Top Software Development Companies in Minneapolis in 2024

Last updated: December 2024

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List of the Best Software Development Companies in Minneapolis

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Frequently Asked Questions

Top software development companies in Minneapolis commonly leverage technologies such as Django and Flask (Python), Ruby on Rails (Ruby), Laravel and CakePHP (PHP), and ReactJS and AngularJS (JavaScript). These frameworks empower developers to create robust and innovative solutions, contributing to Minneapolis's dynamic tech landscape and meeting the diverse needs of businesses in the region.

Choosing the right software development company in Minneapolis involves assessing their expertise, previous projects, and compatibility with your project's requirements. Consider their technological proficiency, industry experience, and client testimonials. Engage in detailed discussions to ensure alignment with your goals, budget, and timelines. A transparent and collaborative approach and a proven track record are key to finding the best software development company in Minneapolis.

Creating software incurs costs influenced by factors like complexity, design, and functionality needs. The price can fluctuate between providers due to varying work extents and required resources. Typically, hiring professionals for software development may range from $30 to $49 per hour, with higher-end services reaching $150 to $199 per hour. It'sConsidering these factors to budget effectively and choosing a provider aligned with your project requirements and financial considerations is essential.

Due to ever-changing tax laws, figuring out precise tax incentives and grants is tricky. Companies in software development involving significant research and development might qualify for certain tax credits. However, eligibility is subject to legal regulations and specific criteria. To benefit, companies should understand these criteria and stay informed about potential credits and grants available to them in the evolving landscape of taxation laws.

Minneapolis has a strong talent pool for software developers, comparable to thriving tech hubs in major states like California. The city's skilled workforce, coupled with a growing tech ecosystem, positions it favorably. While not as vast as Silicon Valley, Minneapolis offers a competitive environment for software development talent in the U.S.

The time needed to construct a website varies, depending on project requirements, complexity, and the developer's capabilities and resources. Generally, software development can take six months or longer, but specific project timelines differ. The duration is influenced by multiple factors, emphasizing the need for project-specific assessments to estimate development time accurately.

Offering services post-launch is crucial for establishing customer relationships and boosting revenue. It is presumed that top software development companies in Minneapolis recognize the significance of these services and may include them in their offerings to enhance customer satisfaction and foster long-term partnerships.

Yes, hiring a top software development company in Minneapolis for a remote project is feasible. Many companies offer remote collaboration, allowing you to leverage the expertise of Minneapolis-based developers without geographical constraints. This flexibility enables efficient project management and access to skilled professionals regardless of your location.

There are a lot of examples of businesses that have worked with some of the best software development companies in Minneapolis. Some examples mentioned previously include Coherent Solutions and The Jed Mahonis Group. 

Rising living costs pose difficulties for employees in managing their expenses. Faced with such challenges, they might request higher compensation, leading to an escalation in project costs.


Buyer's guide

Technology has become the beating heart of today. Software development, in particular, has become the creative engine propelling our digital era. Not only does it fuel innovation, but it also drives economic growth. Whether it'sstreamlining business operations or enhancing user experiences, software plays a pivotal role in diverse industries. Its impact is evident in creating cutting-edge applications, the automation of critical processes, and the evolution of artificial intelligence.

In Minneapolis, software development has emerged as a vital force in this digital revolution. The city hosts a vibrant community of 32,480 software developers, claiming the 14th-highest concentration of software developers nationwide. The city's vibrant tech community fosters collaboration, attracting established companies and startups. Moreover, software development creates high-quality jobs, propelling the local economy forward and positioning Minneapolis as a hub for technological excellence. 

Some of Minneapolis's best software development companies include Emergent Software, The Jed Mahonis Group, AE Studio, Vention, and Brocoders. Now, let's get into the details of Minneapolis software development trends, expertise, and salaries. 

Major Software Development Hubs in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a burgeoning software development hub, fostering innovation and digital progress. In Minneapolis, the software development industry is a key economic growth and competitiveness driver. With 17.82 individuals per 1,000 jobs dedicated to crafting codes, these developers transcend mere screen-bound identities. They emerge as the masterminds shaping the digital panorama, breathing life into the apps that foster connection, the platforms that streamline businesses, and the innovations that redefine possibilities.

With nearly 18 people for every 1,000 jobs putting their skills into coding, these developers go beyond being just faces behind screens. They're the brains behind our digital world, giving life to apps that bring us together, creating platforms that make businesses run smoother, and coming up with ideas that open up new horizons. Locations like Silicon Valley and Oakland are notable among its major software development hubs. 

Silicon Valley is famous everywhere for its advanced technology and has many big tech companies and new businesses. Silicon Valley is a tech powerhouse in the San Francisco Bay Area, housing 387,000 high-tech jobs. Of these, 225,300 are in Silicon Valley alone, making it the highest tech job concentration in the nation. 

