Understanding the Mobile App Development Industry: Salaries and Rates

A person analyzing mobile app development data

Mobile apps have transformed the way we live, work, and play. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, mobile apps have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. As a result, the mobile app industry has exploded in recent years, creating new opportunities for developers around the world. However, with this growth comes a question that many aspiring developers are curious about: how much do mobile app developers make?

The purpose of this blog post is to answer that question and provide insight into the salaries and earning potential of mobile app developers. We will explore the various factors that influence developer salaries, including experience, location, and skillset. We will also look at trends in the industry and the future outlook for mobile app development. Whether you are a seasoned developer or just starting out, this post will provide you with valuable information to help you understand the earning potential in the exciting and rapidly evolving world of mobile app development.

Factors that Affect Mobile App Developers’ Salaries

Mobile app development has become an essential part of our lives, and with the increasing demand for mobile apps, the salaries of mobile app developers are also rising. However, several factors influence the salaries of mobile app developers. In this, we will discuss the five most critical factors that affect mobile app developers’ salaries.

Experience and Skill Level:-

The experience and skill level of a mobile app developer are crucial factors that determine their salary. The more experience and skill a developer has, the higher the salary they can command. Developers who have been in the industry for many years and have worked on multiple projects tend to earn more than those who are just starting.

Location:-

Location is another significant factor that affects the salaries of mobile app developers. Developers working in cities with a higher cost of living, such as San Francisco or New York, can expect to earn more than those in smaller cities. However, developers’ salaries also vary by country, as the cost of living and the demand for mobile app developers differ from country to country.

Type of Company (Startups vs. Established Companies):-

The type of company can play a significant role in determining a mobile app developer’s salary. Startups and established companies have different salary structures, with startups typically offering lower salaries but also offering equity and other perks that can make up for the lower pay. Established companies, on the other hand, typically offer higher salaries but may have more stringent requirements and less room for creativity.

Type of App:-

The type of app being developed can also impact a mobile app developer’s salary. iOS apps tend to generate more revenue than Android apps, so developers working on iOS apps may earn higher salaries. Additionally, developers working on paid apps tend to earn more than those working on free apps, as paid apps generate revenue from each download.

Revenue Model:-

The revenue model of a mobile app is the way it generates income. The most common revenue models for mobile apps are in-app purchases, subscriptions, and ads. The revenue model can significantly impact a mobile app developer’s salary.

In-App Purchases:- In-app purchases are the most lucrative revenue model for mobile apps. Developers working on apps that offer in-app purchases can earn higher salaries because these types of apps generate more revenue. In-app purchases are when users pay for virtual goods or services within the app, such as extra lives in a game or premium features in a productivity app. Developers who work on apps that offer in-app purchases often earn a percentage of the revenue generated from these purchases.

Subscriptions: Another popular revenue model for mobile apps is subscriptions. Developers working on subscription-based apps can also earn higher salaries. Subscription-based apps charge users a monthly or yearly fee to access the app’s content or features. Examples of

subscription-based apps include music streaming apps like Spotify and video streaming apps like Netflix. Developers who work on subscription-based apps also typically earn a percentage of the revenue generated from these subscriptions.

Ads:

Ads are a common revenue model for free mobile apps. Developers working on apps that generate revenue from ads typically earn lower salaries because these types of apps generate less revenue. Ads are when a user views an advertisement within the app. Developers who work on apps that generate revenue from ads may earn a percentage of the revenue generated from these ads or a flat fee for creating and maintaining the app.

Average salaries for mobile app developers

If you’re considering a career in mobile app development, it’s essential to understand the average salaries for mobile app developers. Here, we will examine the global and regional averages for mobile app developer salaries, as well as the salaries by experience level.

Global Averages:-

According to Payscale, the average salary for a mobile app developer is $74,913 per year, with a range of $46,000 to $126,000 per year. Glassdoor reports that the average salary for a mobile app developer is $103,805 per year, with a range of $70,000 to $147,000 per year. These global averages vary based on factors such as location, experience level, and industry.

