Businesses wish to keep up with the competition, and one way to do it is to build a website or a web app. With most companies now online, those who need a website are looking for the best team to build it. The USA is full of great options for web app development services. In this article, we will talk about what it’s like to develop a web app in the USA. We’ll look at the good and bad points, discuss how much it may cost, check out some of the top web development companies you can work with, and compare the USA with both Asia and Europe.

Global web development state

Let’s crunch some numbers. In 2023, we’ve hit a milestone: 71% of businesses now have their own websites. This leap forward is largely thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed companies to move online as stores closed and people worked from home. Being online meant staying in business and reaching customers anywhere, anytime. Now, companies that have an online presence, have higher chances of staying competitive and attracting new customers.

Reports show that as of now, there are over 1.11 billion websites online, though more than 82% of them are inactive. Still, the number is impressive and the competition is intense, as each day, developers roll out thousands of sites, and this growth isn’t slowing down, with predictions suggesting a year-on-year expansion of the web development industry at a robust rate.

The global web development market is dynamic, varied, and full of opportunity. For entrepreneurs, finding the perfect web development partner might take some time, but remember: this is an investment in your brand’s online presence and future growth. As with any decision that can directly impact the success of your business, it pays to do your research to implement the right choice. If you’re looking for web developers in the United States, we’ll cover the benefits and limitations of using web app development services in the US.

Pros and cons of web app development services in the USA

The US is a big player in technology and stays on top thanks to new ideas, lots of skilled people, and a strong culture of starting new businesses. Let’s look at the good and bad sides for anyone thinking about using web development services in America:

Pros:

• Cutting-edge technology

  American web app development services often lead in adopting the latest technologies. From advanced frameworks to innovative web apps, these companies keep your business at the forefront of digital trends, giving you a competitive advantage. The United States’ tech innovations hub, notably Silicon Valley, stands as a testament to its dominant role in web technology advancement. The region’s convergence of heavyweight tech firms, enterprising startups, and creative web development agencies creates a fertile ecosystem for modern web solutions.

• Talent pool

  The US is known for its talented and diverse pool of developers. Having access to top-notch professionals including graduates from prestigious institutions like Stanford and MIT, means your web project can be as innovative and complex as you desire, with a high standard of quality and creativity.

• Strong legal frameworks

  Working with a US-based service provides robust legal protection. Intellectual property laws are stringent, ensuring your ideas and digital products are well-protected against theft or plagiarism.

• Superior communication

  If your company is located in North America, working with a development team in the same time zone can ease communication. Face-to-face meetings are more feasible, and language barriers are minimal, allowing for clear, direct conversations about your project’s progress. US web development companies work with clients from all over the world, which helps them meet different needs and shape how the web is used globally. This makes them a popular choice for those who want to tap into the energy and forward-thinking ideas of the US tech scene.

Cons:

• Higher costs

  Quality comes at a price, and US web app development services often come with a higher price tag. For startups or businesses with tight budgets, the investment may be significant compared to offshore options.

• Time zone challenges

  If you’re not based in the US, time zone differences can hinder communication and delay feedback, potentially slowing down project progress.

• Potentially unnecessary features

  American web developers pride themselves on innovation, but sometimes that can lead to over-engineering. It’s essential to keep your focus on features that serve your business needs, rather than getting sidetracked by the latest bells and whistles.

• Laws differ depending on the state

  Different states have different laws to protect personal information, like California’s CPRA and Virginia’s VCDPA. There are also many other states planning to introduce their rules, each with its own specific requirements and consequences if you don’t follow them.

Selecting the ideal web app development service is akin to choosing a business partner — you want a reliable, skillful team that can translate your vision into digital reality. Weigh these pros and cons carefully to ensure that the service you choose aligns with your goals, budget, and expectations.

State of web app development in the USA

First things first: costs. According to SalaryExpert, average salaries for web developers stand at $101,823 a year, but this figure is just part of the story. Salaries vary widely based on several factors including location, expertise, and company size. Here’s what different job sites report on salaries:

• ZipRecruiter reports an average of $87,739.
• Glassdoor’s figure comes in at $81,944.
• The Economic Research Institute offers the high end at $100,391.
• PayScale highlights a more conservative estimate of $62,873.
• Indeed suggests an average of $82,893.
• U.S. News posits $77,030 as the average.
• CareerExplorer notes $69,038.
• SimplyHired lists $79,248.
• Salary.com reports $76,623.