There are 285.9 high-tech workers for every 1,000 in the private sector here. The average high-tech salary in Silicon Valley is a whopping $144,800. Not just about jobs, this region, specifically the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area, boasts the most millionaires and billionaires per capita in the U.S., thanks to the thriving tech sector. 

Oakland is also important, adding to Minneapolis's active computer program development scene. Oakland has witnessed a steady growth in its tech ecosystem, with an increasing number of startups, entrepreneurs, and tech professionals choosing the city as a base. Being in close proximity to Silicon Valley, Oakland benefits from its association with the larger tech hub. 

For those seeking alternatives to San Francisco's high costs, many individuals and top software development companies in Minneapolis choose Oakland. Plus, co-working spaces and incubators in Oakland provide a supportive infrastructure for startups and small businesses in the software development sector.

These hubs serve as epicenters for technological advancements, drawing in IT companies, CEOs, developers, and clients alike.

Market Overview

The tech sector holds significant influence in the Seven-County Metro Area, which encompasses over 85% of Minnesota's Computer and Mathematical Occupations employment. With approximately 83,760 jobs, these occupations represent 4.9% of the Metro Area's total employment, surpassing the state average of 3.6%. Specifically, software developers, software quality assurance analysts, and testers contribute to this landscape, constituting 28,720 jobs. As the Metro Area plays a pivotal role in Minnesota's overall employment, fostering diversity in IT occupations becomes crucial. 

Current trends shape the trajectory of technological advancements. Minneapolis is carving its niche in the national and global software development market. Minneapolis is solidifying its status as a burgeoning tech hub, particularly in financial technology (fintech). According to recent statistics, the city and its surrounding areas in Wisconsin witnessed an impressive 52% growth in tech jobs within the credit intermediation sector between 2013 and 2018. 

What's more, the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area has earned the name "Silicon Prairie," a nod to its recent expansion in the tech field. This nickname draws parallels to Silicon Valley, emphasizing the region's rapid growth and innovation in the technology sector. Incorporating the Silicon Prairie designation suggests that Minneapolis and its surroundings have become a thriving center for technological advancements, akin to the renowned Silicon Valley. 

Technical Expertise of Minneapolis-based Developers

The technical expertise of Minneapolis-based developers reflects a diverse skill set aligned with contemporary industry demands. As the city gains prominence in the national tech landscape, its developers showcase proficiency in various technologies and frameworks that underpin modern software development.

Popular Technologies and Frameworks

Software development frameworks serve as the backbone for creating many applications, shaping the digital landscape. In Minneapolis, where technological innovation is flourishing, it's essential to delve into the current framework preferences among developers to gain insights into the evolving technological ecosystem.

Presently, top software development companies in Minneapolis demonstrate a pronounced inclination towards specific frameworks that align with their diverse project requirements. These choices are not arbitrary. Rather, they reflect a thoughtful selection process based on factors such as efficiency, scalability, and versatility.

  1. Django (Python): Known for its simplicity and versatility, Django, a Python-based framework, is highly favored for constructing robust web applications that are both intricate and database-driven.
  2. Flask (Python): In the Python realm, developers lean towards Flask, appreciating its lightweight and modular design, making it particularly suitable for smaller to medium-sized projects.
  3. Ruby on Rails (Ruby): Renowned for its convention over configuration approach, Ruby on Rails is the framework of choice for Minneapolis developers, simplifying development tasks and proving effective in scaling web applications.
  4. Garden (Ruby): As a Ruby-based framework, Garden stands out with its modular and customizable structure, offering flexibility for developers engaged in Ruby projects.
  5. Laravel (PHP): Leveraging the power of PHP, Minneapolis developers gravitate towards Laravel for its elegant syntax and robust features, facilitating the creation of modern, dynamic web applications.
  6. CakePHP (PHP): Another PHP framework making waves in Minneapolis is CakePHP. Its emphasis on convention over configuration streamlines the development process, enabling rapid application development.
  7. ReactJS (JavaScript): In the realm of JavaScript frameworks, ReactJS takes center stage. Developers appreciate its ability to create dynamic user interfaces with a component-based architecture, contributing to a seamless and interactive user experience.
  8. AngularJS (JavaScript): Recognized for its robust structure and comprehensive features, AngularJS, a JavaScript framework, is a staple for Minneapolis developers engaged in building dynamic, single-page web applications.

Understanding these current preferences provides a valuable snapshot of the Minneapolis development landscape. 

Software Development Case Studies

Top software development companies in Minneapolis offer dynamic solutions for businesses seeking custom software. Before collaboration, businesses must familiarize themselves with the companies' past projects. This insight helps align specific needs with the demonstrated proficiency of Minneapolis-based firms, ensuring a fruitful partnership.

