How to Become a Mobile App Developer

by Danielle Antosz | Published on March 13, 2025

Have you ever had an idea for a mobile app and thought, "I could totally build that!" Or maybe you just love the idea of creating something that helps people improve their lives. Either way, becoming a mobile app developer is a career path worth considering.

With smartphones glued to everyone’s hands, the demand for mobile apps—and the developers who build them—is stronger than ever. Mobile app developers play a huge role in shaping the digital world, turning ideas into sleek, functional apps. 

If you’re interested in coding, design, and innovation, this career offers plenty of opportunities, solid pay, and the chance to build something millions of people might use. So how do you get started? Let’s break it down.

What is a Mobile App Developer?

A mobile app developer is a type of software developer who specializes in building applications for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. They create the apps you use every day—whether it’s social media, mobile banking, fitness tracking, or even that game you keep playing long after you should be asleep! 

Mobile app developers typically focus on one or both of the major operating systems:

• iOS developers build apps for Apple devices like iPhones and iPads.

• Android developers create apps for the vast ecosystem of Android phones and tablets.

• Cross-platform developers use frameworks like Flutter, React Native, and Xamarin to build apps that work on both iOS and Android. 

While some developers specialize in one platform, others build for both, giving them more flexibility in the job market. The exact tasks and deliverables can vary, but mobile app developers are generally responsible for:

• Writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code for mobile apps.

• Designing app features and ensuring usability.

• Testing apps to identify bugs and optimize performance.

• Integrating APIs and third-party services for additional functionality.

• Publishing apps to the App Store and Google Play Store.

A typical day for a mobile app developer may include writing code, debugging issues, collaborating with designers to improve app interfaces, and updating or optimizing existing apps for better performance or new features. 

What Technical Skills Do Mobile App Developers Need? 

Becoming a mobile app developer means mastering both coding and design fundamentals. Since mobile apps need to be fast, user-friendly, and optimized for different devices, devs must be proficient in a number of areas, including: 

• Programming languages: iOS developers primarily use Swift and Objective-C, while Android developers work with Kotlin and Java. Knowing at least one of these is essential, but many developers learn both to expand their opportunities.

• Cross-platform development: Instead of coding separate apps for iOS and Android, many companies use frameworks like React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin to create apps that run on both platforms with a single codebase.

• APIs and backend integration: Apps rarely function in isolation. Developers need to work with RESTful APIs, GraphQL, and third-party integrations to connect their apps to databases and other services.

• Databases and cloud storage: Many apps rely on local or cloud-based data storage. Knowing how to use SQLite, Firebase, or AWS DynamoDB helps developers manage data efficiently.

• Mobile UI/UX design principles: A great app isn’t just about code—it also needs an intuitive, visually appealing interface. Understanding mobile design guidelines like Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines and Google’s Material Design ensures an app feels smooth and engaging.

• App deployment and store guidelines: Developers need to know how to package, test, and publish their apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

Mobile App Development: Industry Demand and Job Outlook

Mobile app developers are in high demand as mobile app usage continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of software developers, which includes mobile app developers, is projected to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Looking at app usage specifically can provide insights into how mobile developers might fare. According to the State of Mobile 2024 report, the average user spends nearly five hours a day on apps, and both usage and spending on apps are increasing each year. As businesses continue to focus on delivering a great mobile experience, the role of mobile app developers will become even more critical. 

Education and Training Resources to Become a Mobile App Developer 

While having a degree isn't required to become a mobile app dev, earning a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field can provide a strong foundation to kickstart your career. Some universities even offer specialized courses in mobile app development, which is a good place to start. 

Beyond formal education, certifications can provide expertise and help you stand out in a competitive job market. The more well-known certifications for mobile app developers include:

• Google Associate Android Developer: Demonstrates proficiency in Android app development using Kotlin or Java, covering UI design, database integration, and debugging.

• Apple Certified iOS Developer: Validates expertise in Swift, Xcode, and Apple’s development ecosystem, ensuring developers can build high-quality apps for iPhones and iPads.

• IBM iOS and Android Mobile App Developer Professional Certificate: Prepare for a role as a mobile app developer by learning how to build on both iOS and Android. 

While degrees and certifications help teach and verify knowledge, hands-on experience—such as building and publishing your own apps—is still one of the best ways to showcase skills and land a job in mobile app development. 

Mobile App Developer Career Path and Progression

Most mobile app developers start as Junior iOS or Android Developers, gaining hands-on experience building mobile apps and understanding platform-specific requirements. Developers start by working with mobile frameworks, app deployment, and platform-specific guidelines for either Apple’s App Store or Google Play. This stage is all about refining coding skills, understanding mobile UI/UX principles, and getting comfortable with debugging and optimizing apps.

As developers gain experience, they can move into more specialized or leadership roles. Some common advancement paths include:

• Senior mobile developer: Works on more complex projects, optimizes app performance, and mentors junior developers.

• Team lead: Manages a team of developers, oversees project timelines, and ensures coding standards are met.

• Mobile application architect: Focuses on designing the overall structure of mobile apps, making decisions on frameworks, scalability, and security.

Developers looking to broaden their expertise may also specialize in areas like cross-platform development (using tools like Flutter or React Native), mobile security, which focuses on securing apps against data breaches and cyber threats, or full-stack developers who can expand beyond mobile devices to work on backend systems and web applications. 

Mobile App Developer vs. Web Developer

While both roles involve coding and app development, they use very different skills. Mobile app developers focus on building applications specifically for iOS and Android devices, while web developers create websites and web applications. 

Mobile app developers must account for mobile-specific challenges like touch interfaces, device limitations, and app store requirements, whereas web developers focus on browser compatibility, responsive design, and server-side functionality. While there is some overlap, mobile app development requires a deeper understanding of mobile operating systems, performance optimization, and platform-specific guidelines. 

How Much Does a Mobile App Developer Make?

Salaries for mobile app developers vary widely based on experience, location, industry, and the types of apps they develop. Developers working for major tech companies or in high-demand industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce tend to earn higher salaries, especially if they specialize in native app development (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) rather than cross-platform solutions.

Here’s a general breakdown of salary expectations:

Source: Glassdoor, December 2024

While salary expectations can fluctuate, mobile app development remains a high-paying career with strong earning potential, especially for those who continuously expand their skill set. 

How Long Does it Take to Become a Mobile App Developer? 

The time it takes to become a mobile app developer depends on your starting point and learning path. If you're new to coding, it can take six months to two years to gain the necessary skills through self-study, coding bootcamps, or a computer science degree. 

Those with prior programming experience can transition faster, often in a few months. The fastest way to break into the field is by building real projects, earning certifications, and applying for entry-level developer roles or freelance mobile app developer opportunities to gain hands-on experience.

Kick Off Your Career as a Mobile App Developer 

Becoming a mobile app developer can be a rewarding path to a high-paying, satisfying career. Whether you specialize in iOS, Android, or cross-platform development, the demand for skilled developers continues to grow. With the right mix of education, hands-on experience, and certifications, you can build a career that offers high earning potential, flexibility, and endless opportunities. 

Start learning today by diving into courses on Java and RESTful APIs. Sign up for a free week of training with CBT Nuggets.