Regional Averages:-

Mobile app developer salaries vary greatly based on location. In North America, the average salary for a mobile app developer is $92,000 per year, according to Indeed. In Europe, the average salary for a mobile app developer is €50,000 per year, according to Glassdoor. In Asia, the average salary for a mobile app developer is $30,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the country.

Salaries by Experience Level:-

Mobile app developer salaries also vary based on experience level. According to Payscale, entry-level mobile app developers with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $59,000 per year. Mobile app developers with 1-4 years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $72,000 per year. Developers with 5-9 years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $91,000 per year. Mobile app developers with 10-19 years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $108,000 per year. Senior mobile app developers with 20 or more years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $117,000 per year.

Salaries for specific types of mobile app developers

The widespread usage of smartphones and the increasing demand for mobile applications have led to a significant rise in the salaries of mobile app developers. Here, we will discuss the salaries for specific types of mobile app developers.

iOS developers:- iOS developers are responsible for developing mobile applications for Apple’s iOS operating system. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for iOS developers in the United States is around $113,000 per year. However, the salary can vary depending on various factors, such as location, experience, and company size. Senior iOS developers with more than 5 years of experience can earn up to $150,000 per year.

Android developers:- Android developers, on the other hand, are responsible for developing mobile applications for Android operating systems. According to Payscale, the average salary for Android developers in the United States is around $89,000 per year. However, the salary can vary depending on various factors, such as location, experience, and company size. Senior Android developers with more than 5 years of experience can earn up to $150,000 per year.

Full-stack developers:- Full-stack developers are responsible for both front-end and back-end development of mobile applications. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for full-stack developers in the United States is around $111,000 per year. However, the salary can vary depending on various factors, such as location, experience, and company size. Senior full-stack developers with more than 5 years of experience can earn up to $160,000 per year.

Backend developers:– Backend developers are responsible for developing the server-side of mobile applications. According to Payscale, the average salary for backend developers in the United States is around $93,000 per year. However, the salary can vary depending on various factors, such as location, experience, and company size. Senior backend developers with more than 5 years of experience can earn up to $140,000 per year.

Frontend developers:– Frontend developers are responsible for developing the user interface of mobile applications. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for frontend developers in the United States is around $88,000 per year. However, the salary can vary depending on various factors, such as location, experience, and company size. Senior frontend developers with more than 5 years of experience can earn up to $130,000 per year.

UI/UX designers:– UI/UX designers are responsible for designing the user interface and user experience of mobile applications. According to Payscale, the average salary for UI/UX designers in the United States is around $74,000 per year. However, the salary can vary depending on various factors, such as location, experience, and company size. Senior UI/UX designers with more than 5 years of experience can earn up to $125,000 per year.

Salaries in the mobile app industry vs. other tech industries

We will take a closer look at the salaries in the mobile app industry compared to other tech industries.

Mobile App Developers vs. Web Developers:-

Mobile app developers and web developers share some common skills, such as coding languages and web development tools. However, mobile app developers require additional knowledge in developing apps specifically for mobile devices. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a mobile app developer in the United States is around $94,000 per year. In contrast, the average salary for a web developer is around $76,000 per year.

Software Engineers vs. Mobile App Developers:–

Software engineers and mobile app developers also share some skills, such as coding languages and programming techniques. However, software engineers typically work on a broader range of projects, including desktop applications and server-side software. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a software engineer in the United States is around $105,000 per year. This is slightly higher than the average salary for a mobile app developer.

Other Tech Professionals:–

Other tech professionals, such as data scientists and machine learning engineers, may not have the same skill set as mobile app developers, but they still play a critical role in the tech industry. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a data scientist in the United States is around $113,000 per year. Machine learning engineers can earn even more, with an average salary of around $142,000 per year.

Emerging trends in mobile app developer salaries

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy, including the tech industry. Many companies were forced to cut back on their expenses, including salaries. According to a report by Glassdoor, the average mobile app developer salary in the US decreased by 2.3% in 2020, compared to the previous year.

However, the pandemic has also accelerated the demand for digital products, including mobile apps. This has led to an increase in remote work, which has allowed companies to hire talent from all over the world. As a result, some mobile app developers have seen an increase in their salaries due to the increased competition for their skills.