As of 2022, the number of web developers and designers in the USA stood at approximately 200,000. Looking ahead to 2032, projections indicate that this figure is set to surge past the 229,000 mark.

Web app development services across the US states and cities

It’s important to understand the geographical nuances in the US. Each state and city boasts its unique ecosystem, creating a diverse landscape of talent and pricing. Here’s a glimpse into how web development stacks up across various American regions.

The US ranks second in the world, just behind Asia, with a robust developer population of around 4.4 million. California, Texas, and New York emerged as the top three states in both the number of developers and software developer job openings, making them crucial hubs for entrepreneurial ventures in tech.

Web development isn’t a monolith; it involves various technologies and expertise. From data gathered from a US web design agency, here’s how developers are distributed across the states according to tech specialization:

• Java: Known for its versatility, Java continues to be a popular choice. However, developers skilled in Java are distributed unevenly across states, with tech hubs commanding the greater numbers.
• Python: This language is favored for its readability and simplicity. Python developers are sought-after, yet availability varies from one region to another. High demand often correlates with higher salary offerings for Python expertise.
• PHP: Despite newer technologies, PHP remains a staple in web development. The number of PHP developers also differs by state, influenced by local market demands and the presence of industries reliant on this language.

Indeed reports that web developers in San Francisco have the highest salaries, with an average of $127,499 a year. Atlanta’s developers are next, earning $102,335, and those in Houston also do well, making $97,717 on average. If you’re seeking competitive development talent, these cities are worth your attention. The map here shows where web developers earn the highest salaries in the U.S. The darker areas across the 50 states highlight the highest salaries.

Comparison of the USA market with Asia and Europe

When you’re looking to hire web app development services, the global market offers a variety of options, each with its advantages. Let’s compare what Asia and Europe have to offer.

Asia: A diverse IT powerhouse

Asia’s IT sector is diverse, featuring both long-established and up-and-coming players. Japan, China, and India have developed reputations as dependable outsourcing locations. On the rise are countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines — each carving out their own space in the information technology sphere.

Western Europe: Established, skilled, but pricey

Western European tech firms are usually a safe choice for those needing web app development services. The region boasts a strong tech education system and is forward-leaning in emerging technologies like AI and Data Science. Still, the cost of services is quite high, with salaries comparable to those in North America. As such, Western European companies often outsource software services globally to save on costs. They are reliable and skilled but might not be the most budget-friendly option.

Eastern Europe: Quality meets affordability

Eastern Europe stands out as a top choice for outsourcing web development. Besides offering competitive costs, developers here are known for their technical skills. Another bonus is cultural closeness to the West, which often means a smooth, almost seamless teamwork process.

Countries in the Baltic region like Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are seen as especially attractive choices, while places in the Balkans — including Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia — are also popular. Moreover, strong outsourcing communities are noted in Moldova, Ukraine, and Armenia, as well as central countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. Across almost the entire region, IT outsourcing markets stand out for being numerous and skillful. However, there’s variation in costs and skill levels from one Eastern European region to another.

As an Estonian development company, we offer web app development services for businesses from startups to enterprises. A custom web app would cost around $30,000–$50,000, while a corporate website — around $5,000–$8,000. You can examine all the prices and timelines here.

Talking about the cost of web app development services across the globe, you can compare the hourly rates of freelance developers in the USA with other regions by looking at this table:

While the United States offers cutting-edge technology and top-tier talent, businesses must be prepared for higher expenses and a saturated market. In contrast, Eastern Europe provides a balance of skill and cost-effectiveness, along with cultural compatibility, Asia showcases its breadth with both traditional and emerging IT centers, and Western Europe stands out for superior tech education and expertise, albeit at a premium cost. Entrepreneurs must weigh these factors carefully to find the best fit for their web development needs.

Top web development companies in the US

When embarking on the digital journey of creating a web application, selecting the right development partner is a pivotal decision that can help bring your vision to life. There’s a plethora of web app development services in the US to choose from. Clutch and Goodfirms, two reputable business services and review platforms, have identified several top-tier companies to consider. We explore ten such firms to help you find the perfect fit for your web development needs.

