Career Tracks

Mobile App Development

101 What Is Mobile App Development?

Mobile Developers build software to run on mobile devices, like tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches. Software may be native (written for a specific platform's language like iOS) or non-native. The average salary of a mobile app developer is $72,442.

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What is Mobile App Development?

Mobile development is building software to run on mobile devices like tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches. Everything from Instagram to enterprise apps fit in this category. Mobile apps are built for the general public, private companies, and the government. Mobile apps might be native (written in a specific platform’s language) or non-native, written to work on multiple platforms. Android apps are typically written in Java while Apple/iOS apps are written in Swift or Objective-C. These languages are preapproved by the vendor who manufactures the device. 

How to Become a Mobile App Developer

You could get a degree in computer science and then teach yourself Swift, Objective-C, or Java online. This option will take ~4 years and cost over $100,000. While Android and iOS aren’t the only platforms out there, they do comprise 99% of the market. 

Mobile Developer Bootcamp

Learning to code with a bootcamp is probably the fastest option. If you learn better in a classroom, need career assistance, or want the connection of a cohort to bolster your learning experience, then bootcamp is for you! Most bootcamps specialize in either iOS or Android. Mobile bootcamps can range from 5 weeks to 10 months, and vary in price from $5,000-$15,000. Tuition range depends on a variety of factors based on location, immersive vs part-time, online vs in-person. Many bootcamps now offer deferred tuition, Income Share Agreements, and financing options. 

Online Learning Resources

Of course, you can learn the technical skills to become a Mobile App Developer entirely online. This option is for the self-starter who is disciplined and creative enough to build their own curriculum or pay for an online, self-paced curriculum. Online resources like Team Treehouse and Codecademy offer free trials and paid monthly subscription.

How to Choose a Mobile App Development Bootcamp

The best mobile app development course for you depends on your own learning style, career goals, availability, etc. Here's our advice for choosing the best app developer bootcamp:

  1. Narrow down your options – you can rule out some bootcamps based on location, cost, and time commitment.
  2. Examine the curriculum – does the bootcamp teach the most modern mobile app developer tools like Swift and Unity? On top of those new languages, you should also be learning fundamentals like Java and iOS.
  3. Ask About Projects – in the world of mobile app development, your portfolio is important! At a good mobile bootcamp, you'll build at least 2-3 projects to add to your portfolio!
  4. Meet the Instructors – do the bootcamp instructors have real-world design experience? Have they worked for mobile app agencies or built their own apps? Pro-Tip: Take an intro course or free workshop hosted by the bootcamp to really understand the teaching style.
  5. Ask About Outcomes – do past bootcamp graduates get jobs in mobile app development? Ask the school directly for their CIRR report or job outcomes report, read bootcamp reviews, and even reach out to alumni on LinkedIn to ask questions.

Red Flags – instructors don't have experience building specifically for mobile, the school can't tell you about past student career success, or the bootcamp only teaches no-code tools instead of training you in the underlying programming languages. 

Mobile App Developer Jobs

Mobile app developers are in high demand regardless of which platform you choose to build for. The mobile app economy is expected to hit $102.5 billion in revenues in 2020. There have never been more mobile devices on the market as there are right now. After a mobile development bootcamp, you can design native apps for a vendor like Apple or Google, develop apps at a startup, or even create your own app and start a business yourself

Here is a list of the most common Mobile App Developer job titles for bootcampers:

  • Mobile Application Developer
  • Mobile Application Programmer
  • iOS Mobile Application Developer
  • Android Developer
  • Mobile Engineer
  • Mobile Software Engineer
  • Hybrid Mobile Application Developer
  • Mobile Developer
  • Software Developer, Mobile

Mobile App Developer Job Description

The job description for a Mobile App Developer often depends on the employer. The primary duty of a Mobile App Developer is to create, maintain, and implement source code that meets the requirements of the client. A Mobile App Developer should understand the different platforms, tools available, and be able to design for any mobile device. They should be able to communicate clearly and effectively with their team in order to fulfill the client’s needs. The Mobile App Developer should understand the entire development process of an application. As such, they’ll also understand how to develop a minimum viable product (MVP). Their duties may include one or all of the steps in the design, develop, test, release, maintain lifecycle. 

Mobile App Developer Salaries

Mobile Developer Job Average Salary
Mobile App Developer $41,195-$108,890
iOS Developer $80,343
Android Developer $77,442

Mobile App Developer Skills

Most app developer positions do not require a degree but they will require you to prove your skills with a coding challenge or whiteboarding. You should have a portfolio of your own apps ready to show potential employers, too! Strong communication skills are a must in app development because most positions require collaboration with other designers, developers, and departments as well as interaction with clients. 

