Blog . 24 Feb 2026

Hire .NET MAUI Developers in 2026

| Parampreet Singh

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If you're searching for ways to hire .NET MAUI developer, then you're likely developing a cross-platform mobile and desktop application, and you'll want to do it correctly. This guide is designed for business owners, CTOs, project managers, and tech leaders who must know not only the basics of what .NET MAUI means but also the type of developer to choose and what kind of skills you should be looking for, as well as what the appropriate amount to pay is and how you can avoid the most frequent mistakes that sabotage budgets and timeframes.

.NET MAUI is no longer an obscure technology. By 2025, it's Microsoft's primary framework to build quality cross-platform app development that run on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, and they are all based on the same and shared C# codebase. Choosing the wrong developer for this technology can be costly. Finding the right developer is one of the most effective decisions you can make for your software development project.

What is .NET MAUI?

.NET MAUI (Multi-platform App UI) is Microsoft’s free, cross-platform framework launched in May 2022 to replace Xamarin.Forms. Built on .NET 6+, it allows developers to create a single C# and XAML codebase that runs natively on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. Unlike web-view frameworks like Ionic, MAUI renders true native controls, ensuring apps look and perform naturally on every device.

Contrary to hybrid frameworks like Ionic as well as React Native (which wrap web views), .NET MAUI generates true native UI controls on every platform. Your app will look and behave in the same way that users would expect on any device, regardless of whether it's an iPhone, Android tablet, Windows PC, or MacBook.

Related Read: .NET Framework in 2026

What is the way .NET MAUI differs from Xamarin and other Frameworks?

A lot of businesses have built mobile applications that are cross-platform with the Xamarin framework, which was Microsoft's first. .NET MAUI is the direct development of Xamarin. Forms and has several significant improvements:

A single project's structure prior to this developer had separate platforms to run their projects. MAUI consolidates this in one project.

  • Boost efficiency: .NET MAUI uses the most recent .NET runtime, which has improved start-up time and lower memory usage.
  • Blazor Hybrid support: Developers can integrate Blazor web components directly into the MAUI application and thus connect UI functions between mobile and web applications.
  • Hot Reload: Developers are able to observe changes immediately without having to restart the app, which significantly speeds the development process.

More support for platforms in contrast to Xamarin, which focused only on mobile devices. .NET MAUI natively targets Windows and macOS desktop applications too.

Framework

Languages

Native UI

Platforms

AI/Cloud Ready

.NET MAUI

C# / XAML

Yes

Android, iOS, Windows, macOS

Yes, Azure, ML.NET

React Native

JavaScript / JSX

Partial

Android, iOS

Limited

Flutter

Dart

Yes (custom)

Android, iOS, Web, Desktop

Non-native tooling ecosystem

Ionic

HTML / CSS / JS

No (WebView)

Android, iOS, Web

No

Xamarin

C# / XAML

Yes

Android, iOS, macOS

Yes (legacy)

Why Hire a .NET MAUI Developer?

The reason to hire .NET MAUI developers comes down to cost-effectiveness without the loss of quality. The following are the reasons why companies across all industries are embracing this method of development as well as investing money in dedicated programmers:

Significant Cost Savings

The creation of separate native apps to run on iOS and Android generally requires two separate engineers or developers with distinct abilities: Swift or Objective-C for iOS and Kotlin or Java for Android. .NET MAUI eliminates this duplication. An individual C# developer can create and maintain applications for all platforms at the same time. Research and case studies have consistently shown a 40% to 60% reduction in the cost of maintenance and development by moving between siloed native and sharing a MAUI codebase.

Faster Time to Market

By using a single codebase, functions are developed once and then put into use everywhere. Fixes for bugs are available across platforms at the same time. This means that your app is available quickly to users, and updates are released without the lag time of concurrent development cycles. Particularly for startups, the speed advantage could make the difference in taking advantage of the market opportunity or ignoring it.

Native Performance and User Experience

The end users don't need to know how your application was developed. They care about what it does. .NET MAUI renders native platform controls, which means that buttons appear exactly like iOS buttons for iPhones as well as Material Design elements on Android. There is no performance impact for running inside a WebView. This is important for retention of users as well as app store ratings and positioning in the market.

Enterprise-Grade Scalability

The Microsoft enterprise platform, Azure Active Directory, Power BI, and Office 365 integrations all seamlessly integrate when integrated with the .NET MAUI application. If your business already has a Microsoft infrastructure, .NET MAUI can be your most appropriate option for desktop and mobile development of applications. Enterprise features such as authentication, push notifications, and offline data sync, along with enterprise management of devices, are all top-of-the-line capabilities.

