what is a mobile developer?
A mobile developer creates mobile applications for various platforms, from design to development and implementation. The applications help users perform simple tasks like sending and receiving emails, health management or online banking.
As a mobile developer, you can build apps on major platforms like iOS, Android or Windows. Most times, you have to optimise the application to work on all devices. Hence, it is crucial to be conversant with all platforms used in 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 to incorporate appealing features and themes that improve user experience during development. You also ensure the design and features align with the 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.
average salary of a mobile developer
According to National Careers, mobile developers at the start of their career earn £21,000 annually. After gaining experience and extra qualifications, your earnings rise to £55,000 per year. Mobile developers also receive overtime pay for working extra hours. Those working in full-time positions enjoy various allowances, including medical insurance and contribution to a pension scheme. You may also receive end-year bonuses depending on your employer.
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 in the established platforms compared to private developers with minimal resources. The qualifications and experience you need to work in established platforms also improve your salary prospects.
If you have years of experience, an employer will pay more for your expertise compared to entry-level developers with minimal transferable skills. The location can also affect your earnings; urban centres have a higher demand for mobile developers and a higher cost of living compared to small towns.
types of mobile developers
Some areas of focus for mobile developers include:
- iOS mobile developer: your job is to build applications for iOS devices. You use the iOS programing language, Swift and the Xcode development environment to create the applications. The Xcode development tool allows you to design a native iOS mobile application 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) that has 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 applications or maintain them. Let's explore the primary duties of a mobile developer and the work environments.
-
mobile developer job description
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 to a functional app that benefits the user. Before designing the app, you create a plan with the creative team on the application's features based on the market research. The design should be based on 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. Develop the initial application and improve its features until you achieve the desired app. Before releasing the application to the market, you should test it to ensure it works as expected. Mobile developers use third-party panels to ensure the product is high-quality. Testing usually takes time since it involves various modifications to improve the quality.
- troubleshooting and debugging: as a mobile developer, you identify, parse out and categorise problems that occur in applications. You perform troubleshooting during the testing phase and collaborate with end-users to determine areas of improvement. After identifying the problems, it is time to debug the mobile application and solve all the issues before releasing it to the market.
- 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 need to monitor the apps for security risks and introduce security protocols 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 have to create video tutorials and infographics to help users fix problems with the application. You are also involved in debugging arising issues in all security updates.
-
work environment
As a mobile developer, you work in office environments with a team of developers during the planning and development stages of an application's life cycle. Some companies have collaborative spaces for brainstorming ideas and enclosed offices for developers who need 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.
-
who are your colleagues?
As a mobile developer, your colleagues may include user experience designers, game artists and back-end developers. You may also work in close proximity to applications project managers, software engineers and other web development specialists, full-stack developers and product managers.
-
work schedule
As a mobile developer, you work between 37 to 40 hours a week in full-time positions. Mobile developers usually 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. You can also find part-time mobile developer opportunities, especially if you specialise in maintenance instead of developing apps. Some mobile developers also work on a project basis or short-term contracts.
-
job outlook
As a mobile developer, you have a clear path in tech and IT for career progression and various specialisms to explore. When you start as a junior mobile developer, you can build your skills 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.
-
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 weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- 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 of becoming a mobile developer include:
- university course: you can become a mobile developer by completing a foundation degree, bachelor's degree or a higher national diploma in computer applications development. For the foundation degree and higher national diploma, you need 1 or 2 A-Levels, while a bachelor's degree requires 2 to 3 A-Levels. Other relevant fields to join the career are computer science, financial technology and software engineering.
- apprenticeship: an apprenticeship in mobile development allows you to join the industry without a post-secondary education. The apprenticeships available for mobile app developers in the UK are creative digital design professional apprenticeships and software developer higher apprenticeships. You will complete the training as you acquire on-the-job skills.
- graduate training schemes: some mobile developers join the profession from other non-IT courses through the graduate trainee scheme 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 soft skills necessary for mobile developers include:
- computer proficiency: as a mobile developer, you spend hours on your computer developing applications. Hence, you require computer proficiency and skills in using software development tools. Computer proficiency also comes in handy when you are developing computer software.
- coding skills: programming language proficiency is crucial for a mobile developer, especially app development languages like JavaScript or C++. If you are developing applications for a specific platform, you need to 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, it is crucial to develop applications for different platforms and operating systems. Cross-platform development is an important skill since numerous platforms are emerging daily, and you need 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 need business acumen, including marketing and customer service skills, to develop an app that solves users' needs.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a mobile developer
-
what is the role of a mobile developer?
Mobile developers design and create applications used in smartphones or tablets. Your role is to maintain the apps and ensure they function as expected.
-
how much money does a mobile developer earn?
Depending on your skills and experience level, you will earn between £21,000 and £55,000 per year.
-
what is mobile development job?
Mobile development is the process of designing and coding applications that mobile users utilise to perform functions like banking or sending messages.
-
what skills does a mobile developer need?
You need coding and cybersecurity skills to produce high-quality mobile applications.
-
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!
