Hire React Native Developers: Salary, Skills, JD, Tips to Hire And More

Everyone knows mobile app development is crucial for business, but finding the right React Native developers can feel like searching for a unicorn in a forest.

In this post, I'll break down everything you need to know about hiring React Native developers - from understanding who they are to finding the perfect fit for your project.

Let's jump in!

What is a React Native developer?

React Native developers are specialized software developers who build cross-platform mobile applications using React Native - a framework that lets you create native apps for both iOS and Android using just one codebase.

Key responsibilities of React Native developers

The role of a React Native developer can vary based on experience and company requirements. However, there are several core tasks that are typically associated with this position:

• Create user interface (UI) components and applications from wireframes and prototypes, ensuring a seamless user experience.
• Collaborate with native modules as needed to enhance app functionality.
• Write tests to guarantee top-tier performance, identify and eliminate performance bottlenecks, and boost front-end or client-side performance.
• Work with Redux architecture to optimize website and mobile app performance.
• Develop and implement smooth, clean animations to captivate and retain customers across multiple platforms.

Key skills and technologies of React Native developers

To become a good React Native developer, they'll need expertise in:

Core technical skills

• JavaScript and TypeScript
• React Native framework
• Redux, context API, MobX for state management
• RESTful APIs
• Native module development
• Mobile app design principles
• Performance optimization techniques
• Version control with Git

Additional technologies

• Basic understanding of iOS (Objective-C/Swift), Android (Java/Kotlin)
• Jest, React Native testing library

10 core React Native developer interview questions and answers

1. What's the difference between React and React Native?

React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, primarily used for web applications. It uses a virtual DOM to efficiently update and render web pages.

React Native, on the other hand, is a framework that allows developers to build native mobile applications using React's methodology.

While React renders to web browsers, React Native renders to mobile platform-specific UI components, enabling developers to create truly native mobile experiences using JavaScript.

Summary

React is for web, React Native is for mobile apps. Both use similar programming concepts but target different platforms.

2. Explain the virtual DOM in React Native

The virtual DOM in React Native is an in-memory representation of the actual UI components. When state changes occur, React Native first updates this lightweight virtual DOM, calculates the most efficient way to make changes, and then applies minimal updates to the actual native UI components.

This approach significantly reduces rendering time and improves application performance by avoiding unnecessary re-renders and optimizing UI updates.

Summary

A performance optimization technique that minimizes direct UI manipulations by using an efficient update calculation method.

3. How do you handle state management in large React Native applications?

For complex React Native applications, I recommend using Redux or MobX. These state management libraries provide a centralized store that holds the entire application state. Redux, for instance, follows a unidirectional data flow where actions trigger state changes through pure reducer functions.

This approach ensures predictable state management, makes debugging easier, and helps maintain a clear separation of concerns in large, complex mobile applications.

Summary

Use libraries like Redux to create a centralized, predictable state management system that simplifies complex application logic.

4. How do you optimize performance in React Native applications?

Minimize render cycles by using React.memo() and PureComponent to prevent unnecessary re-renders. Implement efficient list rendering with FlatList or SectionList instead of map() for large datasets. Use InteractionManager to defer non-critical work during animations.

Leverage native performance profiling tools like Hermes engine, optimize image loading with appropriate sizing and caching, and minimize bridge communication between JavaScript and native modules. Implement code splitting and lazy loading for complex applications to reduce initial load times.

Summary

Use component memoization, efficient list rendering, native performance tools, and optimize JavaScript-native module interactions.

5. Explain the difference between state and props in React Native

Props (properties) are read-only data passed from parent to child components, serving as the primary method of component communication. They are immutable within the receiving component and help create reusable, configurable components.

State, conversely, is a mutable object managed within a component that can change over time, typically triggered by user interactions or data updates. While props are passed down, state is internally controlled. When state or props change, React Native re-renders the component, updating the user interface accordingly.

Summary

Props are immutable external data passed to components, while state is mutable internal data managed within a component.

6. What are React Native hooks, and how do you use them effectively?

React Native hooks are functions that allow functional components to manage state, lifecycle events, and other React features without writing class components. Key hooks include useState for state management, useEffect for side effects and lifecycle mimicking, useContext for consuming context, useReducer for complex state logic, and useCallback/useMemo for performance optimization.

Effective hook usage involves understanding their dependency arrays, avoiding unnecessary re-renders, and composing complex logic through custom hooks. Always follow the rules of hooks: only call them at the top level of your component and only call them from React function components.