A Mobile App Developer should have strong analytical skills, be creative, pay attention to little details, and be able to solve problems with little to no assistance. Depending on whether you choose to develop for Android, iOS, or both will determine if you need to know a few of the technologies listed below or most of them. You will be able to learn these skills at a mobile development bootcamp.

To be an Android Developer you’ll need to know:  

  • Java - is a core language that is the most commonly used language for Android development. Apps built in the Android Studio are written in Java. 
  • C++ - C++ is an object-oriented core language that is less commonly used but still sometimes found in Android mobile apps. 
  • Android Studio - Android Studio is the official Integrated Development Environment for Android app development. 
  • Eclipse - Eclipse is a tool similar to Android Studio used to develop code for android apps. 
  • XML - XML is a markup language used to store information. 
  • Kotlin - Kotlin is an open-source, programming language. It’s designed to be more concise and work well with Java and JavaScript. 
  • Unity - Unity is used for Android game development. 

To be an iOS Developer you’ll need:

  • Objective-C - Objective-C is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language that was created in 1980. It is the main language used for iOS and macOS. 
  • Swift - Swift was created by Apple in 2014 as the first protocol-oriented programming language. It’s used to build apps for the iOS platform. 
  • Xcode - Xcode is the Integrated Development Environment for iOS apps. 

You can develop on both operating systems using:

  • React Native - React was originally released by Facebook as a framework for JavaScript with User Interface in mind. React Native is the mobile development version which also keeps User Interface as its top priority. It brings web development concepts to the mobile development world. 
  • Text Editor - A text editor is a computer program that allows users to edit a variety of programming language files. 
  • Chrome Debugger - The Chrome Debugger API can be used to debug JavaScript and CSS. 

Other useful skills for Mobile App Developers include: 

  • HTML - HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. It is a standardized markup language used for creating a webpage. These pages can include writing, links, pictures, sound, and video. HTML is used to denote these elements so that the web browser can display them correctly. 
  • CSS - CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. CSS is used alongside HTML and JavaScript to control the layout and presentation of a website.
  • JavaScript - JavaScript is the most popular language on the web. It is a scripting language used to enhance and manipulate web pages by adding interactivity.
  • Frameworks - JavaScript frameworks are collections of JavaScript code that provide developers with prewritten code to use for routine actions and to easily implement best practices and standards. 
    • jQuery - jQuery is a JavaScript framework that simplifies a variety of programming operations like mouse clicks and keystrokes, adding and deleting elements, and dynamic content that is readable by search engines.
    • Bootstrap - Bootstrap is a CSS framework for developing responsive and mobile-optimized websites.  
    • ReactJS - React is an open-source JavaScript framework from Facebook that provides a view for HTML data or user interfaces.  

Android vs iOS Mobile App Development

The demand for Android and iOS Developers are about the same, with about 5,000 open jobs each in the US on average. The pay for Developers on both platforms is almost equal as well. In the US market, iOS controls about 58% while Android makes up about 41%. Globally, however, Android takes over 73% of market shares while iOS rings in at just 26%.  

Aditya Narayan, the CEO and co-founder of TurnToTech says, “Because there is so much opportunity in mobile right now, it’s completely legitimate to go with what you like to use as a user. But you can be more analytical than that. If your aspirations are tied to the international market, Android is a good option. If your focus is the US market or you want to monetize through in-app purchases, iOS is your best choice. It’s not a once in a lifetime decision. If you can write apps in iOS, you can easily transition to Android and vice versa.”

How to choose between Android vs. iOS: If you’re starting as a complete beginner, then Android and iOS will likely take the same amount of time to learn. If you’ve already learned Java, start with Android. If you’ve already learned C++ or C, pick up iOS first. 

 

Displaying schools 26-50 of 117 in total

  1. 72
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    Barcelona Code School is a code school offering immersive training in full stack web and mobile development, UX/UI design, and machine learning and AI develo... Learn more about Barcelona Code School.

    OleksandrOleksandr

    5Student - Course: JavaScript Full-Stack Online Bootcamp - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: JavaScript Full-Stack Online

    I completed the 'JavaScript Full-Stack Online' course and can only express positive emotions about it. I highly appreciate my mentors, Paweł and George, for ded
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    Epicode is an online digital skills training academy that offers full-time and part-time bootcamps in web development and data analysis. Students choose whic... Learn more about Epicode.

