Mobile developer: job description

What does a mobile developer do? Salaries | Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Skills

Mobile developers focus on developing apps for mobile devices. They’re also known as Android or iOS developers if they work on one platform, but it’s common for developers to work on both.

Typical duties include:

• discussing clients’ requirements and what they would like the app to do
• building prototypes
• using appropriate programming languages and software frameworks to develop solutions to meet clients’ needs
• developing application programming interfaces (APIs) to support mobile functionality
• developing and implementing quality standards
• developing and carrying out testing procedures
• managing version control
• keeping up to date with the terminology, concepts and best practices for coding mobile apps
• developing any support materials needed
• working closely with colleagues to innovate app functionality and design
• managing projects to ensure they meet deadlines and requirements – for example, keeping clients informed on progress and responding to problems
• attending regular progress meetings.

Graduate salaries

Starting salaries for mobile developers tend to be around £28,000. Your earnings will increase as you gain experience and expertise; according to CW Jobs, the average salary for a mobile developer is around £50,000.

Typical employers of mobile developers

• Android and iOS app development companies.
• Android and iOS platform development companies.
• Software companies.
• Retailers.
• The healthcare sector.
• Travel and tourism industry.
• The entertainment industry.
• Financial services organisations.
• Media organisations.

You could become self-employed once you have sufficient experience, or take on gig work alongside other employment.

Jobs are advertised on targetjobs and by careers services and university departments. You can also find them on specialist job sites and sector-specific jobs boards

View our graduate IT and technology vacancies .

Qualifications and training required

There are routes into mobile development for both graduates and school leavers. The job is typically open to graduates in computer science or software-related degrees, but experience is just as important, and employers will expect you to be familiar with common coding languages.

There are also apprenticeships available in mobile app development. These involve studying part-time while working in a related job. To find out about the school leaver route see targetapprenticeships.

Key skills for mobile developers

• Hands-on experience of programming languages such as Java, Objective-C and Swift.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Mathematical aptitude.
• Drive to keep up to date with developments and trends in the tech and modern media world.
• The ability to learn quickly.
• The ability to interpret and follow technical plans.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with clients.

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