25 MIN READ

How to hire freelance Algorithm developers in 2024

Updated on October 09, 2024
Platforms to find talented Algorithm developers
Toptal

What we liked the most:

  • 98% Hiring Success
  • Fast Matching within 48 hours
  • Risk-Free Trial for up to 5 Days
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Hired

What we liked the most:

  • Vetted developers
  • Short- & Long-term engagements
  • Different payment options
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Freelancer

What we liked the most:

  • Affordable software developers
  • Try before you buy
  • Trusted by leading brands
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Kelly Wilson
Written by Kelly Wilson

Strategist and entrepreneur, with experience in hiring developers across various industries. Kelly has established herself as a trusted expert in identifying and recruiting top tech talent. She shares advanced tips on how to identify the right talent, create hiring strategies, develop your tech teams and much more.

Expertise: IT Recruiting, Tech, Marketing

Building efficient and optimized software requires expertise in algorithms. Our comprehensive hiring guide equips you with the knowledge and strategies to find skilled algorithm developers. Discover expert insights, practical tips, and a step-by-step approach to evaluate candidates and build a top-notch algorithm development team. With insights into assessing technical proficiency, reviewing project experience, and exploring top talent platforms, our guide empowers you to create software solutions that are both powerful and efficient.

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Here are the top 5 sites to hire freelance Algorithm developers

Based on facts publicly available as of 01.01.2024

1. Toptal

Toptal is an excellent platform for hiring managers who are too busy to spend time vetting candidates but also need strong talent for their projects. Toptal's vetting process is thorough, and less than 3% of the tested developers make the cut to be in its network. The high-caliber freelancers can get just about any developing job done, regardless of how advanced or specific, it is. Toptal's services are also scalable, so you can get the world-class talent you're looking for regardless of the size of your business or projects.

Key points:

  • Enjoy a risk-free trial for up to 5 days.
  • Completed over 60,000 projects for 25K+ satisfied clients.
  • Trustpilot rating of 4.8 out of 5.

2. Hired

For over a decade, Hired has been connecting businesses to developers and IT professionals. It also has a good built-in vetting process, so Hired is a great option for hiring managers who are short on time and need quality hires quickly.

Key points:

  • Gain a dedicated account manager and more features with an annual subscription.
  • Post positions, filter developers, or utilize Hired talent-matching service.
  • Work preferences and skill assessment results help you identify compatible developers.

3. Freelancer

If you're seeking to hire algorithm developers quickly, Freelancer is worth considering. The bidding system is trusted by some of the biggest brands in the world, such as Boeing and Microsoft, and it can get you to the right professional in just a few minutes.

Key points:

  • Find developers from every skill level for various positions.
  • Source candidates with contests, job posts, profile searches, or talent matching.
  • No project is too large or too small.

4. Gigster

Gigster is another useful tool for finding all kinds of developers, and its Elastic Staffing feature makes it a flexible option for finding the right people. It's also trusted by some big names, such as Google and Stanford University.

Key points:

  • Gigster provides fully managed teams to handle your project.
  • Project parameters determine pricing that Gigster outlines in a free proposal.
  • After approval, your team typically needs two weeks to begin working.

5. Arc.dev

Arc.dev does a ton of legwork for you by using its very rigorous vetting process to find the right candidates for your project. It's a great option if you're short on time and willing to pay for a streamlined process.

Key points:

  • Just 2.3% of Arc applicants pass rigorous vetting.
  • Receive a freelancer shortlist in 24 hours and hire selected developers in 72.
  • Identify, interview, and onboard full-time developers in two weeks.

Guide to hiring great freelance Algorithm developers

When it comes to hiring algorithm developers for a project, it's important to know what to look for and what costs to expect. A qualified algorithm developer should have a strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages. They should also have experience with software development methodologies and be able to collaborate effectively with other team members. As for costs, the salary for an algorithm developer can vary depending on their experience and skill level, but it's generally higher than average due to the specialized nature of the work. To make the hiring process easier, businesses can turn to resources such as Toptal, which connects them with world-class professionals who have expertise in specific areas. This can reduce the stress involved in finding the right talent for the project and ensure that it's completed successfully.

Other hiring sites such as Upwork offer similar access to professionals who work in development, but due to the fact that these sites don't do as much vetting before, they may not offer recruiters as much efficiency. So while Upwork or Gigster can be a good resource for you, just keep in mind that the quality of the talent you find might be less consistent, and you may need to spend more time considering your options for who to hire.

What does an algorithm developer do?

Algorithm developers specialize in the use of computer algorithms for businesses. Algorithm developers are especially vital for organizations that perform a lot of data mining or similar activities.

