IT Outsourcing Costs in 2024

Why do companies outsource? The reasons may vary, but one of the main reasons our clients point out is that outsourcing makes finding specialists with the needed skills much easier. 

Considering that 50% of executives find talent acquisition to be the top internal challenge for their organizations, outsourcing is a reasonable solution. 

However, there is another important aspect when it comes to IT outsourcing. We are talking about budget optimization. So, is it really cheaper to outsource than hire in-house? Let’s talk money matters. 

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Average Cost to Outsource IT in 2024

The global revenue in the IT outsourcing market is projected to reach $512.50 billion in 2024. It is expected to grow with an annual growth rate of 10.99%, resulting in a market volume of $777.70 billion by 2028. 

Statista points out that the average spend per employee in the IT outsourcing market is estimated at $146.10. However, the exact price will depend on multiple aspects, such as the team’s location, project complexity, and other factors that we will examine later. 

You can enhance your company’s overall operational efficiency when delegating your app development project to specialists. According to OnContracting, businesses can save an average of $100,000 annually by outsourcing app development.

To better understand the costs of IT outsourcing, we must first explore the most popular pricing models on the market. These are co-managed IT, managed IT, and Break-fix IT.  

IT Outsourcing Pricing Models

These are the three main pricing models in IT. Let’s explore each one and its pricing structure. 

1. Co-managed IT 

In this model, the organization collaborates with an external IT service provider to manage specific aspects of its infrastructure. It’s a hybrid approach where both parties share responsibilities.

Use Case

Co-managed IT suits businesses with an in-house IT team but requires additional expertise or support for specific projects or tasks.

In this way, organizations can tap into specialized expertise without completely outsourcing all IT functions.

Pricing Structure

Typically, co-managed IT services are billed based on a combination of fixed fees (for specific services) and hourly rates (for ad-hoc support).

1. Managed IT 

The entire IT infrastructure is outsourced to a third-party provider. The external vendor manages and maintains the organization’s IT systems.

Use Case

Managed IT is ideal for businesses focusing on core operations while delegating IT management entirely to experts.

It provides proactive monitoring, maintenance, and support.

Pricing Structure 

Managed IT services are usually provided through a subscription model. The cost is determined by factors like the range of services, the number of devices, and the level of support needed.

1. Break-fix IT 

In the break-fix model, organizations engage in IT services only when issues arise. This is a reactive approach, where the external provider fixes problems as they occur.

Use Case

Break-fix IT suits small businesses with limited budgets or irregular IT needs.

It’s often used for one-time projects or occasional troubleshooting.

Pricing Structure

Break-fix services are usually billed per incident or for the time spent resolving issues.

As IT break-fix costs vary by problem, the bill is unpredictable. 

Typically, these staff members work on-site and are billed hourly. Minor issues typically incur charges ranging from $20 to $50 per hour for a single technician. Additional expenses like hardware replacement, software licenses, and extended technical support are not usually included in this rate. A larger problem naturally entails a higher cost.

IT Outsourcing Option	Cost
Co-Managed IT	$90-$110/user per month
Managed IT	$130-$250/user per month
Break-Fix	$20-$50/hour + additional fees

Each model has its advantages and drawbacks. The choice depends on your organization’s specific requirements, budget, and long-term IT strategy.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Outsourcing IT? 

How much does it cost to outsource IT? Well, the cost can vary significantly based on several factors. Let’s briefly explore them.

1. Outsourcing provider location

The choice of service provider can greatly impact the cost of outsourcing IT services. Outsourcing to an agency in a country with a lower cost of living can be more beneficial than outsourcing to a company with a higher living cost. 

For instance, hiring dedicated backend developers from Ukraine is typically more economical than outsourcing development to regions like the United States or Western Europe. We’ll elaborate more on that one further. 

1. Services required

The cost of outsourcing IT services is also influenced by the nature and scope of the services you need. 

Suppose you outsource various IT functions like software development, infrastructure management, customer support, and quality assurance. In that case, the price will likely be higher than outsourcing a specific task or a limited set of services.

1. Project complexity

Another thing to keep in mind is that the cost of your website development or other outsourced tasks depends mainly on its complexity.

Tasks that demand specialized skills, advanced technologies, or extensive customization will incur higher costs compared to simpler projects.

For instance, outsourcing a straightforward task like mobile app design is usually less costly than outsourcing a more intricate task such as software development. 

1. Collaboration model and contract duration

The contract duration can impact the cost as well. 

Contracts that last for a longer time often offer lower prices or other money-saving benefits. On the other hand, short-term or project-based agreements might have higher hourly or fixed rates.

This is because outsourcing providers may charge a premium for short-term engagements. They may need to ramp up quickly and cannot count on repeat business. That could affect their pricing structure.

1. Technology stack

The choice of technologies impacts costs. 

Some technologies, for example, AI and ML, may require specialized expertise, affecting hourly rates. So, make sure you consider the technology stack required for your project when estimating expenses.

IT Outsourcing Costs by Region

If you’re interested in hiring developers in the UK, Canada, Australia, or anywhere else, the cost of IT outsourcing will vary depending on the country you choose.

That is because professionals in some regions expect a higher hourly rate than others. Often, several key factors influence their expectations. The cost of living in their part of the world is the most significant one.

Looking at how much it costs to outsource IT work in different parts of the world helps you see where you can get good value for your money. 

This means small businesses and startups can spend less on their IT needs while still getting really good skills. 

Below is an overview of the typical hourly rate range in multiple regions. The rates are based on the  2023 Accelerance Global Software Outsourcing Trends and Rates Guide:

• North America: $62 to $209 per hour
• Latin America: $34 to $96 per hour
• Central and Eastern Europe: $26 to $95 per hour
• Southeast Asia: $18 to $70 per hour
• South Asia: $24 to $71 per hour

The data shows that Eastern Europe is one of the most popular destinations for companies looking to outsource their IT activities. Let’s see why.

