Our All-Inclusive Guide to Freelance Javascript Rates

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Freelancing in web development is immensely popular, and JavaScript is currently one of the most used web development frameworks. So it’s no wonder that there are so many freelance javascript devs out there.

So what is the average freelance JavaScript developer hourly rate? Well, for US-based developers, it’s about $70 per hour. Actually, it falls between $50 and $80, as someone’s rate can be determined by various factors.

In other words, it is not easy to determine your rate as a javascript dev, but we’ll discuss exactly how your skills (e.g. javascript frameworks such as React or jQuery), location (US, Europe, India or elsewhere?) and other factors go into your rate. So whatever framework you use, let’s begin!

The Top 4 Javascript Frameworks

Before we discuss actual rates, it is imperative we have an understanding of the different JavaScript frameworks. These frameworks are dedicated ‘tools’ that provide the foundation for you as a developer to build javascript applications. In other words, it makes it easy to achieve more with less effort. Here we’ll discuss the top 5 Javascript frameworks.

1. Node.js

According to Statista, Node.js is the most in-demand framework in 2022. The framework is actually a server-side development platform, used to write server-side applications, while being especially good at multitasking. Because of its asynchronous model, you can have it handle multiple calls at the same time.

 
However, that also makes Node.js a difficult cookie to deal with, as this model can make it more and more difficult to understand exactly what’s going on — particularly in a complex web application with multiple callbacks. Some companies that use Node.js include Netflix, NASA and eBay.

2. React JS

Last year, React JS was still the most sought-after JavaScript framework for developers. More than 40% of javascript developers use the framework, and they indicate it is ideal for building dynamic and interactive user interfaces (UIs).

React is the brainchild of Jordan Walker, a Meta company software engineer. It was created in 2011 and has become the go-to developer tool because it is easier to learn and use for new developers than many other frameworks. In addition, it allows you to reuse components to develop complex Uls.

However, because of its constantly evolving nature, some developers struggle to keep up to date with React. Nonetheless, large companies like Coursera, Snapchat and Tinder make use of this framework. 

3. jQuery JS

jQuery JS is the next popular framework — and jQuery is actually just a javascript library. Just like Node.js and React, jQuery is open-source software and easy to understand, but it is only used to simplify interaction with the Document Object Model (DOM).

There is much debate on the current popularity of this JS framework; it is helpful for simple applications but can lead to a vast code base that is difficult to maintain if used in application development. However, it still ranks high among coding solutions for developers. 

Note that company websites using jQuery include Yahoo, WordPress, Spotify, Microsoft Outlook, IMDb, and Zoom.

4. Express.js

Express.js ranks fourth in popularity and demand. It is recognized for its remarkable speed in the web app development process, performance, and minimalist design for backend development.

Express is actually a Node.js-based web application framework that delivers comprehensive web and mobile application features. It offers an effortless approach to plugin integration, routing management, and setting up middleware packages in your server-side code.

Interestingly, Express can also be used alongside Node.js for building RESTful APIs to integrate other apps. Companies like PayPal, Twitter, Accenture, IBM, GoDaddy, and Intuit use it.

5. AngularJS

Lastly, we want to cover Angular, which is specifically preferred by developers who want to create Single Page Applications (SPAs). In addition, you could use it on the front end for building Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) with speedy page loads. However, it might be challenging to fully grasp the framework if you are a beginner.

Companies that use it include PayPal, again IBM, and Freelancer.

Freelance Rates According to Different JavaScript Frameworks

Obviously, we can’t speak of ‘a single type of JavaScript developer’; instead, millions of freelance developers employ JavaScript worldwide — and each has their own expertise and preferred framework. So how do we determine a freelance javascript dev’s rate?

Well, using Lancebase data, we can provide you with a typical rate range, for when you would use and specialize in a specific javascript framework. Note though that you should always use the best tactics to negotiate your rate!

The average rate for a Node.js freelancer

Let’s start with Node.js. Since this framework is in high-demand, you can expect to earn quite a bit more than a junior javascript developer. Usually we see freelancers with rates of about $75 to $95 per hour in the United States. In Western Europe you see similar rates, but then in euro.

