How Much Does it Cost to Build a Job Portal App like LinkedIn in UK

Job portals have changed the way people search for jobs and how companies find the right candidates.

Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor have made recruitment faster and more efficient, giving job seekers access to thousands of opportunities and helping employers connect with top talent.

If you are planning to build a job portal app like LinkedIn in the UK, you are entering a market with huge potential. An excellent job portal makes hiring easier by allowing companies to post jobs and candidates to apply quickly with just a few clicks.

However, developing such an app requires careful planning, as costs can vary depending on features, development approach, and compliance requirements.

This article will explore the estimated costs of building a job portal app like LinkedIn in the UK, the key features needed, and ways to reduce development costs.

We will help you have a detailed understanding of what it takes to develop a successful job portal and how to budget effectively.

What Makes LinkedIn a Popular Job Portal?

LinkedIn is the top platform for professional networking because it offers job listings, networking opportunities, and resources for learning new skills. Here are a few more reasons why LinkedIn is a popular job portal app.

1. Professional Networking

One of the best advantages of LinkedIn is how it connects professionals across industries and locations.

Users can build a network by adding coworkers, mentors, and industry leaders, allowing them to find new job opportunities through mutual connections. LinkedIn allows professionals to interact with posts, share industry news, and join discussions.

2. AI-Powered Job Matching

Whether it is e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, education, childhood platform like Famly App, or any other app, AI is being used by every industry. LinkedIn also uses AI to personalize job recommendations based on user profiles, skills, and activity.

Instead of searching through lots of job listings, candidates receive job suggestions that match their experience, qualifications, and interests.

The platform keeps improving these suggestions by looking at job applications, skill endorsements, and industry trends, ensuring users see the best opportunities. This AI system saves time and increases the chances of finding a job that fits your skill set.

3. Company Insights & Employer Branding

Employers use LinkedIn to promote their brand and showcase their company culture.

Companies can create pages to highlight their values, work environment, and employee experiences, helping job seekers decide if they want to apply. Reviews, employee stories, and updates give more details than just a job description.

4. Advanced Job Search Filters

LinkedIn has search filters that help users find jobs based on filters like:

• Location
• Industry
• Job Type
• Experience Level
• Salary

Search filters make it easier for job seekers to target opportunities that match their preferences without having to scroll through irrelevant listings. Filters like "remote," "hybrid," and "onsite" have also become important now, giving candidates more control over their job search.

5. Direct Recruiter Communication

You no longer have to apply on job sites and wait for a response because LinkedIn allows job seekers to communicate directly with recruiters.

Features like LinkedIn InMail allow candidates to contact hiring managers, inquire about job openings, and build connections even before applying.

Many recruiters search for potential candidates on LinkedIn, so it is important to keep your profile updated and well-optimised.

6. Learning & Skill Development

LinkedIn offers more than just job listings. It has LinkedIn Learning, where users can take courses and earn certifications in different areas.

Professionals can learn new skills, tools, and techniques to improve their chances of getting hired. Certifications earned through LinkedIn Learning show up on profiles, making users look more credible to recruiters,

7. Premium Features for Competitive Edge

LinkedIn has a freemium model, where users can access basic features for free but can pay for premium subscriptions with extra benefits. LinkedIn Premium gives users more visibility, shows who viewed their profile, allows direct messages to recruiters and provides salary information.

For job seekers, these premium features help them connect with hiring managers, improve their job search, and stand out from others.

What is the Cost of Developing a Job Portal Like LinkedIn in the UK?

Developing a LinkedIn-like platform involves multiple factors, including design, functionality, security, and AI integration. The app-making charges depends on the complexity of the features and the development team’s expertise.

The total cost of developing a job portal app like LinkedIn in the UK can range from £25,000 to £300,000+.

For instance, a basic platform with essential features like job posting, applications, and user profiles can cost you less than a high-end platform with advanced networking, live interviews, and premium memberships.

However, strategic planning, smart technology choices, and phased development can reduce costs while ensuring the platform stays competitive and scalable.

Take a look at the table to understand the estimated costs of developing a job portal like LinkedIn in the UK.

Estimated Cost Breakdown for Building a LinkedIn-Like Job Portal App in the UK

Developing a LinkedIn-like job portal app requires careful budgeting, as multiple factors influence the overall cost.

From UI/UX design to backend development and maintenance, each stage affects the total cost of developing a job portal like LinkedIn in the UK. Below is a cost breakdown based on the essential development phases.

1. Market Research & Planning

Cost: £5,000 - £15,000

Before starting development, it is important to do market research to understand competitors, users' needs, and business opportunities.