AI and Intelligent App Readiness

The year 2025 is when AI integration will no longer be an option for applications that compete. .NET MAUI developers with expertise working with Azure AI Services, ML.NET, Semantic Kernel, and the OpenAI SDK can create apps that incorporate intelligent features such as natural language processing, image recognition, recommendation engines, and AI-powered automation integrated into mobile experiences. This is a major advantage that skilled MAUI developers bring to current projects.

Related Read: .NET 10 vs .NET 9 

What Technical Skills Should a .NET MAUI Developer Have?

This is where a lot of hiring managers commit blunders. They look for “MAUI” on resumes without knowing what level of expertise is actually needed. This is a thorough description of what a skilled developer needs to know.

Core Technical Skills (Non-Negotiable)

  • C# language proficiency: This is the basis. They must understand async/await programming as well as LINQ, generics, interfacing, dependency injection, and the latest C# 10/11/12 features.
  • XAML and UI Development: MAUI UI is primarily constructed in XAML. The developer must be familiar with data binding, styles, and control templates, triggers, and visual state control.
  • The MVVM architecture pattern: Model-View-ViewModel is the common architecture pattern used in .NET MAUI. A skilled developer can create a clean application using MVVM while keeping UI logic distinct from the business logic.
  • Platform-specific Code: Despite sharing 90% of the code across platforms, certain features require specific implementation on platforms. Developers must know the art of writing conditional code by using renderers, handlers, and dependency injection APIs.
  • NET 6/7/8 Ecosystem: They should be familiar with the full modern .NET ecosystem, including dependency injection through Microsoft. Extensions. Dependency injection, configuration, logging, and hosting.
  • REST API & HTTP client usage: Nearly every modern app connects to an API backend. They must be able to design robust API integrations with HttpClient as well as manage authentication (OAuth 2.0 or JWT) and deal with API issues easily.
  • Local data storage: SQLite via SQLite-net or Entity Framework Core for local databases, with preferences and SecureStorage for small-scale data storage.

Architecture and Design Knowledge

  • Clean Architecture (or Onion Architecture): For more complex applications, the experience of organizing projects into layers (Domain, Infrastructure, Application, and Presentation) is highly beneficial.
  • .NET MAUI includes a built independency injection container. Developers must be aware of the durations of service (Singleton, Scoped, Transient) and the best way to manage dependencies and register them.
  • Navigation Patterns: Understanding shell navigation as well as route-based navigation and moving information between pages.

Cloud, Backend, and AI Integration Skills

  • Azure Services: Azure App Service, Azure Functions, Azure Notification Hubs for push notifications, Azure Blob Storage, and Azure Active Directory for authentication.
  • Firebase for teams that use Google's ecosystem, Firebase Authentication, Firestore, and Cloud Messaging.
  • AI Integration: Experience with Azure Cognitive Services, OpenAI API, ML.NET, or Semantic Kernel for building intelligent features.
  • GraphQL or gRPC: Advanced API information that extends beyond REST.

Testing, Deployment, and DevOps

  • Unit Testing: Use xUnit and NUnit to write tests for business logic that can be tested.
  • UI Testing: Experience using Appium and MAUI's in-built UI testing capabilities.
  • Pipelines for CI/CD: Experience using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or App Center to automate build and deployment pipelines that target each of Google Play and the Apple App Store.
  • App Store Submission: Understanding the Google Play Console and Apple Developer Program requirements, code signing, provisioning profiles, and reviewing guidelines.

Highly Desirable Bonus Skills

  • Blazor Hybrid: The capability to integrate Blazor components into a MAUI app allows code sharing between mobile and web teams.
  • MAUI Community Toolkit: a collection of community-created controls, converters, and other actions that help speed development.
  • SkiaSharp and custom graphics: for apps that require custom drawings, charts,, or more advanced visual effects.
  • Microservices Architecture: Learning how to create MAUI applications that use microservice backends.

Developer Experience Levels: What to Expect

Not every project requires an architect who is senior. Understanding the experience levels each can offer helps you choose the best architect to fit your budget and the complexity of your project:

Level

Years of Experience

What They Can Build

Estimated Rate (USD/hr)

Best Suited For

Junior

Between 0 and 2 years old

Basic screens and CRUD applications with direction

$18-$35

Small MVPs with senior supervision

Mid-Level

Between 2 and 4 years

Full-featured applications, API integrations, and MVM

$35-$70

Most business applications are commonplace.

Senior

4-7 years old

Advanced architecture and performance tune-up and AI features

$70-$130

Complex workflows, enterprise apps

Lead/Architect

7+ years

Team leadership, design of the system, and cross-platform strategy

$120-$200

Teams of large size, crucial products

Step-by-Step: How to Hire a .NET MAUI Developer

Here's a proven, practical method for hiring and securing an experienced .NET MAUI developer, whether you're building your team from scratch or adding an expert:

Step 1: Define Your Project Requirements Clearly

Before you contact any developer, make sure you document the following information clearly: what platforms you require (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, or a combination of these). What features do you require?

