How to Hire Swift Developers for Your Next Project: A Complete Guide

The mobile app world is highly competitive. Global mobile app download was 257bn in 2023, where 27 billion apps were downloaded from the Google Play store and approximately 8.1 billion downloads from the Apple App Store.

Therefore, if you have an app idea that needs to be developed for Apple’s device end users, you probably prefer to hire Swift developers.

But, with so many options available, how can you know which Swift developer is right for your project? It is a tough puzzle to solve; right?

We know this particular challenge well, as we have helped countless businesses find the perfect Swift developer for their projects.

In this blog post, we will share some tips on how to hire Swift developers for your app development needs.

So, let’s quickly jump into that, but before that it good idea to clear the basics first.

What is Swift, and how does it differ from other mobile development frameworks?

Swift is a powerful programming language specifically designed to create iOS and macOS applications.  It is open-source and launched by Apple Inc. in 2004. 

It stands out because of its modern syntax and a strong focus on performance and safety. Unlike older languages like Objective-C, Swift is easier to learn and use, which can speed up the development process. 

Features like type inference help reduce common coding mistakes. The use of Swift language makes the code safer and more reliable.

What also makes Swift different from other frameworks is its seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. This means apps developed in Swift can take full advantage of Apple’s hardware and software features. This ultimately gives an opportunity for app holders to offer a better user experience. 

Why are Companies Choosing Swift for iOS App Development?

Swift has been gaining popularity over the past few years, with more and more companies choosing to use it for their projects. Some leading firms, like Uber, Lyft, Facebook, Airbnb, and LinkedIn, chose the Swift programming language to create most of their iOS-based apps. 

From the TIOBE Index for the August 2024 report, Swift is able to make it space among the list of the most popular programming languages. 

But why is Swift so popular and why you should hire app developers who are proficient in Swift language; you might have that questions. Let’s have a look into its advantages that attract app owners to use it for their iOS app development project.

Advantages of Swift Programming Language 

Before we get into how to hire Swift developers, let’s first have a quick overview of the different advantages that Swift language offers. 

1. Performance: Swift is optimized to be fast which makes applications lightweight and consumes as little of resources as is necessary. This will mean the users may be offered a better user experience and therefore result in lowered development expenses. 

2. Safety: An analysis of the structural characteristics of this language shows that it makes coding mistakes less likely in dedicated Swift application development. This can lead to fewer bugs and improved code quality. Also, such type of safety help to minimize the chances of a runtime crash. 

3. Readability: Another advantage that belongs to Swift is that its syntax is clean and free from any complexity which is characteristic of modern programming languages. This leads to an increased rate of development and at the same time enhances the manner in which maintenance will be done. 

4. Integration: Swift is quite compatible with other Apple frameworks and APIs and that makes it possible for developers to deploy advanced features such as augmented reality, machine learning, and natural language processing.

5. Open Source: As a programming language, Swift is open source which means that it can be contributed to and modified by anyone. This can lead to rapid innovation and a thriving community of developers.

6. Interoperability: It means that Swift can actually work appropriately in hand with Objective-C. Hence one is in a position to mix new Swift code with current Objective-C projects. This is what makes the shift to Swift easier for those projects that have begun with Objective-C. 

7. Development Speed: Some characteristics such as type inference and concise language reduce development time and can help in launching new projects in the market faster. 

8. Scalability: It is important to note that Swift’s structure allows for the engineering of large-scale applications. It even supports server-side development, making it a versatile choice for building complex systems.

9. Support for Modern Features: New technologies and developments are integrated into Swift continually so that your applications will be continually enhanced to use the new capabilities once they are developed. 

10. Cross-Platform Potential: Although initially developed for iOS and macOS development, Swift is increasingly being considered for use in server-side development among other uses, and even for cross-platform mobile application development in order to maintain the option of expanding the future development of such projects.

So far, we’ve talked about the Swift programming language and its evolution. Now, let’s look at Swift developers and how to find one for your next iOS or iPhone application development project.

What Does a Swift Developer Do?