This phase includes studying what’s possible, planning the business model, and deciding which features are most important. A solid plan helps create a platform that matches industry trends and user expectations.

2. UI/UX Design

Cost: £10,000 - £30,000

An intuitive and engaging design is important for user retention. This cost covers creating wireframes and prototypes and designing a responsive layout for both web and mobile versions.

Hiring skilled UI/UX designers ensures the job portal is easy to navigate and accessible.

3. Frontend & Backend Development

Cost: £30,000 - £100,000

Frontend development is about creating a user-friendly interface with tools like React.js or Vue.js. Backend development deals with managing the database, integrating APIs, and handling server-side tasks using backend languages like Node.js, Python, or Java.

The cost of development can increase with complex features, like AI-powered job suggestions and real-time messaging.

4. Mobile App Development (iOS & Android)

Cost: £40,000 - £120,000

A job portal should work on both Android and iOS. The cost depends on whether you choose native development ( Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) or a cross-platform framework like Flutter or React Native.

This is because the cost of developing a React Native app in the UK is different from building a native app.

Creating a high-quality mobile app with features like push notifications, chat features, and video interviews needs skilled developers and thorough testing.

5. Database & Cloud Hosting

Cost: £10,000 - £25,000

Reliable cloud hosting services like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure are required to store user data and job listings and support real-time interactions. The cost depends on storage requirements, data security measures, and server scalability to ensure it can grow with the platform.

6. AI & Machine Learning Integrations

Cost: £20,000 - £50,000

AI features like job recommendations, resume screening, and chatbot support help keep users engaged. Using AI to personalise job suggestions and automate recruitment processes requires specialised experts, which can add to the overall development cost.

7. Security & Compliance

Cost: £10,000 - £20,000

Just like any other app,  job portal apps also deal with sensitive user data, making strong security necessary.

This includes following rules like GDPR, using SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and data protection protocols. Ensuring compliance with UK and EU regulations increases the development cost but is essential for maintaining and building digital trust.

8. Testing & Quality Assurance

Cost: £10,000 - £30,000

A job portal needs thorough testing to ensure it works well on different devices and browsers. The cost includes functional testing, performance testing, security audits, and bug fixes to remove any technical issues before launch.

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9. Maintenance & Updates

Cost: £10,000 - £50,000 per year

Post-launch maintenance is necessary to update security patches, fix bugs, and introduce new features based on user feedback. The cost depends on the frequency of updates, server management, and customer support services.

Factors Affecting the Job Portal App Development Cost

You should know that developing a job portal app like LinkedIn in the UK is influenced by multiple factors. The total cost can go up and down based on the features, technology stack, security measures, development team and the team location you choose. Let’s learn in detail about these factors.

1. Feature Complexity

The complexity of features affects the overall development cost. A basic job portal with features like job listings, candidate profiles, and applications costs less than a more advanced platform with AI job matching, real-time messaging, video interviews, and applicant tracking systems.

More features mean more development time, testing, and backend infrastructure, which increases the total cost.

2. Technology Stack

Another factor that influences the cost of job portal app development is the choice of technology.

Using high-performance programming languages for app development and frameworks like React.js, Node.js, Python, and AWS helps create a scalable and efficient platform, but these technologies need skilled developers who can charge higher rates.

Cost-effective options are available, but they may not offer the same performance and scalability. Also, adding features like AI, machine learning, and blockchain for better security increases the cost.

3. Development Team Location & Expertise

The location of the development team influences the development costs. If you hire a team in the UK, it can be more expensive than outsourcing to places like Eastern Europe, India, or Southeast Asia.

UK-based developers usually charge £80-£150 per hour, while outsourcing can cost £30-£70 per hour. However, outsourcing requires good project management to ensure quality and effective communication between teams.

4. Mobile vs. Web Development

Building a web-based job portal is usually more cost-effective than creating a mobile app. However, if you want an app for both iOS and Android, costs go up because each platform requires separate development processes.

Using cross-platform development tools like Flutter or React Native can save money by allowing a single codebase to work on both platforms. Native app development, on the other hand, offers better performance but needs separate coding for each platform, leading to higher costs.

5. UI/UX Design Quality

An excellent user interface (UI) is important for a smooth experience but can increase development costs. The design phase includes creating wireframes, prototypes, and interactive elements that enhance user engagement.

A poorly designed interface can drive users away, making it essential to focus on easy navigation, modern layouts, and accessibility. The cost of UI/UX design depends on how complex the animations, graphics, and custom features are.