The demand for specific types of mobile app developers has also had an impact on salaries. Some of the most in-demand skills include augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), blockchain, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML).

AR/VR developers are responsible for creating immersive experiences that can be used in a variety of industries, from gaming to education. According to Indeed, the average AR/VR developer salary in the US is $110,394 per year.

Blockchain developers are responsible for creating decentralized applications that use blockchain technology. These developers are in high demand due to the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based platforms. According to Glassdoor, the average blockchain developer salary in the US is $110,430 per year.

AI/ML developers are responsible for creating intelligent applications that can learn and adapt to user behavior. These developers are in high demand due to the increasing importance of data analysis in business decision-making. According to Indeed, the average AI/ML developer salary in the US is $130,000 per year.

The demand for mobile apps is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This means that the demand for skilled mobile app developers will also increase, which could lead to higher salaries. However, the overall trend is towards higher salaries, as the demand for mobile apps is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

Strategies for increasing mobile app developer salaries

Mobile app development is a rapidly growing industry, and skilled developers are in high demand. With the rise of mobile technology, there has never been a better time to be a mobile app developer. However, as with any profession, there is always room for improvement and growth. There are strategies for increasing mobile app developer salaries by improving skills and experience, negotiating higher salaries, and choosing the right job offer for better salaries.

Ways to improve skills and experience:-

One of the most effective ways to increase your salary as a mobile app developer is by improving your skills and experience. Here are a few ways to do this:

a) Stay up to date with the latest technologies: As technology continues to evolve, it is important to stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements in mobile app development. This can be done by attending conferences, workshops, and online courses, or by simply reading industry publications and blogs.

b) Learn new programming languages: Learning new programming languages can also help increase your salary as a mobile app developer. Popular languages such as Swift, Kotlin, and React Native are highly sought after by employers and can help set you apart from other candidates.

c) Build a portfolio of work: Having a strong portfolio of work can help showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. This can include personal projects, freelance work, or contributions to open source projects.

Strategies for negotiating higher salaries:-

Negotiating a higher salary can be daunting, but it is an important part of increasing your earnings as a mobile app developer. Here are a few tips for negotiating higher salaries:

a) Do your research: Before negotiating your salary, it is important to research industry standards for salaries in your area. This can give you a better idea of what to expect and can help you make a more informed decision.

b) Highlight your skills and experience: During negotiations, be sure to highlight your skills and experience and how they can benefit the company. This can help demonstrate your value and make a strong case for a higher salary.

c) Consider other benefits: Salary is not the only factor to consider when negotiating a job offer. Other benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and vacation time can also impact your overall earnings and should be considered during negotiations.

Tips for choosing the right job offer:-

Choosing the right job offer can also help increase your salary as a mobile app developer. Here are a few tips to consider:

a) Research the company: Before accepting a job offer, research the company to ensure it is a good fit for you. Consider factors such as company culture, mission, and values.

b) Look for growth opportunities: Choosing a company that offers growth opportunities such as career development programs or opportunities for advancement can also help increase your earnings over time.

c) Consider location: Location can also impact your earnings as a mobile app developer. Cities with a high cost of living may offer higher salaries to compensate for the increased expenses.

Conclusion :-

In conclusion, mobile app development is a profitable career that offers good earning potential for those who possess the necessary skills and expertise. The salary of a mobile app developer is influenced by various factors such as location, experience, skills, and job role. The average salary of a mobile app developer is competitive, and certain types of developers such as iOS and Android developers, command higher salaries.

Comparing the mobile app industry with other tech industries, it is observed that mobile app developers earn competitive salaries. Emerging trends in mobile app developer salaries show that the demand for developers with skills in emerging technologies such as AR/VR, machine learning, and blockchain is on the rise, and these developers earn higher salaries.

Finally, strategies for increasing mobile app developer salaries include upskilling, specialising in high-demand areas, seeking job opportunities in high-paying locations, and negotiating salaries based on experience and expertise. With the increasing demand for mobile app developers and the emergence of new technologies, it is expected that mobile app developer salaries will continue to grow in the coming years.