Summary

Hooks are functions that enable state and lifecycle management in functional components, with specific rules and performance considerations.

7. How do you handle navigation in React Native applications?

React Native navigation can be implemented using libraries like React Navigation, which provides a flexible, customizable solution for routing and navigation. The library supports various navigation patterns including stack navigation, tab navigation, and drawer navigation. Implement navigation by creating a navigation container, defining screen components, and using methods like navigation.navigate() or navigation.push().

Summary

Use React Navigation to manage routing, supporting multiple navigation patterns with performance and user experience in mind.

8. Describe your approach to handling asynchronous operations in React Native

Asynchronous operations in React Native are typically managed using Promises, async/await syntax, or libraries like Redux Thunk or Redux Saga for more complex scenarios.

For network requests, use the Fetch API or Axios for clean, Promise-based HTTP interactions. Implement proper error handling with try/catch blocks or .catch() methods. Use Promise.all() for concurrent operations and implement loading states to provide user feedback during async processes.

For complex state management, leverage middleware like Redux Thunk to handle side effects and asynchronous action dispatching.

Summary

Use Promises, async/await, and state management middleware to handle asynchronous operations with robust error handling.

9. How do you implement authentication and secure data storage in React Native?

Authentication in React Native involves using secure storage mechanisms like AsyncStorage or more robust solutions like react-native-keychain for storing sensitive data. Implement JWT (JSON Web Token) authentication, storing tokens securely and including them in API request headers. Use libraries like react-native-sensitive-info for encrypted storage. Implement secure communication through HTTPS, validate and sanitize all user inputs, and use secure authentication flows like OAuth 2.0.

Summary

Use secure storage libraries, implement token-based authentication, and follow mobile security best practices.

10. What strategies do you use for cross-platform development in React Native?

Use platform-specific code with Platform.OS to handle iOS and Android differences, create platform-specific component variations, and leverage libraries like react-native-platform-specific. Implement responsive design using Flexbox and percentage-based layouts.

Use third-party libraries with good cross-platform support, and test thoroughly on both platforms. Minimize platform-specific code by creating abstract, reusable components. Utilize tools like React Native Web for potential web platform expansion. Always consider platform-specific UI/UX guidelines and performance characteristics.

Summary

Create platform-agnostic code, use platform-specific modules judiciously, and design with cross-platform compatibility in mind.

What types of companies hire React Native developers?

E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Alibaba leverage React Native to create seamless shopping experiences across multiple devices, allowing customers to browse, compare, and purchase products with consistent performance on both iOS and Android. Their primary goal is to develop responsive, fast-loading mobile applications that provide a uniform user experience.

Social media giants such as Facebook (which created React Native) and Instagram use the framework to maintain their mobile applications. These companies require React Native developers to build complex, real-time interfaces that support features like instant messaging, video streaming, and complex user interactions across different mobile platforms.

Healthcare technology firms like Practo and Oscar Health need React Native developers to create secure, HIPAA-compliant mobile applications that allow patients to book appointments, access medical records, and communicate with healthcare providers. The cross-platform nature of React Native helps these companies develop cost-effective solutions that work seamlessly across different devices.

Financial service providers including PayPal, Revolut, and Stripe utilize React Native to develop secure mobile banking and payment applications. React Native developers in this sector must focus on creating highly secure, performance-optimized apps that can handle sensitive financial transactions while providing a smooth user experience.

Fitness and wellness apps like Strava and Nike Training Club rely on React Native to create interactive, data-driven mobile experiences. Developers in this space work on integrating complex features such as real-time tracking, performance analytics, and social sharing capabilities.

Transportation and logistics companies such as Uber and Grab use React Native to develop mobile applications that require real-time tracking, mapping, and complex user interaction. These apps demand high-performance, cross-platform solutions that can handle dynamic data updates and provide a consistent user experience.

How much does it cost to hire React Native developers?

Based on React Native developer's location

The global market for React Native developers varies dramatically across regions, influenced by factors like local economic conditions, tech ecosystem maturity, and education quality.

• North America stands at the top of the salary spectrum. This high cost stems from the mature tech ecosystem, high living expenses, and competitive job markets in tech hubs like Silicon Valley. While expensive, North American developers often bring cutting-edge innovation and excellent communication skills. The downside is the significant financial investment required.