6. Third-Party Integrations

Job portal apps need third-party integrations like payment gateways, cloud storage, analytics tools, LinkedIn API, and CRM systems to improve functionality.

These integrations help employers track applications, schedule interviews, and automate job postings.

While these services make the platform more efficient, they come with extra costs for licenses and development to ensure everything works smoothly.

7. Maintenance & Ongoing Updates

After the job portal app is launched, ongoing maintenance is needed to fix bugs, improve security, and add new features. Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest mobile OS versions and web technologies.

Maintenance costs depend on how often updates are needed, server management, and customer support. Without proper maintenance, the platform can have performance issues, which can affect user engagement.

Also Read: Mobile App Maintenance Cost: Affordable Solutions

8. Marketing & User Acquisition

Building a great job portal is not enough; you also need to invest in marketing to attract users. Marketing costs include SEO, social media ads, working with influencers, and paid advertisements like PPC marketing.

Without a good marketing plan, it is difficult to stand out in the job market. Setting aside a budget for user acquisition helps bring more visitors and increase employer sign-ups.

Key Features of a Job Portal App Like LinkedIn

A job portal app like LinkedIn requires a comprehensive set of features to ensure job matching, professional networking, and recruitment. Below are the key features of a job portal like LinkedIn.

1. User Profiles

A strong user profile is an essential feature of any job portal app. Job seekers should be able to create detailed profiles that include their education, work experience, certifications, skills, and portfolio links.

Employers should also have profiles that show the company details, job openings, and employee reviews. A well-organised profile helps candidates get notices and makes it easier for recruiters to find the best talent.

2. Job Listings & Applications

Job portal apps like LinkedIn allow employers to create and manage job listings, including job descriptions, skill requirements, salary ranges, and application deadlines.

At the same time, job seekers can search for jobs using filters like location, experience, salary, and company type. For instance, if you are interested in the auto business, you can easily filter job listings on a job portal to find the right opportunities.

A simple application process, where users can apply with a single click and track their applications, enhances engagement and encourages active job searching.

3. Resume Builder & Upload

A built-in resume builder allows job seekers to create professional resumes within the app by filling out a pre-designed template. This feature is beneficial for fresh graduates and professionals who need a structured format.

Users should also be able to upload their existing resumes in formats like PDF and DOC, making it easier for recruiters to review applications. Some advanced platforms even use AI to improve resumes for better visibility.

4. In-App Messaging & Networking

A job portal like LinkedIn is not just for job hunting but also professional networking. An in-app messaging feature allows users to connect with recruiters, hiring managers, and industry professionals.

This should include instant messaging, email alerts, and even voice or video call options. A good messaging system makes it easier for job seekers and employers to communicate, improving the chances of successful hiring.

5. Advanced Search & Filters

A search engine should offer multiple filters like job category, location, experience level, salary range, and company type to improve user experience. Smart algorithms improve search results, helping candidates find the right jobs and recruiters quickly find the best applicants.

6. Video Interviews & Webinars

The hiring process has changed, with many companies now preferring virtual interviews over in-person meetings. A job portal app should include video interview features, allowing recruiters to conduct live interviews or ask candidates to submit pre-recorded responses.

The platform can also offer industry-specific webinars, career coaching sessions, and employer events to make it more interactive and engaging.

7. Subscription Plans & Monetisation

For a job portal to be successful, it needs an effective and strong monetisation strategy. One option is a subscription model, where both job seekers and employers pay for premium features.

For instance, recruiters may pay for better job postings, advanced search filters, and AI applicant tracking, while job seekers may subscribe for profile boosting, resume optimisation, and exclusive job listings.

Advertisement slots, sponsored job listings, and commission-based hiring services are also effective ways to generate revenue.

Also Read: How Does Airbnb Make Money: Business Model & Revenue Source

8. Company Pages & Employer Branding

Employers should be able to create company pages where they can show their brand, culture, achievements, and job openings.

These pages can include employee testimonials, videos, blog posts, and success stories to attract top talent.

Strong employer branding helps hire more efficiently and attracts better candidates who share the company’s values and missions.

9. Admin Dashboard & Analytics

An admin dashboard is required to manage the job portal more efficiently. It should show details about user activity, job postings, successful hires, and engagement.

Analytics help understand which features are most used, where users are dropping off, and how to improve the platform. A good admin panel also helps manage content, stop spam, and maintain the platform's quality.

How to Reduce Job Portal App Development Costs?

Reducing job portal app development costs requires careful planning, smart technology choices, and efficient resource management. Here are some effective ways to reduce expenses while maintaining quality.

1. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

If you want to build a job portal like LinkedIn in the UK, you should be aware that it can be expensive and takes time.