IT outsourcing in Eastern Europe

The IT outsourcing industry in Central and Eastern Europe is doing really well. It’s growing much faster than the rest of the world. About 4-5 times faster. While globally, it’s only increasing by about 5% each year, here, it’s jumping by 20-25% annually. 

According to Clutch, 3,526 companies in Eastern Europe sell IT outsourcing services. 988 of them are based in Ukraine, 1345 in Poland, 453 in Romania, and 133 in the Czech Republic.  

IT specialists from these countries are well-educated and knowledgeable, and they speak English fluently, according to the English proficiency index data. 

The costs of IT outsourcing services in Eastern Europe vary by country. For instance, hiring developers in Ukraine tends to be less costly compared to Romania or the Czech Republic. It is also much cheaper than in Poland since this country has the highest rates in the region. 

On average, you might pay around $30 for a junior software developer and $50 or more for a senior software engineer from Eastern Europe. 

Position	Average Rates (per Hour):
Junior Developer	from $20 – $30.
Mid-Level Developer	from $30 – $50.
Senior Developer	from $50 – $80.

Besides reasonable pricing and knowledgeable specialists, there are a few more advantages of hiring IT specialists from Ukraine. 

These are some of them, based on the feedback from our clients: 

• Cultural alignment

Ukrainian teams often share cultural similarities with Western clients, leading to effective collaboration.

• Fluent English

English proficiency varies, but most IT professionals have solid language skills.

• Skilled workforce

Ukraine hosts a vibrant tech community with expertise in various domains.

• Education

Ukrainian universities produce top-notch graduates in computer science and related fields.

• Time zone

It aligns well with European working hours.

In summary, Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine, is a compelling option for IT outsourcing. It combines skilled talent, competitive rates, and a cultural fit.

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Hidden Costs of Outsourced IT Services

When it comes to IT outsourcing, there might be some hidden costs you need to be aware of. Here are some of the expenses companies may consider as unpredictable. 

Currency fluctuations

Currency fluctuations can significantly impact costs.

For example, an invoice of $1 million a month could become $1.4 million due to currency changes. To mitigate this risk, consider including caps and collars in the contract.

Misaligned business needs

Sometimes, companies don’t clearly know what they want when they decide to hire outside help for their IT needs. This lack of clarity can make things less efficient.

It’s important for businesses to make sure that their goals match up with their plans to hire outside help for IT tasks. This way, they can avoid spending more money than they expected. This is all about making sure everyone is on the same page to get the best results without any surprises.

Refactoring and upgrading

As technology evolves, there may be a need for system refactoring or upgrading.

These activities can incur additional costs that weren’t initially anticipated.

Scaling team and role changes

As project requirements evolve, you might need to scale up or down your team.

Adjusting team sizes or roles can impact costs. However, it depends on the vendor you work with. For example, at SpdLoad, we won’t charge you if you decide to change a specialist on the project.

Implementing new features and changes

Adding new features and services or making changes during the outsourcing engagement can lead to unforeseen costs.

Ensure that any modifications are well-documented and understood.

Summing up, while outsourcing offers benefits, it’s crucial to be aware of these hidden costs we’ve highlighted. Diligence in contract negotiation, clear communication, and proactive management can help mitigate surprises and ensure a successful collaboration.

Why IT Outsourcing is Still the Best Option in 2024

Hiring external companies or professionals to handle your IT needs is still a great choice this year. And not just because of IT outsourcing cost savings.  

Here are a few more reasons why: 

• Access to specialized skills

The technology landscape evolves rapidly. Outsourcing provides access to experts skilled in the latest tools, languages, and frameworks.

Whether it’s AI, blockchain, or cybersecurity, outsourcing ensures you work with professionals who stay ahead of the curve.

• Scalability and flexibility

Outsourcing allows businesses to scale up or down quickly based on project needs.

Seasonal demands, product launches, or sudden growth can be accommodated without long-term commitments.

• Global talent pool

Geographic boundaries are irrelevant when it comes to outsourcing. You can collaborate with top talent worldwide.

Diverse perspectives and cultural insights enhance creativity and problem-solving.

• Focus on core competencies

By outsourcing non-core functions, organizations can concentrate on their unique value proposition. Strategic focus leads to innovation and competitive advantage.

• Risk mitigation

Outsourcing diversifies risk. If one team faces challenges, others can step in.

Disaster recovery, security, and compliance are often better managed by specialized providers.

• Reduced time to market

Outsourcing accelerates development cycles. Faster time to market means staying ahead of competitors.

• Innovation and creativity

Exposure to diverse ideas fosters innovation. Outsourced teams bring fresh perspectives and creative solutions.

• Strategic partnerships

Outsourcing isn’t just transactional; it’s about building long-term partnerships. Collaborate with providers who align with your vision and goals.

Why Outsource IT Services to SpdLoad?

At the end of the day, you want to get the full value of the price you pay for IT services. While outsourcing IT costs are important, it shouldn’t be the only thing you think about when deciding to outsource. 

Quality, reliability, security, and meeting your business needs are just as important. So, it’s essential to consider all these factors, not just the cost.

As a third-party IT provider, we’ve got everything you need for a successful and hassle-free collaboration:

• Dedicated teams
• Outstaff developers
• Product development from scratch 
• Discovery phase 
• UX/UI design 

Whether you need to build a website from scratch or develop an MVP that will help you raise your first investment – we’ve got you covered. 

You’ll find that our recruitment process is twice as fast as internal hiring. Having a reliable outsourcing team on your side allows you to dedicate time to your core activities.

If you have more questions, book a meeting with our team today for quick answers that will help guide your decisions.