Obviously though, your own rate depends on your level of seniority and experience. Some developers who are just starting as freelancers may want to quickly get their first contract, and start with a rate of about $50. However, if you’re well-versed in Node.js, you can probably increase your rate rather quickly.

 

Hourly rates for React developers

For React, we don’t actually see big differences compared to Node.js. Both frameworks are pretty much equally in demand, and for both we see similar hourly rate ranges.

So again, $70-$90 per hour would be a good average to consider as a freelance React developer in the US. Should you be from other parts of the world such as India, your rate is likely to be significantly lower. Freelance React developers in India will on average earn between $30-$40 per hour, though you will also find lower and higher rates depending on where you look.

What about jQuery rates?

jQuery JavaScript developers earn $60-$80 per hour. As jQuery has a lower threshold to get started, rates are also generally a bit lower. In Western Europe we also see that €70 per hour for a jQuery developer is not uncommon.

Certainly, you can find outliers for jQuery, just as for any freelance developer; on websites like Upwork, a junior jQuery developer from a country like China may ask for just $15 per hour — while on TopTal a senior javascript developer working with jQuery could ask ten times as much.

The average Express.js freelance rate

Considering Express is a framework built on top of Node.js, we won’t make a specific distinction between the two. Reality is, if you use Node.js, you’re bound to learn Express too. 
 
So if you are an Express developer, you’ll earn an average of $75-$95 per hour in the United States. The more senior you are, the more you can increase your rate — and we’ve seen Express.js developers with rates of over $110. 

The rate range for AngularJS experts

Lastly, let’s discuss AngularJS. On average, an AngularJS developers’ hourly rate in the US is $85, based on our own insights. With the increasing rate of job postings, Angularjs developers will find tremendous opportunities particularly in areas such as Chicago, IL, and its surroundings.

In Europe, we see ranges from €70 to €85 per hour on average – while in India this is quite a bit lower. So let’s discuss the rates between those three areas!

JavaScript Rates in the US, India, & Europe

With JavaScript being used in virtually all modern web applications, games, servers, and websites, JavaScript developers have become in high demand. And while we can talk about different frameworks and libraries, clients often simply look at vanilla JavaScript skills and the geography of developers to determine what they want to pay a freelancer.

So what are common freelance javascript developer hourly rates in the US, India and Europe?

Freelance JavaScript dev rates in the United States

Depending on who you ask, the average freelance JavaScript developer’s hourly rate in the United States is anywhere between $50 and $80. For example, based on our data, we see an average of $75. 

However, the figures are way higher if you check out pay rates available on top-ranking freelance platforms. For example, if you secure a job through a ‘premium’ freelance website like TopTal, you could earn up to $150 hourly.

Sure, figures like this may look promosing; however, to secure them, you’ll require a very high skill level in the field. 

 

Rates of freelance JavaScript engineers in Europe

Freelance developer hourly rates in Western Europe actually look quite similar to those in the United States — but then with a Euro-sign in front. 

From our data, we can see javascript developers get paid between €55 (the lowest rate) and €125 (the highest rate). The average is €83,22. Note that this changes on a daily basis, considering we actually ask freelancers to share their rates in our database.

Generally rates in the UK are a bit lower, and freelancers often get paid by day instead of by hour. In addition, we see that freelance rates in Central or Eastern Europe also are lower. If you’re from Central or Eastern Europe, you can expect javascript rates of between around €30 and €65 per hour.

Hourly rates of JavaScript developers in India

Lastly, let’s discuss India. India is an incredibly large and rich country — and javascript devs from India work for countries all over the world. Particularly remote-working websites like Upwork or Fiverr attract a lot of talent from India. 

We see that the rates here are usually a bit lower than in Eastern Europe. As mentioned before, there are developers who ask just $15 per hour, but we wouldn’t recommend that! In India, a starting rate of $20 or $25 would work, and depending on your level of expertise and communication, that may go up to $50 or more.

Let’s wrap it up

There you have it! In this article, we’ve covered the rates of javascript developers all over the world — considering different libraries and frameworks. Hopefully you can use this information to set (or increase!) your own hourly rate, and enjoy life as a freelancer.

Do you want to know more about rates? Check out our article on how to set your rate as a freelance software developer, or continue on our blog.

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