1. Coherent Solutions and Amify

Coherent Solutions, founded in 1995, is a software development agency considered among the top software development companies in Minneapolis. Amify is an eCommerce optimization company. Facing a critical need to elevate its technological capabilities, Amify sought to fortify its infrastructure and develop a tailored digital solution within a tight three-month deadline.

Coherent Solutions met Amify's challenge by swiftly forming a skilled cross-functional team. They established the initial architecture, automated infrastructure configuration for streamlined deployment, and seamlessly integrated Single Sign-On (SSO) services like Google and Microsoft. Addressing security concerns, they implemented crucial login/logout functionalities and created an efficient administrative user interface.

Coherent Solutions didn't merely fulfill the outlined requirements; they exceeded expectations. The agency elevated the development lifecycle by establishing robust Dev, UI/UX, QA, and DevOps procedures and tools, fostering collaboration and delivering high-quality outcomes. The innovative prototype solution created by Coherent Solutions empowered Amify's clients with a holistic view of their products, enabling informed decisions for optimized marketing strategies and enhanced product performance, culminating in heightened customer satisfaction.

2. The Jed Mahonis Group and TurnSignl

The Jed Mahonis Group is a full-stack digital agency and is considered one of the best software development companies in Minneapolis. They showcased their prowess in a transformative project with TurnSignl, an on-demand app aiming to mediate and de-escalate law enforcement interactions during traffic stops. 

Faced with a pressing societal need, the challenge was two-fold – technically intricate due to numerous integrations and 24/7 video calls, and socially urgent amidst rising concerns about fatalities during traffic stops. Despite the standard development timeline of 6-9 months for such a project, The Jed Mahonis Group compressed the entire process into three months, emphasizing the immediate impact of saving lives. With a keen focus on UI design, technical integrations, and scalability, the team rapidly developed an iOS and Android app. 

The result was a triumphant launch in Minnesota, garnering acclaim, accolades, and $2 million in additional investment for TurnSignl. The ongoing partnership continues to support the platform's growth, marking a successful collaboration at the intersection of technology and societal impact.

Education and Talent Pool

For those aiming to collaborate with top software development companies in Minneapolis, a critical step involves assessing the educational landscape. Evaluating the quality of educational institutions in the region becomes paramount. This analysis serves as a key factor in gauging the potential expertise of software developers and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the available talent pool. 

By delving into educational metrics, enterprises can make informed decisions about their potential collaborations and ensure they engage with developers who bring not only skill but also a strong foundation from reputable institutions in Minneapolis.

Education 

Minneapolis has a vibrant educational landscape, with several universities offering comprehensive software development courses. 

Notable institutions in the area include:

  1. University of Minnesota (U of M): The U of M offers various programs through its College of Science and Engineering, including Computer Science and Computer Engineering degrees. These programs cover a broad spectrum of software development skills and principles.
  2. Minneapolis College: Formerly known as Minneapolis Community and Technical College, this institution provides associate degree programs and certificates in areas like software development, emphasizing practical skills applicable to the industry.
  3. Augsburg University: Augsburg offers Computer Science programs emphasizing software development. Students at Augsburg gain a solid foundation in programming, algorithms, and software design.
  4. St. Catherine University: St. Catherine's Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences provides programs in Computer Science, offering courses in software development, coding languages, and application design.
  5. Metropolitan State University: The Computer Science program at Metropolitan State University covers a range of software development topics, preparing students for careers in the field.
  6. Bethel University: Bethel's Department of Computer Science and Information Technology offers programs focusing on software development, covering areas such as algorithms, data structures, and software engineering.
  7. Capella University: An online institution headquartered in Minneapolis, Capella University provides various technology and IT programs, including specializations in software development.

These universities cater to the growing demand for skilled software developers by offering courses that equip students with the necessary knowledge and practical experience. Aspiring software developers in Minneapolis can explore these institutions to pursue education and training in this dynamic field.

Bootcamps

Minneapolis provides opportunities for aspiring software developers to enhance their skills through various coding bootcamps. 

Some notable boot camps in the area include:

  1. Prime Digital Academy: Prime Digital Academy offers immersive, full-time, and part-time coding boot camps covering software engineering and development. Their programs focus on hands-on projects and collaboration to prepare students for real-world scenarios.
  2. Nashville Software School - Minneapolis: This boot camp offers a full-stack web development program, providing practical skills and experience to aspiring developers. The curriculum covers front-end and back-end technologies.
  3. Thinkful: Thinkful offers various online coding boot camps, including programs in software engineering. Students receive personalized mentorship and support throughout their learning journey.
  4. Skill Distillery: Although not physically located in Minneapolis, Skill Distillery offers immersive coding boot camps, including a Full Stack Java Developer program, accessible online for individuals in the Minneapolis area.
  5. DigitalCrafts: DigitalCrafts provides a full-stack software development boot camp that covers web development technologies. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on coding projects and practical skills.
  6. General Assembly: General Assembly offers both full-time and part-time software engineering boot camps, providing a comprehensive curriculum to help students develop proficiency in web development.