• Latin American countries like Brazil and Argentina offer a middle-ground solution. These regions are developing robust tech ecosystems, with strong educational institutions producing skilled developers. The advantages include relatively low costs, improving English proficiency, and convenient time zones for North American companies.

• Eastern European countries such as Ukraine, Poland, and Romania have become popular outsourcing destinations. These regions boast strong technical education, excellent problem-solving skills, and good English proficiency. The tech communities are well-developed, and developers are known for their high-quality work and adaptability.

• Western European countries like Germany, Netherlands, and the UK have rates comparable to North America. These markets offer highly skilled developers with excellent educational backgrounds and extensive experience in international projects.

• East Asian countries like Japan and South Korea offer high-quality developers. These markets are known for technological precision and innovative approaches, but come with higher costs compared to Southeast Asian alternatives.

• South Asian countries, particularly India, provide the most cost-effective solutions. The massive pool of tech graduates and lower living costs contribute to these competitive rates. However, companies must carefully assess individual developer skills and communication capabilities.

• Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Indonesia are emerging as attractive outsourcing destinations with low cost. These regions are rapidly developing their tech ecosystems, offering a balance between cost-effectiveness and growing technical expertise.

Based on developer's expertise Level

Junior React Native developers (0-2 years experience) typically command lower rates and require more supervision. They understand basic concepts but need guidance in complex architectural decisions and performance optimization.

Middle-level developers (2-4 years experience) represent a sweet spot of skill and affordability. They can handle more complex projects with minimal supervision, understand advanced architectural patterns, and start to develop specialized skills.

Senior React Native developers (5+ years experience) are essentially mobile app architects. They can design entire system architectures, mentor junior developers, solve complex performance issues, and provide strategic technical guidance. Their expertise comes at a premium but can significantly reduce long-term development costs.

Based on pricing models

• Hourly Rate: Developers charge a set amount per hour worked, offering flexibility but potentially unpredictable total costs.
• Fixed Price: A predetermined total cost for the entire project, suitable for well-defined, scope-limited projects.
• Dedicated Team: You hire a full team of developers exclusively for their project, providing consistency and deep project immersion.

Based on hiring models

You can hire React Native developers through these 3 popular channels:

• Freelance platforms: Websites like Upwork and Toptal connecting businesses with individual developers globally.
• Outsourcing companies: Specialized firms providing complete development teams with managed services.
• Local recruitment: Hiring directly through job boards and local talent pools.

Tips on hiring React Native developers

Tip #1: Look for cost-effective React Native talent

Finding skilled React Native developers doesn't mean breaking the bank. The global market offers diverse opportunities to source talented developers at competitive rates.

Apart from famous destination like India, you can consider Southeast Asian markets, particularly Vietnam and the Philippines. You can look for React Native developers through websites like Freelancer.com but I recommend hiring from IT outsourcing companies, they'll help you handle complicated things like paperwork.

If you are not living near this region and not willing to work in different timezones, Eastern European and Latin American countries will be a good choice. Here are some outstanding countries with reasonable hiring cost: Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Brazil and Argentina.

Tip #2: Have comprehensive technical evaluation framework

A robust technical assessment goes far beyond traditional interview questions. The goal is to create a holistic evaluation that reveals a developer's true capabilities.

Start with:

• An initial screening of the developer's portfolio and GitHub contributions.
• Implementing real-world React Native challenges that mirror your project's complexity. Tools like CodeSignal and HackerRank offer specialized React Native tests, but custom take-home projects can be even more revealing.
• System design interviews to discuss application architecture, state management strategies, and how they would approach complex mobile development challenges.

Tip #3: Assess cultural and communication alignment

The best React Native developers are those who can translate complex technical concepts into clear, understandable language.

Consider how the developer might integrate with your existing team. Do they show adaptability? Are they open to feedback? Can they collaborate effectively across different time zones and work cultures?

Consider implementing short-term trial projects or team interaction sessions. These provide a low-risk way to assess both technical skills and team fit.

Introducing BiPlus: cost-effective React Native development partner

At BiPlus Software Solutions, we don't just provide developers - we deliver mobile app excellence. Our React Native experts combine top-tier technical skills with cost-effective pricing.

Why choose BiPlus?

• Carefully vetted developers.
• Competitive rates.
• Flexible engagement models.
• Proven track record of successful mobile apps.

Ready to build your amazing mobile apps?

Book a quick meeting with our React Native experts to discuss your specific needs!