A developer's hands hold a smartphone displaying code, illuminated by the blue glow of a laptop in a dimly lit room.

Mobile App Developer

Build iOS and Android apps used on phones and tablets every day.

This UK mobile app developer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£30,000 - £42,000
Mid-career salary
£50,000 - £80,000
Senior salary
£85,000 - £130,000
Work environment
Office or remote, mostly desk-based
Time to entry
1 - 3 years
Degree required
Helpful but not required
Category
Technology

What a Mobile App Developer does

Build iOS and Android apps used on phones and tablets every day.

  • iOS Developer - Build native iPhone and iPad apps with Swift.
  • Android Developer - Build native Android apps with Kotlin.

How to become a Mobile App Developer

  1. Look up Mobile App Developer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Mobile App Developer - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Swift or Kotlin
  • React Native or Flutter (cross-platform)
  • Mobile UX
  • App store deployment
  • Performance

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