    Ioannis Psychias

    5Graduate - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Potentially life changing

    Before joining Epicode, I found myself at a crossroads, contemplating a career change from customer service to coding. Despite my inherent pessimism, I recogniz
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    Refactory offers a 12-week, full-time, online mobile development coding bootcamp. Refactory wants to help students learn programming regardless of their back... Learn more about Refactory.

    Aditya Kahfi WicaksonoAditya Kahfi Wicaksono

    5Applicant - Yogyakarta

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Learning & Development

    Honest review, while I joined at this company, I got a lot of experiences and lessons in this company. Technical lessons, communication and collaboration lesson
  4. 61
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    KeepCoding offers 10-month, part-time online bootcamps in mobile development, web development, big data and machine learning, and a 4-week Python bootcamp in... Learn more about KeepCoding .

    David Llamas Monras

    5Student

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Muy buenos profesores

    Aunque apenas llevo 2 meses en el Bootcamp, si puedo decir desde ya que la calidad del profesorado es muy buena. Tienen mucho conocimiento sobre la materia que
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    Pragra offers 4, 8, 12, 16, and 22-week part-time coding bootcamps in Mississauga, Canada, and Noida, India, as well as online. Pragra coding programs includ... Learn more about Pragra.

    Praveen Kapuganti

    5Graduate - Course: Mastering Devops Tools and Techniques - Exam Prep - Toronto

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: DevOps Course at Pragra

    I've taken the advanced DevOps course at Pragra, learned an awful lot about the CI/CD tools, and had extensive hands-on. I recommend it. 
  6. 55
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    Happyer Skills offers a 15-week, full-time immersive Full Stack Web Development bootcamp and part-time bootcamps in UX Design (6 weeks), Data Science and Mac... Learn more about Happyer Skills.

    Jerry

    5Graduate - Course: UX Design - Hong Kong

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: HR Analyst

    In these 6 weeks, it is one of the most unexpected courses that I have ever had. Design thinking theory is not difficult to understand but the tricky part is ho
  7. 54
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    Covalence provides career-changing 12-week, full-time and 6-month, part-time full stack web development educational programs online. In Covalence's Full Stac... Learn more about Covalence.

    Eric MoranEric Moran

    5Graduate - Course: Catalyst Software Development Bootcamp (Full-Time) - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Glad I went!

    I really enjoyed my time at Covalence.  The videos were very well done, and the labs did a good job of assessing my knowledge of the material.  I can’t say enou
  8. 52
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    Big Nerd Ranch is a mobile app development and design firm and training company that has led one-week intensive bootcamps since 2001. Hosted at their Atlanta... Learn more about Big Nerd Ranch.

    MikeMike

    5Graduate - Atlanta

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Worth every penny..

    The complete immersion into the subject matter is fantastic. I attended the iOS Dev and by the end of the course, I was not only skilled but confident in those
  9. 52
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    Dibimbing is an Indonesia-based tech training provider offering online, part-time bootcamps covering topics like data science (18), UI/UX design (22 weeks), ... Learn more about Dibimbing.

    Cindha Rizkiana

    5Graduate - Course: Data Engineering - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Fantastic Data Engineering Bootcamp!

    I can confidently say that it has been an exceptional journey towards mastering the realm of data engineering. Dibimbing exceeded all my expectations in terms o
  10. 41
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    CodeBoxx is a 16-week full-stack bootcamp in Canada and the US. The course offers students a deep understanding of web site development and information syste... Learn more about CodeBoxx.

    DavidDavid

    5

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Thx for that!

    Been there, done that!Thx for that journey. I'm ready to start my new career.
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    Ubiqum Code Academy is an immersive technical education institution, offering intensive programs in Data Analytics & Machine Learning and Full Stack Web ... Learn more about Ubiqum Code Academy.

    Roshan Kumar BhuyanRoshan Kumar Bhuyan

    5Student - Course: Data Analytics & Big Data, Full Time Onsite - Berlin

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Data Science

    I was doing my masters' degree in Space engineering and I was unhappy as I didn't find anything that kept me interested and devoted. I had tried a few things in
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    Codenotch hosts 12-week full-time, and 6-month part-time web and mobile Development bootcamps in Madrid, Spain which focus on teaching students how to think ... Learn more about Codenotch.

