10 MIN READ

The 15 best sites to hire Augmented Reality developers in 2023

Updated on May 26, 2023

Platforms to find talented Augmented Reality developers Toptal

What we liked the most:

World-class talent
Two-week trial period
No-risk engagements

Augmented Reality (AR) is an exciting technology that's transforming the way we interact with the world. Hiring an experienced AR developer can help you leverage this technology to enhance your business or create engaging experiences for your audience. In this guide, we'll explore the key skills to look for in AR developers and recommend the best platforms to find top talent.

Here are the top 15 sites to hire freelance Augmented Reality developers:

Based on facts publicly available as of 01.01.2023

1. Toptal

Launched in 2010, Toptal connects companies with elite top-tier freelancers from all over the globe. It specifically focuses on tech talent, with a rigorous screening process that only the top 3% of applicants pass. Other keys to its success include a quality guarantee, no recruiting fees and a no-risk free trial. Toptal recruits in-demand talent such as React, iOS, Android and augmented reality developers.

2. Gigster

Gigster calls itself a fully managed software delivery platform. Established in 2014, the company operates out of San Francisco. Besides finding talent for client projects, it also assembles a project team with a dedicated project manager. Gigster's development teams handle these projects at every stage from start to finish. Clients also have access to reporting, support and documentation. The company's strict standards ensure that it only recruits the top 1% of applicants.

3. Upwork

Launched in 2015, Upwork recruits talent from a wide range of fields. The San Francisco-based firm offers three approaches for companies to find qualified freelancers. Clients can post jobs and hire augmented reality developers. It also has talent scouting services and customizable ready-to-purchase projects. On Upwork, clients can review applicants' work samples and previous client reviews, and directly interview applicants. The app comes with tools like video conferencing, file sharing and progress tracking.

4. X-Team

X-Team partners with its clients to provide long-term development solutions. The company offers dedicated engineering teams to its clients. Teams can have up to 100 members, depending on a client's needs and the scope of its projects. The firm's team-oriented approach has attracted major clients such as Riot Games and Sony. Founded in 2006, X-Team also offers ongoing support to clients. Dedicated team sizes are scalable and contract terms are flexible. The skills offered range from artificial intelligence engineering to game development.

5. Matellio

Established in 2012, Matellio is a software engineering studio harnessing both on- and off-short talent. Headquartered in San Jose, the firm has over 200 engineers in its network plus a collaborative relationship with remote development teams in India. Matellio boasts a large menu of services that includes augmented reality development for its clients’ websites and custom applications. Major clients include Hewlett-Packard, AirFusion, CardGlobal, and PTGI.

6. Guru

Launched in 1998, Guru links clients with highly skilled, vetted and verified freelance professionals. It helps companies find world-class talent, including graphic designers, engineers and application developers. Clients can create free job postings, hire freelancers and track their work using the WorkRooms feature. Guru boasts a 99% customer satisfaction rate plus secure payment, flexible payment terms and 24/7 support. The company operates out of Pittsburgh and Noida, India.

7. CGHero

Established in 2016, CGHero offers a visual approach to choosing content creation specialists. Based in the United Kingdom, the company connects clients with pre-vetted freelancers. Available talent includes freelance augmented reality developers, 3D modeling professionals and digital illustrators. Companies can browse freelancer profiles to see visual samples of their work.

8. Truelancer

Truelancer is a global platform that connects clients with design and development professionals. Founded in 2014, it operates out of New Delhi. Freelancers search the platform for projects that fit their unique skillsets. Clients submit project briefs, review freelancer proposals and interview candidates. Companies also have the option of hosting design contests to find qualified talent. Truelancer curates freelance talent based on skillsets. The freelancers' skills include Python, React, Unity and augmented reality development.

9. Freelancer

Freelancer brands itself as the world's largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace. The platform boasts over 57 million freelancers and companies from over 240 countries. Clients can post project briefs or contests on the platform. From there, they hire augmented reality developers whose skills and experience best meet their needs. The Australian firm provides 24/7 support along with secure payment options and a mobile app to track and manage projects.

10. Workana

Established in 2012, Workana is a global remote work program with over 3 million freelancers and 600,000 clients. This company recruits freelancers from several career fields. Companies looking for talent can post projects, receive proposals and choose a professional. Freelancers receive payment upon successful project delivery and client approval. The site also offers an enterprise service. Workana Enterprise creates teams of freelancers dedicated to specific clients' projects.

11. Upstack

Upstack is a New York-based firm offering a global pool of talent. Each client works with a dedicated account manager. The company then matches freelance developers with the appropriate skills for clients' projects. Upstack lets each client start risk-free to confirm if a recommended freelancer is a good fit. Developer skills range from Java and .NET to Python and React. Since 2017, Upstack has supplied talent for companies like IKEA, Squarespace and TaskRabbit.

12. Arc.Dev

Launched in 2019, Arc.Dev describes itself as a remote career platform. The California-based company vets candidates through extensive evaluations. Applicants go through a screening process like those used by Silicon Valley firms. Only 2.3% of applicants successfully pass this process, resulting in an exclusive pool of freelancing talent. Arc.Dev's clients include Spotify, Chegg and Techstars.

13. Fiverr

Fiverr is a global marketplace in which freelancers offer digital services. These professionals' expertise ranges from content writing to augmented reality development. Based in Tel Aviv, the Israeli company connected freelancers and clients since 2010. Besides its free searches, the company also offers Fiverr Teams. This service matches clients with the qualified talent they need. Key benefits include project-based pricing, around-the-clock support and protected payments.

14. Gravity Jack

Gravity Jack is a Spokane-based company offering full-service software development. Since its founding in 2009, the firm has worked with clients such as Ford, Samsung and Lockheed Martin. Gravity Jack specializes in augmented reality plus virtual reality, websites and mobile apps. Clients hire the company directly and its in-house design and development teams complete each client's projects.

15. Iflexion

Iflexion is an Austin-based company specializing in both web and mobile app development. The firm offers both virtual and augmented reality solutions on many devices and platforms. The company's in-house teams use AR development tools like ARKit, Unity and ARCore. Since 1999, Iflexion has delivered solutions for clients such as Toyota, Expedia and Philips.

Not happy with this selection?
Send Us Feedback

Guide to hiring great freelance Augmented Reality developers

With the growing use of augmented reality technology, AR designers are in high demand. 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.