Complete Breakdown of the Cost to Build a Job Portal Like Glassdoor

Are you thinking of building the next big thing in job search? Well, there is no better inspiration than Glassdoor.

If you want to create an app like Glassdoor, one of the first questions you might have is, “ How much does it cost to develop an app like Glassdoor?”

On average, the cost to create a successful job portal like Glassdoor can go from $45,000 to $100,000+ to get a fully functional version off the ground.

However, there’s more to it.

The exact number depends on what features you include and what are your project requirements. But, beyond this price, launching a platform that people can trust to shape their careers and their company reputations.

Let’s get right into it, what goes into create an app like Glassdoor? 

Overview of the Glassdoor App

Many of you must have come across Glassdoor while looking for a job. After all, it claims to be the world’s largest job and recruiting site. 

But Glassdoor is more than just a job search app - it’s where careers and company culture come together. 

With over 63 million people visiting the site every month, it’s become a go-to platform for workers to explore opportunities and for companies to stand out. 

The app hosts 212+ million reviews, salary details and workplace insights, giving job seekers a behind-the-scenes look before applying for a job anywhere. 

With 2.5 million employer profiles, Glassdoor makes it easier to find the right fit, not just a job. 

It’s a powerful space for businesses to build trust and connect with the right talent.

In short, Glassdoor bridges the gap between job seekers and companies with honesty, transparency, and data that actually matters. 

With growing dependency on such apps, it is quite understandable when people want to know the cost to create a job portal like Glassdoor.

If you are looking for the same, take a look at our next section for detailed knowledge. 

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Job Portal Like Glassdoor? 

So, you're thinking about making a job portal like Glassdoor? Smart move. 

Apps that help people find jobs, explore salaries, and read honest company reviews are more valuable than ever.

Let’s talk about what really matters, how much does it cost to build a job portal like Glassdoor?.

On average, Glassdoor-like app development costs range from $45,000 to $100,000+.

That number depends on how complex you want your platform to be.

If you're going for a basic version with job listings, sign-up/login, and simple profiles, you could stay closer to the $45,000 range.

But if your goal is to create a job portal like Glassdoor with advanced features like salary insights, anonymous reviews, AI-driven recommendations, and employer dashboards, the price will rise.

It’s not just about features, it’s about building trust.

And trust comes from clean design, seamless performance, and real value for both job seekers and employers. This is why you need to map out the complete mobile app development cost. 

As we talked about factors, let’s get to know them in the next section, one by one:

Factors Affecting the Cost to Build a Job Portal Like Glassdoor

When it comes to understanding how much does it cost to create a job portal like Glassdoor, you should know several factors affect the overall price. 

From the platform you choose to the level of sophistication you want, let’s dive into some key elements that determine the price for your job portal: 

1. Features You Want to Include

More features = more cost.

A simple app might just let users log in, browse jobs, and view profiles.

But if you’re planning to include salary insights, company reviews, AI-powered job suggestions, or messaging between candidates and employers, the cost jumps fast.

That’s why the cost to create an app like Glassdoor depends heavily on what exactly you want your app to do.

2. Platform: iOS, Android, or Web?

Where do you want your app to run?

If you choose just one platform—say Android—it’ll cost less.

But if you want to go cross-platform (iOS + Android + Web), your development time (and budget) will need to stretch.

So yes, the cost to build an app like Glassdoor increases as you go more universal.

3. How Complex the Design Is

Design isn’t just about pretty colours.

It’s about creating a smooth, seamless experience for your users.

Simple designs cost less. But if you want custom branding, animations, or interactive elements, designers will need more time to get it right.

So if you’re aiming for something visually polished, expect the cost to build a job portal like Glassdoor to reflect that effort.

4. Backend & Scalability

Your backend is the foundation of your app.

It powers everything—user accounts, job posts, reviews, saved listings, etc.

The more powerful and scalable your backend, the smoother your app runs as traffic grows.

But it also means a higher cost to develop an app like Glassdoor, especially if you want to handle millions of users without glitches.

5. Third-Party Tools & Integrations

Want Google Maps? LinkedIn login? Resume parsing?

All those extras come with setup time, API fees, or licensing costs.

While they make your app smarter and more useful, they also nudge up the cost to develop a job portal like Glassdoor.

So always budget a bit extra for the bells and whistles.

6. Who’s Building the App

Hiring a full-stack team in the US is going to cost more than working with an offshore agency.

But cheaper doesn’t always mean better.

To save money long-term, team up with the best mobile app development company that knows how to deliver quality and speed, without burning your budget.

This can dramatically affect the cost to build a job portal like Glassdoor.

7. Testing It All Before Launch

Nobody likes a buggy app. This is why app testing is a must. 

You’ll need to test everything across devices, browsers, and user flows.

From login screens to search filters, everything should work flawlessly.

A well-tested app avoids negative reviews later, but it does mean a little more effort upfront.

That adds to the cost to develop a job portal like Glassdoor, but it’s absolutely worth it.

8. Ongoing Maintenance & Support

Even after your app goes live, the work isn’t over. Time to benefit from app maintenance services.

You’ll need updates, security patches, and new features based on user feedback.

All of this falls under maintenance, and yes, it’s a part of the cost to make an app like Glassdoor that often gets overlooked.

Plan ahead for it, so you don’t get blindsided.

With a detailed breakdown, you should now have a clear understanding of how much does it cost to develop a job portal like Glassdoor. 

Now, let's examine how you can reduce the overall development cost of your Glassdoor-like app.

How to Reduce the Overall Glassdoor-like App Development Cost?

Building an app like Glassdoor can be a significant investment, but there are ways to keep costs under control without sacrificing quality. 