    Octavian Mihai CalinOctavian Mihai Calin

    5Graduate - Course: Web and Mobile Development Bootcamp (Full Time) - Madrid

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Impresionante, Inesperado, Innovador y Aplicable en el día a día

    Hola buenas me llamo Octavio y en Octubre de 2023 decidí tomar este Bootcamp después de acabar un grado medio de sistemas y redes. Para ser sincero no me espera
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    Beetroot Academy is a Swedish-Ukrainian EdTech company offering online, intensive bootcamps in web development, quality assurance, UI/UX design, and Python. ... Learn more about Beetroot Academy.

    Valentyn Kryvoruchenko

    5Graduate - Course: Python Development - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: The best price/quality ratio

    My choice of Beetroot Academy can be considered a combination of external factors and a comparison of conditions with courses from other schools that I consider
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    MiriamMiriam

    5Graduate - Albuquerque

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Rigorous Positive Experience

    This 12 week bootcamp provided me with full stack development skills to continue my education in coding. I am grateful for this program in Albuquerque. The inst
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    Ryan Tao Tszwai

    5Graduate - Course: MicroMaster A.I. & Programming - Hong Kong

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Excellent programming training school

    First I just hear my friends just turn his career path to IT industry and I start to find some information about Tecky. After visited them and I decided to appl
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    ITUp

    4.78
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    1
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    ITUp offers an 8-12 week, immersive, Turn Up Boot Camp focused on web development both online and in-person at campuses in Lisbon, Singapore, Amsterdam, and ... Learn more about ITUp.

    Lucas Martins

    5Graduate - Course: Turn Up Boot Camp - Lisbon

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: OutSystems Deep Learning Experience

    I recently graduated from the Turn Up Bootcamp, and I will start by telling you that I could not imagine how much I would be learning there. In only two months,
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    The Hacking School offers 13-week full stack web development, 24-week cybersecurity, and 24-week data science at campuses in India and Australia. The Hacking... Learn more about The Hacking School.

    Zoya MakismZoya Makism

    5Graduate - Course: Full Stack Web Development - Hyderabad

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Best Recommendation

    Are you suspecting your partner of cheating or having an extramarital affair? I’ll advice you to get proof first before confronting him/her. As that could resul
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    Austin Coding Academy is a 9-month part-time programming school in Austin, Texas teaching courses in Full Stack JavaScript, C#/.NET, and UX/Freelance. The sc... Learn more about Austin Coding Academy.

    Sean Philippi

    5Graduate - Course: Full Stack JavaScript Track - Austin

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Long overdue review, amazing school

    So Austin Coding Academy means a lot to me as they marked the beginning of me taking my coding education seriously. The support and community is amazing which r
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    TurnToTech offers full-time, 10 to 16-week mobile development and part-time, 30 to 36-week cyber security bootcamps based in New York, New York. TurnToTech a... Learn more about TurnToTech.

    Eugenio LopezEugenio Lopez

    5Graduate - Course: Android Bootcamp - New York City

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Great place to begin your software engineering path.

    As a former full-time Android student and current Mobile/Android Developer, I can confidently say that TurnToTech has played an immense role in starting my care
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    Daniela Cardona AlzateDaniela Cardona Alzate

    5Student - Medellín

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Purspose & Tech Aligning

     I've been able to experience alignment with my purpose thanks to all the team work of World Tech Makers. I've seen an integral project that goes forward with t
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    Says: Fast, Unique, Great Experience

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    TuckerTucker

    5Graduate - Course: Deep Dive .NET - Albuquerque

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Took both the PHP and the .NET

    Fantastic crew. Considering they all work for the college (CNM) and that this bootcamp is held to a collegiate standard, there is a certain level of vetting tha
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    Gianna Brooks

    5Graduate - Course: Level 1: Embark - Online

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    Says: IGA Level 1 - Cohort 13

    This class was so amazing! So helpful! And so much fun! I'm working towards being a game writer, so Gadot was not on my radar as something I should learn, but I
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    Gligor Avram

    5Graduate - Course: Full-stack developer course - Bucharest

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: They deliver, even if everything is sugarcoated

    About me:This section is just so that you can gauge if what I wrote below applies to your situation. I learned programming mostly on my own and only became a Co
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    EducaciónIT offers live online bootcamp, with programs in Java Standard 11 Web Programming (7 weeks), Python Programming (4 weeks), Data Analytics (4 weeks),... Learn more about EducaciónIT.

    Alejandro Pundyk

    5Student - Course: Bootcamp Full Stack Web Developer - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Gran espacio para el aprendizaje!!!

    Una de las mejores experiencias de aprendizaje.Excelente combinación de horas presenciales, material disponible en Alumni, y tareas orientativas para consolidar

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