Do you require backend development or only your mobile interface? Is AI integration necessary? What is the expected timeframe? Do you need an independent contractor, a remote full-time developer, or a development company?

The more precise your information is, the more precise your assessment of the candidate will be. Uncertain requirements draw attention to vague propositions and can lead to unbalanced expectations.

Step 2: Write a Skills-Focused Job Description

The job description should include certain technologies. Not only job names. Avoid generic terms such as 'mobile developer' or 'software engineer.' Make sure you are specific:

  • Required: C#, .NET MAUI, MVVM, REST API integration, SQLite
  • Most preferred: Azure services, Blazor Hybrid, CI/CD using GitHub Actions, AI API integration
  • It's nice to have apps published and available on the Play Store or App Store and open-source contributions.

Be sure to include the type of engagement (contract vs. full-time) as well as timezone expectations and whether you need the developer to be present at every day standups.

Step 3: Find Candidates from the appropriate Channels

There are many options to source, and each comes with its own trade-offs

  • Freelance platforms (Upwork, Toptal) are great for brief engagements. They require a lot of screening. The quality is not consistent.
  • Job boards (LinkedIn, Jobs, Stack Overflow, and Our Work from Home) are great for hiring full-time. Longer hiring timeline. It is ideal to build internal teams.

Specialized agencies. The most efficient route to high quality. Agencies like Digisoft Solution (https://www.digisoftsolution.com/) maintain pre-vetted pools of .NET MAUI developers with documented experience and client reviews. It is a quick and easy way to screen.

  • GitHub or Open Source Communities: Search for active .NET MAUI contributors. The code you review will tell you more than a resume.
  • Microsoft Developer Communities: The official .NET MAUI community on GitHub and Microsoft Q&A are where serious developers meet.

Step 4: Screen Resumes for Real MAUI Experience

Many developers claim to have MAUI expertise, but in reality, they have the Xamarin experience. Find these indications on your CV: the dates correspond with MAUI's 2022 release date or later, the mention of particular MAUI APIs (Shell Navigation Handlers, MAUI Toolkit, Community Toolkit), as well as developed apps that are published using MAUI (not the Xamarin API), and GitHub repositories that have MAUI projects.

Step 5: Conduct a Technical Interview

Use the following questions to determine the quality of your knowledge as opposed to. theoretical knowledge:

Interview Question

What It Evaluates

How do you incorporate specific code for your platform in .NET MAUI?

Understanding of handlers, partial classes, and dependency injection for APIs for platforms

Define what you mean by the MVVM pattern and the way you implement it in your own project.

Structure, discipline, and code organization abilities

What are the best ways to handle long-running and background tasks in MAUI?

The ability to understand async programming Background services, and differences between platforms

How can you optimize a CollectionView when working with huge collections of data?

Virtualization, performance awareness, data paging, performance awareness, and strategies for caching

Explain how you've connected Azure as well as another backend cloud in an app for mobile devices.

Experiential backend integration in the real world

How can you test a .NET MAUI application?

Testing discipline, unit tests, UI tests, mocking strategies

What exactly is Blazor Hybrid, and when should you consider this model?

Modern awareness of MAUI capabilities and architecture decision-making

What are your best practices for update requests and compatibility with backward-compatible apps?

Production experience, versioning, migration strategies, and data schema changes

I'll show you the process of deploying the app to iOS and Android with a pipeline for CI/CD.

DevOps maturity and deployment experiences

Have you incorporated any AI capabilities into your mobile application? How?

Modern technology understanding, as well as AI/ML experience

Step 6: Assign a Paid Technical Assessment

The candidates you have selected to take on an unpaid task. The task should take no more than 3-4 hours. An ideal test scenario would be to build a simple Notes application using .NET MAUI as well as MVVM, which stores notes locally with SQLite and then retrieves the list of placeholders from an API that is accessible to the public. Concentrate your attention on the structure of your code (MVVM conformance) and the naming conventions they use, as well as how they handle loading states and errors, and if they have written any unit tests.

Paid assessments are a way to respect the time of the candidate and attract serious professionals. Unpaid tasks often filter out qualified candidates and attract only desperate applicants.

Step 7: Evaluate Portfolio and Published Work

Ask to see live applications available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store that they built or contributed to. Go through the GitHub account on .NET MAUI projects and commit frequency, quality of code, and documentation. Review the reviews of their clients if they've been freelancers. Request two references from professionals from former employers. NET-related engagements.