These coding boot camps cater to individuals seeking a more accelerated and focused path into software development. Prospective software developers in Minneapolis can explore these boot camps as an alternative or complement to traditional academic routes.

Minneapolis has a rich pool of skilled software developers contributing to the city's thriving tech landscape. With a strong educational infrastructure and a vibrant tech community, Minneapolis provides an environment that nurtures and cultivates top-tier talent in software development. The presence of leading educational institutes and a collaborative industry ecosystem ensures a continuous influx of skilled professionals into the workforce.

Salaries and Compensation

When examining the salaries of software developers in Minneapolis, several factors come into play, such as skills, experience, and education. The estimated total pay for a software developer in the Minneapolis-St. Paul's area is $107,991 per year, including an average salary of $101,873 and additional pay of $6,118. 

While these figures signify a competitive salary, it's noteworthy that the average compensation in Minneapolis is comparatively lower than in cities like New York and San Francisco, where software developers can earn around $119,000 and $140,000 per year, respectively. These variations reflect regional differences in the cost of living and demand for tech talent.

Cost of Living in Minneapolis

Software developers in Minneapolis earn an average yearly salary that translates to around $8,500 per month. The city's cost of living is slightly below the national average, with estimated monthly costs for a single person at $1,303.8 (excluding rent) and for a family of four at $4,705.3 (excluding rent). 

In Minneapolis, the average monthly rent for residents is approximately $2,112. Regarding specific housing options, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost around $1,676, while the same type of apartment outside the city center could be around $1,200.31. 

These figures shed light on the region's financial landscape for professionals and families. For businesses engaging with top software development companies in Minneapolis, it's crucial to recognize that these living costs can impact project prices. As the overall cost of living rises, software development expenses may also increase, as developers may seek higher salaries in response to the elevated living expenses in the area.

Why Choose Minneapolis for Software Development?

There are compelling reasons for businesses to explore collaborations with the best software development companies in Minneapolis. The city has been gaining prominence both nationally and internationally, positioning itself as a burgeoning hub for technological innovation. Minneapolis boasts a rich pool of skilled professionals, particularly in the realm of custom computer programming. 

Engaging with these adept developers ensures that businesses can customize their software solutions precisely to their requirements. The city's thriving tech community and the availability of a skilled workforce make Minneapolis an appealing destination for enterprises seeking tailored and innovative software development solutions.

Conclusion

Minneapolis is emerging as a prominent hub for software development, drawing attention to its skilled workforce and dynamic tech landscape. Professionals from top software development companies in Minneapolis exhibit proficiency in diverse tools and technologies. With a workforce largely dedicated to custom development and programming, businesses can find tailored software solutions and more in this flourishing Midwestern city.

References

  • Contributors to Wikimedia projects. "Silicon Valley." Wikipedia, 12 Dec. 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon_Valley.
  • Stacker. "Minneapolis Has One of the Highest Concentrations of Software Developers Nationwide—See Where It Ranks." Stacker, 26 Apr. 2023, https://stacker.com/minnesota/minneapolis/minneapolis-has-one-highest-concentrations-software-developers-nationwide-see-where-it-ranks.
  • "Information Technology in the Metro Area." Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/publications/review/december-2021/information-technology.jsp. Accessed 8 Jan. 2024.
  • "Emergent Software." Emergent Software, https://www.emergentsoftware.net/technologies/. Accessed 8 Jan. 2024.
  • "AMIFY-Case Study-Operational Efficiency." Coherent Solutions, https://www.coherentsolutions.com/portfolio/case-studies/amify. Accessed 8 Jan. 2024.
  • "TurnSignl - Case Study - The Jed Mahonis Group - Full-Stack Digital Product Agency." The Jed Mahonis Group, https://jedmahonisgroup.com/projects/turnsignl. Accessed 8 Jan. 2024.
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  • Cost of Living in Minneapolis. https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Minneapolis. Accessed 8 Jan. 2024.
  • "Cost of Living in Minneapolis, MN." PayScale, https://www.payscale.com/cost-of-living-calculator/Minnesota-Minneapolis. Accessed 8 Jan. 2024.
  • Malan, David. "Software Development Companies Rates in 2023 (Survey Results)." Techreviewer Blog, 8 Dec. 2023, https://techreviewer.co/blog/software-development-companies-rates-in-2023#key-findingsbr.