Swift developers are in charge of writing code for iOS applications correctly. They usually work on the development and maintenance of these type of applications. This involves tasks such as:

• Designing and implementing new features
• Performing integration with other services and APIs
• Optimizing code to fix bugs and improve performance
• Collaborating with other team members, such as designers, QA engineers, and project managers

Swift developers have a strong understanding of the Swift programming language, as well as the iOS SDK. Besides, they are even skilled in Objective-C. As they are familiar with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines that means they are efficient in developing standard iOS apps. 

So, now, let’s understand the Swift developer’s role and responsibility in more depth.

Swift Developers Roles and Responsibilities

When you are aggressively working on the hiring of Swift programmers, knowing their roles and responsibilities is a crucial step. As said, they are engaged in various tasks from development to deployment. However, some of the important ones are listed below:

1. Writing of entire code for iOS app

Swift coders play a critical role in creating and maintaining high-quality mobile applications for Apple devices. 

Their main task is to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code using Swift. This step taken by them ensures the app runs smoothly and efficiently. They collaborate closely with designers to code the user interface (UI) of the app. The main purpose is to make sure the iOS application is visually appealing and easy to use.

2. Integrate the app with other systems and services

Swift developers also integrate APIs and third-party libraries into the app, allowing it to interact with other software and services seamlessly. This integration is crucial for adding features like payment gateways, social media sharing, and more.

3. Staying updated with the latest industry trends 

Another key responsibility of Swift app developers is to keep themselves aware of new features, tools, and best practices to keep the app current and competitive. This knowledge helps them leverage the latest advancements in Swift and iOS development to enhance the app’s functionality and user experience. 

Besides, they are also required to keep themselves up to date with Apple guidelines. Hire developers from an outsourcing mobile app development company in India who are ready to keep themselves updated with the latest trends.

4. Look after the security of the app

Security is an important aspect of any type of app project. Thus, it is the responsibility of Swift developers to implement best practices and app development approaches for data protection and encryption. This step helps them safeguard user information from potential threats.

5. Optimizing Code  

Swift developers often participate in code reviews, both giving and receiving feedback to improve the overall quality of the codebase. This collaborative effort to optimize code as per requirements helps maintain high coding standards and fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the development team.

6. Deployment of iOS app 

Lastly, Swift developers may also be involved in the deployment process, helping to submit the app to the Apple App Store. While carrying out this process, they ensure the app is meeting all the necessary criteria for approval. They work to resolve any issues that arise during the review process. In short, they aim for a smooth and successful launch.

Hence, as an app owner wishing to hire dedicated Swift developers knowing what their roles are will help you proceed in the right direction.

 Now, let’s get back to one of the most important concerns: how to hire Swift developers?

How To Hire Swift Developer: Step-by-Step Guide

Swift is a popular language, and plenty of developers claim to be experts in it. However, not all those Swift coders claim they are best are right for you.

Thus, hiring a Swift developer can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few quick steps that will help you find the best Swift developers for your project.

Step 1. Have detailed information about your project

You must be entering into this app market with a specific objective. It can be anything. whether developing a trading app or a self-care app. Therefore, the first step in hiring a Swift developer is to gather complete information about the project. 

It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve with your app. 

So, start by asking yourself the following questions:

Q. What features and functionalities do you need?

Suppose you are developing a Chatbot application like ChatGPT. Thus in, will it only perform text queries or will it deal with visual queries too? Should this app needs to be integrated with social media platforms or any other services like payment gateway, etc? 

Gota down all the important features you want to include in your application. The more specific you can be, the better result you can expect from the developer.

Q. What is the project timeline?

Define the deadline for each phase of the project. Do you need a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) within a few months, or do you have a longer timeframe for a fully polished app? This will help the developer in giving you the timeline to develop a project.

Q. What is your budget?

You need to decide on a figure. This means you should know how much you are ready to spend on your dream project. With this, you will get to know whether you will be able to afford a junior or senior developer. Besides, it will even let you decide whether you can hire an in-house developer, freelance developer, or outsource Swift developers.

So before you hire any candidate, be ready with answers. It helps you let the developer understand your goal in a much better way.