Step 8: Negotiate Terms and Onboard Properly

Before you begin work, be sure to agree in writing on intellectual rights ownership (all code must be owned by your company). Access to the code repository as well as branching strategies, tools for communication, the expected response time for milestone-based payments or a monthly retainer structure, and the schedule for performance reviews (especially for long-term commitments).

A positive onboarding experience establishes an example for your whole engagement. Make sure you have documentation for your current systems, and plan an initial meeting to introduce the new developer to the team.

Engagement Models: Which One Is Right for You?

The structure of your engagement is as important as the person you choose to hire. Each model has its own strengths.

Freelancer (Project-Based)

Ideal for short tasks, MVPs, or specific features that have a specified deadline and scope. The freelancer is working within a defined time frame. The freelancer is paid per project as well as per hour. You are accountable for all management, code review, and quality controls. The risk is higher since there isn't any team backing the individual. In the event that they are not available, the project will be halted.

Full-Time Remote Developer

Ideal for long-term products that are constantly developing features, products that evolve over time. The developer is part of your team, participates in your meetings, uses your tools, and develops an intimate knowledge of your product. This approach delivers the highest quality output and retention of knowledge. The alignment of time zones and the communication discipline are the key factors to success.

Dedicated Development Team / Agency

The best option for businesses that require speed without the cost of hiring staff or require the full support of a team (a developer, the QA team, a UI designer, and the project manager). An agency like Digisoft Solution provides a dedicated team that works exclusively on your project under their infrastructure. You will receive vetted top talent and well-organized plan management of your project, as well as the capacity to scale up or decrease quickly, without the expense of hiring.

Model

Best For

Time to Start

Management Overhead

Cost

Freelancer

Small, clearly defined projects

1 to 2 weeks

High

Lowest price per hour

Full-Time Remote

Products for long-term use

2-6 weeks

Medium

Medium (+ benefits)

Agency / Dedicated Team

Fast start, complex applications

3-7 days

Low

Predictable monthly

Where to Find Top .NET MAUI Developers

If you are a business looking to cut out the time-consuming reviewing and start working with experienced developers, Digisoft Solution is a highly recommended source.

Digisoft Solution offers flexible engagement models ranging from dedicated developers to complete team projects, making it ideal for startups attempting to build an MVP as well as enterprises looking to scale existing products. Their history of working with clients from North America, Europe, and Asia is among the top and most trusted alternatives in the field of remote .NET MAUI development talent in 2025.

What Digisoft Solution Offers:

  • Senior .NET MAUI developers are ready to begin within a few days
    • Experience the most up-to-date .NET 8 SDK and AI integration with the Azure as well as OpenAI APIs
    • Flexible models such as dedicated developer, dedicated team, or project-based engagement
  • Transparent communications, delivery based on milestones, and periodic code reviews
    • Full-stack capabilities: MAUI frontend plus .NET Web API or Azure Functions backends
  • Coverage of time zones and project managers who are fluent in English.

Understanding the Full Cost of Hiring

The hourly rate of the developer is just one component of the overall cost. Here's a real-life example of what it actually costs to hire a .NET MAUI developer:

Cost Component

Freelancer

Full-Time Remote

Agency / Dedicated

Developer Rate

$20-$130/hr

$60,000-$150,000/yr

$35-$120/hr (all-in)

Recruitment/Screening

$0-$5,000

$3,000-$10,000

$0 (agency handles it)

Benefits & Payroll Tax

None

15-30% of the salary

None

Management Time

High (you can manage)

Medium

Low (PM with)

Ramp-Up Time

1 to 2 weeks

4-8 weeks

3-7 days

Replacement Risk

(single person) High (single person)

Medium

The Low (team backup)

When you consider hiring costs and management time, as well as the risk of loss, the agency model typically offers more value overall than it seems at first glance, particularly for projects with a timeline of less than 12 months.

Conclusion

Finding the best .NET MAUI developer in 2025 is a highly leveraged decision. The technology is maturing, and the ecosystem is robust, and developers who are proficient in it are able to create top-quality, efficient cross-platform apps more quickly and at a lower cost than siloed native programming.

The trick is knowing what you should look for: deep C# knowledge, real MVVM discipline, experience with APIs specific to cloud platforms, and AI ability, as well as an established track record of delivering products. Make use of this technical-related interview question, the skills checklist, and the red flags listed in this guide to assess candidates with rigor.

If you decide to employ freelancers or a full-time remote developer or work with a dedicated agency, the most important thing is proven experience with the latest .NET MAUI, not only experience with the predecessor.

For the fastest path to vetted, top-rated .NET MAUI developers with experience in the latest tech and AI integration, visit Digisoft Solution at https://www.digisoftsolution.com/ and start your project in days, not months.

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