what is a mobile developer?
A mobile developer creates applications for various platforms, from design to development and implementation. The applications help users perform simple tasks like sending and receiving emails, social media, health management or online banking.
As a mobile developer, you can build apps on major platforms like iOS, Android or Windows. You optimise the application to work on all devices. Therefore, it is crucial to be conversant with all platforms used by tablets and smartphones to ensure you build software that provides a seamless user experience regardless of the device or platform.
what does a mobile developer do?
A mobile developer works with various designers during development to incorporate appealing features and themes that improve user experience. You also ensure the design and features align with users' needs.
As a mobile developer, you work for software development companies or game developers who design mobile applications. Major platforms like Android and iOS have in-house mobile developers that build new applications and maintain the current apps on the market.
Would working as a mobile developer suit your interest in technology and creative skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a mobile developer role.
mobile developer rolesaverage salary of a mobile developer
According to Payscale, mobile developers at the start of their career earn ₹294,000 annually. With experience and extra qualifications, earnings rise to an average of ₹450,000 per year. Mobile developers may also receive overtime pay for working extra hours. Those working in full-time positions may enjoy various allowances, including medical insurance and contribution to a pension scheme. Some employers also offer annual bonuses for meeting targets.
what factors affect the salary of a mobile developer?
The project complexity and the employer often influence your salary as a mobile developer. For instance, established platforms like Google's Android and Apple's iOS are likely to pay high salaries. You also work on complex projects for big businesses compared to private developers with minimal resources. The qualifications and experience you acquire working in established companies also improve your salary prospects.
If you have years of experience, an employer will pay more for your expertise than for an entry-level developer with minimal transferable skills. Your location can also affect your earnings; urban centres have a higher demand for mobile developers and a higher cost of living than small towns.
types of mobile developer
Some areas of focus for mobile developers include:
- iOS mobile developer: your job is to build applications for iOS devices. You use the iOS programming language, Swift, and the Xcode development environment to create the applications. The Xcode development tools allow you to design native iOS mobile applications using a visual interface builder.
- android developer: as an Android mobile developer, you create apps for Android-powered devices using Java or Kotlin programming languages. The operating system has a development environment (Android Studio) with all the tools to create a functional application.
working as a mobile developer
Working as a mobile developer requires creativity and problem-solving skills to build and maintain applications. Let's explore the primary duties and work environments of a mobile developer.
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duties and responsibilities
Some of the duties and responsibilities of a mobile developer include:
- planning and designing: as a mobile developer, you build a mobile application from a concept or idea into a functional app that benefits the user. Before designing the app, you create a plan for the application's features with the creative team based on market research. The design should address the issues and gaps the app is filling in the market.
- development and testing: after gathering the design requirements, you can start coding to create the application. You develop the initial application and improve its features until you achieve the desired result. Before releasing the application to the market, you test it to ensure it works as expected. Testing usually takes time since it involves various modifications to improve the quality. Mobile developers use third-party test panels to ensure the product is high-quality.
- troubleshooting and debugging: as a mobile developer, you identify, parse out and categorise problems that occur in applications. After identifying the problems, you debug the mobile application and solve all the issues before releasing it to the market. You troubleshoot during the testing phase and collaborate with end-users to determine areas of improvement.
- monitoring and updating app features and security: your job doesn't end when you launch an application. After deploying an app, your job is to monitor and find ways to improve features to be released in future updates. You also monitor the apps for security risks and deploy security updates to protect users from external threats.
- end-user support: sometimes, you are required to manage various aspects of end-user support and training. That means you create video tutorials and infographics to help users fix problems with the application. You are also involved in debugging issues with security updates.
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work environment
As a mobile developer, you work in an office environment with a team of developers during the planning and development stages. Some companies have collaborative spaces for brainstorming ideas and enclosed offices for developers who want a quiet space to write code. You can also work from home and attend meetings from time to time. The job involves minimal travelling to conferences and workshops.
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who are your colleagues?
As a mobile developer, your colleagues may include user experience designers, ux developers, game artists and back-end developers. You may also work alongside application project managers, software engineers and other web development specialists, including full-stack developers and product managers.
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work schedule
As a mobile developer, you generally work between 37 to 40 hours a week in full-time positions. Mobile developers sometimes work long hours, including evenings and weekends. They put in extra hours during app development and testing to ensure apps are released within the scheduled time frame. You can also find part-time mobile developer opportunities, especially if you specialise in maintenance rather than developing apps. Some mobile developers also work on a project basis or short-term contracts.
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job outlook
Technical jobs continue to be the fastest developing jobs sector in India. The number of software developers globally has risen to 18.9M in recent years. A large proportion is likely to be mobile app developers. So the outlook is positive for job opportunities and career progression.
As a mobile developer, you have a clear path for career progression in tech and IT and various specialisms to explore. When you start as a junior mobile developer, you can build your skills and progress to a senior or team leader position. Some team leaders become applications project managers or product managers. Alternatively, mobile developers can explore various specialisms, like developing apps for specific platforms.
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advantages of finding a mobile developer job through randstad
Finding your mobile developer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a mobile developer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the routes to becoming a mobile developer include:
- university course: you can become a mobile developer by completing a bachelor's degree or diploma in computer applications development or a similar field. Qualify for a university course by gaining your 10+2 level with a science stream. Other fields that are relevant to joining a developer role are computer science, financial technology and software engineering.
- apprenticeship: an apprenticeship in mobile development allows you to join the industry without tertiary education. The apprenticeships available for mobile app developers in India are in creative digital design and software development. You complete the training as you acquire on-the-job skills.
- training schemes: some mobile developers join the profession from other non-IT courses through trainee schemes with IT companies. You learn app development on the job and start your career as a junior developer. It is crucial to have basic coding skills or an interest in programming languages if you don't have an IT background.
skills and competencies
Some of the competencies and transferrable skills necessary for mobile developers include:
- computer proficiency: as a mobile developer, you spend hours on your computer developing applications. You require computer proficiency and skills in using software development tools.
- coding skills: familiarity with programming languages is crucial for a mobile developer, app development languages like Java or C++ in particular. If you are developing applications for a specific platform, you code in their preferred language. It is important to polish your coding skills and learn new programming languages constantly.
- cross-platform development skills: as a mobile developer, you develop applications for different platforms and operating systems. Cross-platform development is an important skill since numerous platforms are in daily use. It's essential to be conversant with concepts like reusing code and cross-platform service support.
- cybersecurity skills: your job is to create safe applications for users. Cybersecurity skills help you determine the security level of your apps and identify solutions to security issues.
- business skills: as a mobile developer, you have business acumen, including marketing and customer service skills. They help you to develop an app that solves users' needs.
FAQs about working as a mobile developer
Here are some common questions about working as a mobile developer:
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what is the role of a mobile developer?
Mobile developers design and create applications used for smartphones or tablets. Your role is to produce and maintain the apps and ensure they function as expected.
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how much money does a mobile developer earn?
Depending on your skills and experience level, you can earn between ₹294,000 and ₹1,000,000 per year.
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what is a mobile development job?
Mobile development is the process of designing and coding applications for devices like phones and tablets. Apps can serve a wide range of purposes, from social media to online banking and games.
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what skills does a mobile developer need?
As a mobile developer, you have the coding and cybersecurity skills required to produce high-quality mobile applications.
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how do I apply for a mobile developer vacancy?
Applying for a mobile developer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