Some of the ways that algorithm developers use algorithms are to create artificial intelligence applications and machine learning. They also apply algorithms for the development of cloud computing, which plays a huge role in a business's ability to keep its data streamlined, organized, and readily available to the right people while keeping it secure.

It doesn't have to take a lot of energy to hire algorithm developers, either. With the companies listed above, including Toptal and Upwork, you can easily find the right team members, whether you're looking to hire for a remote, on-site, freelance, or full-time position.

Why hire a dedicated algorithm developer?

The right time to hire an algorithm developer is when your business is in need of better data management and computer algorithm simplicity. For example, if your overall IT infrastructure is disorganized or difficult to use, an algorithm developer can work to simplify it and leverage the data for better monetary use and efficiency.

Another great time to hire an algorithm developer is when your website, apps, or other IT software is experiencing significant problems that your in-house developers or team are not equipped to handle. Algorithm developers are capable of high-end, advanced troubleshooting, and sometimes all it takes is a short-term contract with one of these developers to get your business out of a rut.

What skills to look for when hiring an algorithm developer

When you hire algorithm developers for your business, there are several things to look for in order to ensure that you find a good candidate who can handle your project. Some of the more industry-specific skills and qualifications to look for include:

  • Mathematical proficiency
  • Computer programming experience
  • Proficiency with programming languages such as Python, C++, and Java
  • Software troubleshooting experience
  • History of results

Soft skills that will come into play include:

  • Interpersonal skills
  • Strong communication
  • Timeliness
  • Ability to collaborate
  • Ability to teach and explain things on any level
  • Consistency and follow-through

These are some of the most important things to look for in any candidate in this field.

How much does it cost to hire an algorithm developer

Needless to say, such a specialized field is not an inexpensive investment, and it's important to know your budget before you hire algorithm developers for any project. These developers make anywhere from $90,872 to $133,310 per year, and that means that even smaller and shorter projects and contracts can get expensive.

How to find a great freelance algorithm developer for hire

When you're deciding which site to use to hire algorithm developers, think especially about the amount of work you will need to take on to use each one. You may be in a situation where you can afford more time and energy toward vetting candidates and interviewing potential team members, in which case a less expensive (but less thorough) option might be okay.

But if you're in dire need of time and energy to put toward other priorities (as many of us are), it's a good idea to stick with one of the top sites that do a lot of the initial legwork for you, such as Toptal or Hired. It's also helpful, especially if your background isn't in software or computer development, to bring other team members in for input regarding what to look for in your algorithm developer hires.

If you're looking to hire algorithm developers, use this list of sites as a resource for simplifying your search and connecting your business to the right people for the job.

Hiring Algorithm developers - FAQs

How Do I Hire Algorithm Developers?

You’ll need to provide recruiters, talent-matching specialists and job seekers with vital project-based information, such as:

  • Developer work schedules and project longevity
  • Targeted start date
  • Scope, nature and goals
  • Required skill sets
  • Employment status (employee or freelance; part-time or full-time)

Compare the benefits of the top sites we listed, including hiring options and speed, candidate quality, pricing and reliability, to decide which ones to investigate further. 

During your project viability study, you developed a working budget. Ensure that you can stay within budget when hiring the developers you select.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire an Algorithm Developer?

The average yearly salary for U.S. algorithm developers is $144,291, or $69 per hour. Annual earnings range from $70,000 to $194,000, varying with project complexity, location, skill levels and years of experience.

Are Algorithm Developers in Demand?

Many industries use algorithm-based software to analyze data, including mathematics, logistics, social media and marketing. Algorithms are behind many everyday functions, and their uses expand regularly. The demand for algorithm developers should continue increasing rapidly, between 25% and 35%, until 2032.

What does an Algorithm developer do?
Algorithm developers work with computer algorithms to solve more complex problems that businesses face in their IT infrastructure and applications. They often work as freelance developers but are also sometimes hired full-time by businesses. Some algorithm developers also have skills and experience in other kinds of tech development.
What is algorithm software?
Algorithm software is essentially a problem-solving resource that is programmed into computers to help them handle issues. You can think of algorithms as procedures that instruct a computer on how to do things. Algorithms are at the core of how computers work.
How much does it cost to hire an algorithm developer?
The ultimate cost of hiring algorithm developers depends upon several factors, such as whether you're hiring them for the short or long term and how experienced they are. Annual salaries for algorithm developers can range from $90,872 on the low end up to $133,310 on the upper end of the spectrum. Depending upon the fees you might pay for finding the right talent, you can expect to pay a freelance algorithm developer anywhere from $7,500 to $10,000 or more for a short contract of just one month.

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