From Clutch’s choice:

1. Moburst

   Moburst is a digital powerhouse with a keen focus on helping companies scale and grow. They take pride in fine-tuning web applications to maximize results. As a web development company based in New York, they offer competitive pricing and cater to both startups and established businesses. The team is known for its innovative approaches that mesh modern design with user-friendly functionality.

2. Flatirons

   Flatirons, hailing from the tech hub of Boulder, Colorado, offers more personalized services often preferred by startups and mid-market companies. Their team size allows for agility and tailored solutions in app development dreams. Costs reflect their bespoke service, but the investment often translates to unique, high-quality web applications.

3. Liventus

   With a home base in Chicago, Illinois, Liventus specializes in e-commerce solutions and business automation. They are mid-sized, allowing for a broad range of services without sacrificing the personal touch. Their development costs range, aimed at meeting the needs of diverse clients from small businesses to large corporations.

4. Savas Labs

   Positioned in Raleigh, North Carolina, Savas Labs speaks to those who value a data-driven approach. Their team isn’t the largest, but they pack a punch when it comes to creating high-performance web apps. Savas Labs may not be the cheapest option, but clients will find their investment worthwhile when considering the long-term value of performance and scalability.

5. Outliant

   Outliant is a web development company based in Austin, Texas that thrives on pushing creative boundaries. As a smaller outfit, they excel in delivering personalized experiences and fostering innovation in web development. The cost of their services tends to be more accessible, which is a draw for startups and small businesses.

According to Goodfirms, here are the top picks:

1. SDLC Corp

   Operating out of San Francisco, California, SDLC Corp provides a comprehensive suite of web app development services. They are sizable enough to handle large projects, yet they maintain affordable pricing. Their focus on the software development life cycle ensures that each phase of development is given meticulous attention.

2. Cubix

   Cubix brings a global perspective to web development from its offices in West Palm Beach, Florida. They specialize in a myriad of industries and offer scalable solutions for companies of all sizes. Pricing varies, but Cubix’s prowess in both mobile and web development justifies the investment.

3. Unified Infotech

   New York-based web development company Unified Infotech stands out for its end-to-end solution offerings. Their impressive portfolio includes high-profile clients, indicating their capability to deliver top-notch web applications. While they cater to larger budgets, their expertise in innovation makes them a highly sought-after development partner.

4. Alliance Tek

   Pennsylvania’s Alliance Tek offers tailored software solutions that combine strategic insight with the latest technological advances. Suitable for a broad market segment, from small enterprises to big businesses, they take pride in offering cost-effective services without compromising on quality.

5. OpenXcell

   With a presence in Las Vegas, OpenXcell towers as a giant among app developers, known for their extensive knowledge and resourcefulness. They favor a customer-centric approach, allowing flexible pricing that varies with project complexity and scale. OpenXcell is a good choice if you’re looking for robust web app solutions.

Apart from top web development companies in the US, you can choose to work with Ronas IT. We’re experts in building scalable web applications that meet the business needs of our clients. To check our experience, you can read the UK Retreats case and see how we developed a mobile-first web app that helps people find unusual stays in the UK.

Whichever company you lean towards, remember to consider not only development costs but also factors such as company size, location, and specialization to ensure the perfect fit for your unique web app project. Choose a partner that aligns with your vision, and you’ll be well on your way to making your web app a resounding success.

To conclude

Choosing a web app development service in the USA is a big deal. You’ve got to think about how advanced their technology is, how good their developers are, and how much you’re going to pay. The USA is known for being ahead in technology, but their services can be pricey. You also have to think about different rules in different states.

The USA has many choices if you’re looking for someone to build your website. It’s a place full of new ideas and skilled people who can make advanced web apps. In this article, we’ve given you a lot of information about what to expect from web app development services in the USA. We’ve covered the pros and cons, shared salary info, and even listed some top companies. With this guide, you should feel ready to find the perfect partner to help your business succeed online.

If you consider working with European partners, we’re always ready to help you bring your project to life. Contact us by filling in the form below, and we’ll get back to you to discuss your idea in 24 hours.