Having been working in PHP since about 2007, things have obviously changed a lot in the PHP world. The language and community have grown tremendously, and things like Laravel and Composer have really put PHP in a new and exciting place.
However, I know that the types of PHP work really varies - from
small scripts and Wordpress sites, to complex Laravel apps, mobile APIs, etc.
And so, I'm very curious what sort of hourly rates people charge for different types of PHP based freelance work. I know its location specific, so please include that. Doesn't have to be anything definite, I'm just curious what the ballpark is and if developers are finding they can achieve the rates they seek.
I only do Laravel period. I've learned the hard way not to quote a price until I look at code if it's an update or add feature. I generally charge 20-30% more for updates versus a new app. But if I have plugins or code snippets (like auth with roles or blog etc, simple things most sites need/want) I charge a flat fee to add. Extensive custom or one off features I estimate by the hour.
Obviously full scope doc before any work and signed contract. With any changes docs are updated and signed before moving forward.
I generally have no issue getting what I ask for monetarily, but so many new clients want everything for free. So if they low ball me they can hire someone else.
@jekinney thanks for your response. Glad to hear you're able to just do Laravel (lucky)! and that you stand your ground on low ball offers. Out of curiosity, what area / city are you based?
Sorry for the delay, I usually check VIA mobile and no notifications there yet!
First of I am retired Military so I always have some income and that gives me more confidence I think. It's not enough to live but it is a security blanket. I state this as an explanation for my arrogance/confidence :). With that said I came from C# and hated the culture with all the places I had to deal with. Seemed it was do it this way because we always have done it this way.
Then I picked up Laravel and started meeting other Laravel devs and it was more collaboration then do it mentality. Though I had some PHP jobs where the old guy was the same way as .net. Why update from PHP 4.0 when it works, well, mostly works.........