That is why you can start with a basic version (MVP) with essential features like user registration, job postings, applications, and basic search filters, as it will reduce initial costs.

An MVP allows businesses to test the market, gather user feedback, and scale the platform based on user demand, which helps save money on features that may not be needed immediately.

However, ensure you choose the best MVP development company in the UK that meets your needs.

2. Use Open-Source & Low-Code Platforms

Instead of building everything from scratch, using open-source job portal scripts and low-code development platforms helps reduce costs. These platforms offer pre-built templates and features, reducing the time and effort required for development.

Many open-source solutions also come with community support, making it easier to implement changes and updates at a lower cost.

3. Opt for Cross-Platform Development

Another way to reduce job portal app development costs is choosing cross-platform development. This development approach uses cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter, which allows for a single codebase that works across both platforms.

It helps reduce development costs by almost half if you don’t opt for building separate apps for iOS and Android. Cross-platform development saves money, speeds up the launch, and maintains a consistent user experience.

4. Outsource Development to Cost-Effective Regions

Outsourcing development to regions that charge less is also an effective way to save money on app development.

You can hire developers from areas like India, Ukraine, or the Philippines because development rates in these countries are much lower than in the UK, which makes outsourcing a cost-effective solution.

5. Use Cloud Hosting & SaaS Solutions

You can invest in cloud hosting services like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure instead of expensive dedicated servers, as it ensures scalability without high upfront costs.

These services offer pay-as-you-go pricing, meaning businesses only pay for the resources they use. Also, using SaaS-based APIs for features like video conferencing, payment processing, and AI-powered recommendations is much more cost-effective than the cost of developing them in-house.

6. Utilise Pre-Built API Integrations

Building every feature in-house can be costly and take a lot of time. Instead, using third-party APIs for functionalities like payment gateways, resume parsing, video conferencing, and analytics can help reduce costs while maintaining efficiency.

Services like Stripe for payments, Twilio for messaging, and Google Maps for location tracking can be easily added without needing complex custom development.

7. Develop a Job Portal App Like LinkedIn With Arramton

Building a job portal like LinkedIn requires a skilled team and experience in building such apps, which makes Arramton Infotech the right choice for developing a scalable and feature-rich job portal app.

They have expertise in adding features like professional profiles, job listings, AI recommendations, networking, messaging, applicant tracking, and video interviews.

Whether you need a professional networking site or a specialised job board, Arramton delivers a custom, efficient, and high-quality job portal. They know what it takes to deliver a secure and user-friendly app from scratch while meeting your project’s requirements.

Their team ensures secure, high-performance, and user-friendly platforms that cater to both job seekers and recruiters. From concept and development to deployment and ongoing support, we provide end-to-end solutions based on your business needs.

Arramton can help build a high-performing and scalable job portal app like LinkedIn in the UK.

The Final Thoughts

LinkedIn is popular because it offers professional networking, finding job opportunities, and building a personal brand in a trusted business-focused platform.

However, if you want to develop an app like LinkedIn in the UK, you need to carefully define your needs and understand what you want your app to be like. The cost of building a job portal app like LinkedIn in the UK depends on its complexity, features, and development approach.

The development costs are also affected by each development stage, from planning and research to testing and ongoing maintenance. Costs also vary based on factors like the development team, technology stack, and third-party integrations.

Businesses can start with an MVP, use cross-platform frameworks, and utilise pre-built APIs to reduce development costs.

Partner with Arramton to bring your job portal idea to life! Contact us today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 How long does it take to develop a job portal app?

Ans A basic job portal app can take 6 to 8 months to develop, while a full-featured platform like LinkedIn may take 12 to 18 months. The timeline depends on the complexity of features, your team size, and how quickly you can provide feedback.

Q2 Can I reduce the cost of development?

Ans Yes, you can reduce costs by starting with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with only essential features. Outsourcing development to cost-effective regions and using open-source software can also help save money.

Q3 What are the best technologies for job portal development?

Ans For cross-platform apps, React Native or Flutter are great choices. For backend development, consider Node.js or Ruby on Rails. Use AWS or Google Cloud for hosting and MySQL or MongoDB for database management.

Q4 Do I need a license for a job portal app in the UK?

Ans No specific license is required, but you must comply with GDPR to protect user data. Ensure you have proper terms of service and a privacy policy.

Q5 What are the top revenue models for job portal apps?

Ans Popular models include Freemium, where basic features are free and premium features cost money, subscription plans for employers and job seekers, pay-per-listing for job posts, and advertising or featured job listings for extra revenue.