuable data that wasn’t covered in this blog post, including detailed information about developer salaries, job satisfaction, skills in demand, and preferences for remote vs. in-office work. 

‍

By accessing the report, you'll gain a clearer understanding of industry trends, developer expectations, and how you can attract and retain the best talent for your projects. Whether you’re looking to hire part-time or full-time developers, the survey data will provide actionable insights that can guide your hiring strategy.

‍

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to leverage expert knowledge and make the best decisions for your business. 

‍

Download the fee report today and get access to all the valuable data that can set you up for success!