There are two ways to hire NetSuite developers: you can either hire a full-time developer for about $9,000 or more per month, or work with a freelance NetSuite developer for around $10 to $60 per hour.
The cost differences between hiring a full-time employee and using a freelance developer are significant, which is why we highly recommend that businesses with limited budgets go the freelance-developer route. In this post, we’ll dive deeper into the true costs of hiring a freelance NetSuite developer and how you can get the most for your money.
Factors Influencing the Cost of a Netsuite Developer
Here are three main factors that determine how much you’ll need to pay for a NetSuite developer.
Skills and Expertise
An entry-level NetSuite developer will cost less than someone with more expertise, but they may not have much hands-on experience. Nonetheless, a newer developer should still have a sound knowledge of the following:
- NetSuite environment
- SuiteScript
- SuiteFlow
- SuiteTalk API
- Scripting languages like JavaScript
- Basic web-development skills (familiarity with CSS, HTML, etc.)
- Basic database knowledge
You can assess their expertise by reviewing their certifications for the basics listed above. It’s also a plus if they have great communication skills and the willingness to adapt and learn.
On the other hand, experienced developers will be more expensive, but working with them may also mean quicker turnarounds and smoother workflows. Owing to their experience, they will also have better problem-solving skills and be a valuable addition to your team.
Supply and Demand
Of course, if there’s a high demand for NetSuite developers and a low supply of certified professionals when you’re hiring, their rates will be higher. You can determine if market demand is high with a simple Google search. If you don’t have the time to study industry reports or to reach out to recruitment agencies about the demand-supply gap, you can always use Guru to find your answer.
Simply head to our homepage and check the number of projects looking for NetSuite developers. Next, take a look at the number of NetSuite developers that are available. If the number of projects is larger than the number of developers, there’s a good chance you’ll be paying a higher rate for your NetSuite developer.
Project Complexity and Scope
This is the factor that can most influence the cost of a NetSuite developer. The more complex your project is, the more you’ll have to pay.
To determine how complex your project is, estimate the number of hours required for the project and the skills that will be needed. The more hours and advanced skills needed, the more complex your project is.
Examples of NetSuite Projects to Guide You
Here are two examples of NetSuite projects to give you an idea of how to scope yours:
Example 1: Simple NetSuite Development Project
- Project Description: Customizing a NetSuite form layout and creating a basic SuiteScript workflow to automate processing
- Required Skills: NetSuite fundamentals, basic SuiteScript knowledge, familiarity with SuiteScript 1.0 or 2.0, form customization, basic integration skills, and reporting
- Expected Hours: Ten to twenty hours
Example 2: Complex NetSuite Development Project
- Project Description: Implementing a highly customized NetSuite solution for a multinational e-commerce company, involving extensive SuiteScript development, integration with external systems, complex workflows, and advanced reporting requirements
- Required Skills: Proficiency in SuiteScript 1.0 or 2.0, form customization, SuiteScript libraries and APIs, SuiteFlow, integrations, advanced reporting and analytics, and performance optimization
- Expected Hours: 200 to 300 hours
Freelance NetSuite Developers: Cost Structures
Freelance NetSuite developers charge in either of these two ways:
Hourly Rates
As mentioned earlier, the hourly rate of a freelance NetSuite developer can range from $10 to $60. For complex projects, the rate may even shoot up to $150 per hour.
This pricing model is appropriate for simple and small-scale projects.
Project-Based Pricing
A lump sum price for an entire project is something you’ll decide and pitch to freelancers. We recommend considering all the factors above to come up with a fair price.
For NetSuite projects, the price could lie anywhere between $100 and $45,000.
In Summary
In addition to the freelancer developer charges, you need to create a budget for platform fees and NetSuite implementation costs. You’ll find that Guru has one of the most competitive fee structures in the industry, so you won’t have to worry about this if you’re hiring professionals from a reliable platform like Guru!
