Revenue in the AR & VR market is projected to reach US$31.12bn in 2023. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2027) of 13.72%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$52.05bn by 2027.
This can make it a challenge to find the right talent for your organization. From freelancing platforms to software development companies, there are many sites to hire augmented reality developers.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality is a technology that adds sensory elements to real-life environments. Both augmented and virtual realities use simulated elements. However, there's a key difference between the two. Virtual reality creates self-contained worlds separate from the environment. Augmented reality adds elements to the user's surrounding space. For instance, an app can project 3D furniture images in an empty corner.
A Quick History of AR Tech
Augmented reality is an adaptable technology. While it first emerged in the 1960s, it has since seen the most extensive growth within the last decade. Google introduced wearable AR tech to consumers in 2014 with its proprietary Google Glass spectacles. Microsoft's HoloLens AR headset debuted in 2016. That same year, the popular game Pokemon Go brought AR tech to consumers on a massive scale.
Current Uses of Augmented Reality
Augmented reality can operate on many kinds of devices. Smartphones and tablets can project AR elements into users' environments. For instance, Google's mobile search includes 3D animals that people can project into their immediate spaces.
Wearables such as AR headsets and smartwatches offer even more capabilities. Mobile device makers like Apple are eying augmented reality for new smartwatch features. Future capabilities may include projecting maps, text messages and media into real space.
Augmented reality is also transforming modern medicine. Physical therapists are putting AR to use in neuromotor rehabilitation, chronic pain management and more. Augmented reality technologies have made their way into several other fields:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Travel and hospitality
- Education
- Logistics and shipping
- Retail
Why You Need AR Developers
Augmented reality will continue to transform our lives. In the public and private sectors, more organizations are finding applications for AR as increasing numbers of professional and personal interactions are taking place online. This technology is one key to meeting customers' needs and staying competitive in the current market.
Smart uses of AR go far beyond cool novelty apps. They should add real value for your constituents. Your organization must hire augmented reality developers with the necessary skills and experience.
AR Developer Skillsets
Augmented reality developers create sensory stimuli projected into real spaces. These projects call for specialized experience and skills:
- C#, C++ and object-oriented programming
- Python, React, Java and Javascript proficiencies
- SDK platforms and tools like ARCore, Wikitude and ARkit
- Experience with user interface and user experience (UI/UX) development
- Graphic design and 3D modeling
- 3D game engines such as Unreal and Unity
AR Developers Salary
Payscale reveals that the average annual base salary for an AR developer is around $82,000. This figure can vary based on factors such as the specific job role and the scope of work performed. Salaries also vary by market, but remote work may affect this trend.
For freelance augmented reality developers, compensation works differently. These professionals receive hourly pay or lump-sum pay for completed projects. A quick review of AR developer profiles on Upwork reveals that pay rates can range between $20 and $95 per hour. A few factors can impact this rate:
- The freelancer's specific skills
- Previous development experience
- Project requirements
Candidate Hiring Solutions
Companies usually consider three options to hire augmented reality developers: full-time, part-time and freelancing. The first two options are direct-hire, which creates an employer-employee relationship with the developer. Direct hires may work part-time or full-time, depending on your organization's requirements. Freelancers work independently, completing projects according to your specs.
Each option has unique benefits and challenges:
- Full-time: Bringing on a full-time employee can result in higher productivity, consistency and a positive ongoing relationship. In exchange, the employee receives a salary plus benefits. Costs often increase when selecting full-time hires. These encompass benefits, health insurance and vacation time.
- Part-time: While part-time employees typically do not get benefits, they enjoy flexibility with shorter work hours. This is often ideal for professionals who are in school or raising families. Employers enjoy productivity with reduced costs.
- Freelance: Freelancing remains a popular option for many reasons. Both professionals and clients enjoy the flexibility. Software developers are free to choose or decline assignments, plus set working hours and conditions. Companies benefit from scalability, using freelance talent only as needed.
Finding Freelance AR Developers
Vetting candidates can be a major challenge in finding talent. This process can take up precious time needed for other mission-critical tasks. Recruiting platforms can simplify the process of selecting AR developers. When evaluating platforms and services, you should keep three things in mind:
- Look for sites with a rigorous applicant selection process.
- Consider promised turnaround times for finding candidates.
- Review the service's payment options and policies.
Following this advice can help you get the best talent in the fastest possible time. By using a service that offers prescreened talent, you can easily request more developers if your project needs change.
Tips for Selecting the Best AR Developers
Choosing the right sites to hire augmented reality developers is one important step. Ultimately, you must also evaluate candidates for yourself. You'll select them based on project criteria, so it's vital to review examples of their past work. Besides technical proficiencies and experience, you should look for other important traits:
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
- Self-motivation, proven track record and capacity to work independently
- Exceptional client feedback and reviews
There are a few more pointers to aid you in evaluating and choosing freelance talent. Provide detailed explanations of your project: its structure, functions and purposes. Speak with each freelancer over the phone to get a feel for interpersonal dynamics. If possible, offer a paid trial to judge reliability and understanding of your project. Once you want to move forward with a particular freelancer, make sure you've prepared critical paperwork. A nondisclosure agreement can help protect proprietary information and intellectual property.
Hiring Augmented Reality developers - FAQs
- Where can I find Augmented Reality developers for hire?
- Toptal
- Gigster
- Upwork
- X-Team
- Matellio
Explore more sites in our comprehensive list of top companies.
- How Do I Hire Augmented Reality Developers?
Augmented reality can transform your organization’s interactions with clients, consumers and others in multiple ways, and developers need specialized skills to customize your application or product successfully. When planning your project, determine your goals, budget, timeline, the number of augmented reality developers you’ll need and whether you’ll utilize part-time, full-time or freelance personnel. Look for candidates with:
- 3-D animation experience
- UX design proficiency
- Familiarity with machine learning implementations
- In-depth knowledge of AR frameworks and software development kits
Use top sites to post job descriptions or find candidates through talent matching services or perusing developer profiles.
- Why Should You Hire an Augmented Reality Developer?
Developed in the late 20th century as a novelty, augmented reality has multiple uses today. Pokemon Go, released in 2016, uses AR. While many games still use this technology, it also has several practical uses in various fields, including:
- Construction, logistics and shipping
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Medical training and services
- Retail
Augmented reality combines computer-generated content with real-world situations to create immersive and interactive user experiences. Shoppers can see what products would look like in their homes, for example. Photo filters use augmented reality also.
With the diversity of potential applications, many organizations and businesses can benefit from including augmented reality in their portfolios.
- How Much Does It Cost To Hire an Augmented Reality Developer?
The U.S. average yearly salary for augmented reality developers is $119,071 or $57 per hour, although salaries range from $79,000 to $159,000. Compensation varies depending on location, skill level and years of experience. Freelancers typically cost less, yet can produce high-quality work.
- Are Augmented Reality Developers In Demand?
Projections indicate the augmented reality market will experience a compound annual growth rate of 29% between 2023 and 2027. Talented developers will continue to be in high demand.