Also Read: Guide to Hire AI Developers

Step 2:Identify the Skills a Swift Developer Must Have

It is important that you hire Swift app developers with the right skill sets. That means, when you look for a candidate, pick one whose skill sets match with your requirements.

Since not all projects are the same, the skill set you require in your  Swift developer might be different from others.

Moreover, here’s a closer look at what skill sets a Swift developer must have:

☑️ Swift Proficiency: This is not to be compromised. Swift proficiency is required, which includes knowledge of the latest updates and features. Past experience in writing clean, efficient, well-documented code is a plus. They must have an idea about object programming languages.

☑️ iOS SDK: iOS SDK means the software development kit of iOS. It consists of all those tools that a person basically needs to make iOS applications. When you hire Swift app developers, they need to understand all the different types of frameworks and libraries that are integrated with the SDK. This includes but is not limited to things like UIKit, Core Data, and CloudKit.

☑️ UI/UX Design Principles: An application should be both good-looking and convenient to use. A Swift developer should have at least a basic understanding of how UI/UX design works in order to make interfaces intuitive and beautiful for improved user experiences.

☑️ Xcode Experience: Xcode is the official IDE for developing iOS apps. Hire dedicated Swift developer that should feel comfortable with using Xcode to code, debug, and test applications.

☑️ Version Control: Knowledge of version control systems like Git is vital, providing the functionality to track changes that were made in codebases, a variety of developers to share and work on their code collaboratively. That ensures all changes are traceable and reversible.

☑️ SOLID principles: When you hire Swift programmer, ensure they are proficient in SOLID principles.

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☑️ Experience with macOS and iPad system testing solutions

Evaluate the skill sets of the Swift developers to ensure they meet your project’s needs. 

Besides technical skills, a Swift developer must have good communication skills and must know how to work well in a team. They should also be able to understand the project’s requirements and translate them into code.

Step 3: Prepare Job Description

Since now you know what to develop and what skill sets are required, you can proceed further by preparing a job description. This is one of the most important steps in hiring a Swift developer for any type of iOS or iPhone app development project. 

While preparing them ensure your requirements are clearly written. Include everything from the company overview to the technical requirements. With the use of a job description, you get the best opportunity to share it with different hiring platforms and colleagues. 

Ultimately, with that, you can gather CVs of different Swift developers across the globe. 

Step 4. Post the Job Description To Different Hiring Platforms

Finding the right Swift developer can be challenging, but knowing where to look can make the process easier. Here are some platforms to consider based on your hiring needs:

For Full-Time Employees

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for finding and recruiting full-time employees. You can post job listings, search for candidates with the skills you need, and reach out directly to potential hires.
• Indeed: Indeed is a comprehensive job search engine that aggregates job postings from various sources. It allows you to post jobs and search through a large database of resumes to find candidates.

For IT Vendors

• Clutch: Clutch is a B2B ratings and reviews platform that lists top custom software development companies. You can filter results by location, expertise, and industry to find the right vendor for your needs.
• GoodFirms: GoodFirms is another research and review platform where you can find Swift developers for hire. It offers detailed company profiles and client reviews to help you make an informed decision.

However, if you have any confusion about whether you should hire freelancers or a software development company, look at the table below.

Consider posting your prepared job description on various platforms to attract a diverse pool of candidates. This strategy will help you access CVs from different sources and ensure that you have a wide range of viable candidates for your iOS-based mobile application development project.

Step 5: Look For Referrals

Referrals are an efficient method of locating qualified Swift developers. Inquire with your friends or coworkers if they know any good developers who would be a good fit for your project. Furthermore, it is recommended to visit online forums and discussion boards where developers congregate since they are frequently an excellent source of information.

Thus, to go beyond from general, referrals are a great option when it comes to hiring Swift developers. Start reaching out to your professional networks, including colleagues, partners, and other industry contacts. 

This method can lead to trusted and high-quality candidates who may not be actively looking for new opportunities but are open to the right offer.

While this approach can be time-consuming, it’s often worth the effort, as referred candidates typically come with a strong recommendation. Also, referrals help in reducing the risk of hiring the wrong person.