If you are looking to create a job portal like Glassdoor or develop a platform that stands out in the market, a few smart strategies can help you reduce development costs.

Here are some practical ways to save while still making a great app:

1] Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

If you’re just starting out, you don’t need to build every feature right away. Focus on the core functionalities – user profiles, job listings, and job search features – before expanding to salary insights or company reviews.

By building an MVP, you can test the market, gather feedback, and make data-driven decisions on which features to prioritize later. This approach helps reduce the initial cost to build a job portal like Glassdoor.

2] Opt for Cross-Platform Development

Instead of creating separate apps for iOS, Android, and Web, go for cross-platform development. 

Using frameworks like React Native or Flutter allows you to build one app that works across multiple platforms, saving both time and money.

This will significantly cut down the cost to develop a job portal like Glassdoor, while still reaching a broad audience.

3] Leverage Open-Source Tools

There are plenty of open-source tools and libraries available that can help you reduce development time.

For example, instead of building custom components from scratch, you can use pre-built solutions for things like payment gateways or authentication systems.

Using open-source tools is a great way to reduce the cost to create a job search app like Glassdoor without compromising the app's functionality.

4] Outsource Development Wisely

While hiring mobile app developers may seem like the safest option, outsourcing to countries with lower development costs can significantly reduce the overall budget.

Choose reliable, experienced offshore teams or agencies that can help you make an app like Glassdoor at a lower cost but with high-quality output.

5] Prioritize Core Features

When you're looking to create an app like Glassdoor, not every feature needs to be implemented in the first release.

Focus on what really matters to your users – job searching, applications, and company profiles. Features like AI-driven job recommendations or in-app messaging can be added later as the app gains traction.

This helps you reduce the cost to develop a job portal like Glassdoor by avoiding unnecessary complexity early on.

6] Consider Cloud-Based Solutions for Hosting

Instead of investing in expensive server infrastructure, opt for cloud-based hosting solutions like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure. These platforms offer scalable solutions that grow with your app, so you’re not paying for unused capacity upfront.

Cloud-based hosting will keep your cost to create a job portal like Glassdoor manageable, while ensuring you have the infrastructure to handle growth as your app gains more users.

7] Use Ready-Made Templates or Modules

Building every feature from scratch can be costly and time-consuming. Instead, consider using ready-made templates or modules for basic functionalities like job search filters, user authentication, and data analytics.

These templates can save both time and development costs, allowing you to build an app like Glassdoor faster and more affordably.

By following these tips, you can reduce the cost to create an app like Glassdoor while still offering a high-quality, user-friendly platform. Keep your focus on essential features, leverage cost-effective tools, and plan your app’s growth carefully.

After all, it’s not just about building an app – it’s about creating an app that grows and scales as your users’ needs evolve.

How a Glassdoor-like App Can Make Money? 

When considering the cost to create an app like Glassdoor, it’s important to also think about how your platform can generate revenue. 

A well-thought-out monetization strategy ensures the longevity of your app while providing value to users. 

Here are some interesting app monetization models for a Glassdoor-like app:

1. Freemium Model (Paid Job Listings)

Offer basic features like job searches and company reviews for free, but charge companies for premium features such as featured job listings, enhanced visibility, and branding options.

This model can generate steady revenue as companies pay to attract top talent and help you cover the overall Glassdoor clone app development cost.

2. Subscription Fees

Introduce subscription-based access to exclusive features for job seekers, such as personalized career advice, detailed company reports, or advanced job search filters.

Job seekers can subscribe for added value, while employers can subscribe for advanced analytics and candidate insights.

3. Sponsored Content

Allow companies to sponsor content such as blog posts, articles, or company spotlights, providing them with visibility to a highly engaged audience of job seekers.

Sponsored content can help employers build their brand and attract candidates.

4. Affiliate Marketing

Partner with educational platforms or skill development services.

Promote courses or certifications relevant to job seekers and earn affiliate commissions when users enrol through your app.

This can serve as an additional revenue stream while offering users valuable resources.

5. Advertisement Revenue

Display banner ads or video ads in non-intrusive sections of the app.

Revenue from ads is a passive income stream, especially if you have a large user base.

You can also offer targeted ads to employers based on the user’s industry and job search behaviour.

6. Recruiter Fees

Charge recruiters or headhunters a fee to access a pool of qualified candidates.

They can purchase packages to search profiles or contact job seekers directly, generating revenue while connecting employers to top talent.

Knowing the monetization model is as important as understanding what is the cost to create a job portal like Glassdoor. 

How JPLoft Can Help You Create an App like Glassdoor on a Budget? 

Dreaming of launching your own Glassdoor-like platform but worried about the cost? Don’t let your budget hold you back from creating an app that can revolutionize the job search experience. 

With the right team and strategy, building a job portal that meets your needs – and fits your budget – is totally possible. 

That’s where JPLoft comes in. As a leading job portal development company, we specialize in creating customized solutions that balance cutting-edge features with cost-effective development. 

Our experienced team will work with you to turn your vision into a reality, all while keeping your costs under control.

Whether you're looking to create an app like Glassdoor for job seekers or businesses, we ensure the development process is efficient, scalable, and aligned with your budget.

Let’s build something great together without breaking the bank!

Conclusion

When understanding the how much does it cost to build a job portal like Glassdoor, it’s important to factor in elements like the app’s features, complexity of your project, and location of your development team.

The cost can vary based on the complexity of features such as job listings, user profiles, and real-time notifications. 

Glassdoor's revenue model relies on premium subscriptions, paid job listings, and targeted advertising, allowing it to generate substantial income. 

For entrepreneurs looking to create a similar platform, the investment can be scalable, provided the app is built with the right features and supported by an effective marketing strategy.