Step 6: Evaluate Candidate 

Now, after receiving the CVs of different Swift developers, the next step is to screen them in various aspects.  This step will help you in narrowing out the most potential candidate. For that do the below-mentioned things.

➱ Resume Screening

Begin by reviewing the candidates’ resumes. Look for relevant experience in Swift development, such as the number of years they’ve been working with the language, specific projects they’ve completed, and any notable achievements or certifications. 

➱ Technical Assessments

To ensure the candidates have the technical skills required for the job, administer coding tests or technical assessments. These tests should focus on Swift programming, problem-solving, and understanding of iOS development principles. Platforms like HackerRank and Codility offer customizable tests that can help you assess their coding abilities in a controlled environment.

➱ Interviews

After finding a few Swift developers you think might be a good fit, it’s time to start interviewing them. Besides, this step will give you a better idea of their skills and experience. Ask them questions about their experience with Swift, Apple development tools and environment, and object-oriented programming.

➱ Ask For A Trial Project

If you’re unsure whether a candidate is a good fit for your project, ask them to conduct a small trial project. Furthermore, it will provide you with a greater understanding of their abilities and jobs. You can hire them for the entire job if the trial project goes smoothly.

➱ Check Certificates And Degrees

While not all Swift developers have certificates or degrees, it’s good to check them. This will ensure they have the skills they are claiming to have. You can also ask them to provide copies of their certificates and degrees for your records.

However, finding a Swift developer is a time-consuming and patient procedure. So, following these guidelines, you will be able to identify the ideal individual for your project.

Step 7. Check Portfolios and References

Another good way to find Swift developers is to check their portfolios and reviews. This will give you a good idea of their skills and experience. Besides, you can also ask them to provide references so you can speak to other clients they have worked with in the past.

You can also use online services such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal to find qualified Swift developers. These services are an excellent place to start if you’re looking for someone with specific skills and experience.

Step 8. Make an Attractive Offer

Once you’ve identified the right candidate, it’s time to make an offer. To attract top talent for app development using Swift language, your offer should be competitive and clearly outline the role, responsibilities, compensation, and benefits. Consider offering perks such as flexible working hours, remote work options, and professional development opportunities.

Step 9. Onboard Your New Developer

The onboarding process is crucial to ensuring your new Swift app developer integrates smoothly into your team. Start by providing them with all the necessary resources, including access to the codebase, documentation, and any tools they’ll need for the job. Introduce them to the team and clearly outline their role, expectations, and goals.

A well-structured onboarding process not only helps the developer get up to speed quickly but also sets the tone for a positive working relationship. Encourage open communication and provide support as they settle into their new role.

Learn More: Managing Remote Software Development Team

How Much Does it Cost to Hire Swift Developers?

It’s tough to give a definitive answer as rates vary greatly depending on the developer’s skills, experience, and location. However, on average, the cost to hire Swift developers somewhere lies between $25 and $60 per hour.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Experience Level

• Junior Developers: Usually, Swift junior developers have 1-2 years of experience. They will suit simpler projects or tasks under the supervision of some senior developer. Their prices vary in a range from $25 to $60 per hour.
• Mid-level developers: They fall into the category of those who independently can handle more complex projects with experience of about 3 to 5 years. When you hire a Swift app developer that is of mid-level, their average rates stand at around $60-$100 per hour.
• Senior Developers: Experienced Swift developers with 5+ years of experience, having a strong portfolio, and leading complex projects, may quote $100-$150 per hour or even more. This rate is good for leading development teams and high-stakes projects.

2. Geographic Location

The cost to hire remote Swift developers also depends heavily on their location:

Therefore, when you have a question-how much does it cost to hire Swift developers in India? You can expect somewhere between $20 to $50 per hour. 

Wrapping Up!

Swift developers are in high demand. Apple has made Swift one of its primary development languages, and it is quickly becoming the language of choice for many companies. 

Finding the perfect Swift developer is critical to the success of any project, large or small. By following these guidelines, it is to hire a Swift developer who can assist you in achieving your project objectives.Further, you can consider hiring experts from the reputed Swift app development companies like ScalaCode. We have a team of skilled Swift professionals who offer cutting-edge services to businesses. Contact us today to hire one for your project.