Mobile App Development

Considering a career as a Mobile App Developer? We’ve got all the information you need to decide if this career is right for you, including job description, requirements, bootcamp information, and salary/job outlook.
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Last updated August 22, 2024

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 Learn Mobile App Development

If you wish to begin a career as a Mobile App Developer, learning to code with a bootcamp is probably the fastest option. Mobile App Development bootcamps can range from 5 weeks to 10 months and vary in price from $5,000-$15,000. The tuition depends on several factors, including location, whether it's immersive or part-time, or online vs in-person. If you’re a self-starter, you may be able to get the education you need by paying for an online, self-paced curriculum, or building your own curriculum to get the training to become a Mobile App Developer. Online resources like Treehouse and Codecademy offer free trials and paid monthly subscriptions. Many mobile app development bootcamps offer deferred tuition, Income Share Agreements (ISA), and financing options.

What Does a Mobile App Developer Do?

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. They should also understand the different platforms and tools available, and be able to design for any mobile device. The Mobile App Developer should understand the entire development process of an application and how to develop a minimum viable product (MVP). Their duties may include one or all of the steps in the design, development, testing, release, and maintenance life cycle. 

Some of the most common Mobile App Developer job titles for bootcampers are:

  • 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

What Kind of Skills Do Mobile App Developers Need?

Most Mobile App Developer positions do not require a degree, but will require you to prove your skills with a coding challenge or whiteboarding. Additionally, you should have a portfolio of your apps ready to show potential employers. The skills you need will vary, based on whether you choose to develop for Android or iOS (or both). 

Hard Skills Required for a Mobile App Developer

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

  • Java 
  • C++ 
  • Android Studio 
  • Eclipse 
  • XML
  • Kotlin 
  • Unity 

To be an iOS Developer you’ll need:

  • Objective-C 
  • Swift 
  • Xcode 

You can develop on both operating systems using:

Other hard skills that would be helpful for a Mobile App Designer include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Frameworks such as jQuery, Bootstrap, and ReactJS.

Soft Skills Needed to Become a Mobile App Developer

Don’t discount the importance of soft skills to your career path. To be a successful Mobile App Developer, the following soft skills are vital:

  • Strong analytical skills
  • Creativity
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving

Strong communication skills also are a requirement for App Developers because they’ll need to collaborate with other designers, developers, and departments as well as interact with clients. 

Job Market and Salary Insights

Mobile app developers are in high demand. The growth rate for developers is projected to be 25 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than average. Globally, the mobile app market is expected to jump from $206.73 billion in 2022 to $407.31 billion by 2025, and the number of downloads is projected to increase by over 40 billion from 2020 to 2024. The job possibilities are nearly endless; after a mobile development bootcamp, you can design native apps for a vendor like Apple or Google, develop apps at a startup, or start your own business.

The average salary for a Mobile App Developer is $128,002. Location is a big factor when it comes to salary, with top markets such as Orlando ($211,747), New York ($155,412), and Atlanta ($147,173) offering the highest rates of pay. Educational requirements vary; while many employers prefer to hire those with college degrees in computer science, that isn’t always the case. However, there are a few certifications that can boost your salary, such as Certified iOS App Developer, Mobile Development Institute Certified Developer (MDICD), Oracle Certified Professional/Java ME Mobile Application Developer, or Xamarin Certified Mobile Developer.

FAQ Section

How do you become a Mobile App Developer?

Learning to code via a bootcamp is often the most efficient way to become a Mobile App Developer. Mobile app development bootcamps will teach you the hard skills you need to start your career, such as C++, Java, or Swift, and may offer career assistance after you complete the program.

How long does it take to become a mobile app developer?

It depends entirely on you and how much time you can commit to a bootcamp. Bootcamps take anywhere from 5 weeks to 19 months to complete, depending on whether you go full or part time, and may cost $5,000 to $15,000 (although most bootcamps offer financing options).

How do you become a mobile app developer without a degree?

Most app developer positions do not require a degree. To become a Mobile App Developer you will need to demonstrate your skills by creating a strong portfolio of apps you’ve designed, as well as performing a coding challenge or whiteboarding. The skills required for a position as a Mobile App Developer will vary based on the employer and whether you specialize in Android, iOS, or both. These skills can all be learned in a mobile development bootcamp.

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Mobile App Development Schools
Displaying schools 51-75 of 117 in total
  1. jlm-hub-logo
    14 Reviews
    1 Course
    4.86

    About This School

    JLM Hub is based in Jerusalem and offers a 30-week, instructor-led Full Stack Bootcamp that can be completed online or in-person. In the full stack program, students learn how to use JavaScript, MongoDB, Firebase, React, HTML, and CSS in a full stack environment with a mix of projects and lectures. JLM Hub also offers weekly workshops on a variety of tech subjects, including design, marketing, and algorithms. JLM Hub was founded in 2015 to give students in Israel a way to boost their coding portfolios and resumes.

  2. the-app-academy-nl-logo
    14 Reviews
    1 Course
    4.57

    About This School

    The App Academy was established in 2014 as the first Dutch coding school, and now offers intensive 8-week in-person iOS Development bootcamps in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The curriculum covers Swift programming fundamentals, Git, SwiftUI, XCode, and the newest Apple technologies. Bootcamp students will also learn app development principles, model-view controller structure, storyboards, test-driven development, and agile software development. The App Academy teaches students how to manage team software projects and effective communication skills. By the bootcamp’s completion, students will build a native viable product version of their own app idea. All bootcamps will be taught in English.

  3. codex-academy-logo
    14 Reviews
    8 Courses
    4.29

    About This School

    CodeX Academy offers full time and part time Front End Developer, Full-Stack Developer, and Full-Stack Engineer bootcamps. CodeX Academy Developer programs are designed by a veteran full stack software engineer with more than 30 years of development experience. All CodeX Academy bootcamp students will have 24/7 community chat access and internship opportunities. CodeX Academy students receive career assistance, and will have access to a 12-24 week, professional internship.


    Duo Xu
    Duo Xu
    Student • Course: Front End Developer (Part-Time) • Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    “Excellent Academy”

    I really appreciate that I found this school. The learning is systematic. Mentors are responsible. Thank you CodeX

  4. id-bootcamps-logo
    13 Reviews
    9 Courses
    5.0

    About This School

    ID Bootcamps offers multiple bootcamp options including Programming and Full Stack Web Development, Data Science and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking, DevOps, Development of Mobile Applications (iOS and Android), and UX/UI Design and Product Management. All ID Bootcamps may be taken as full-time (12 weeks) or part-time (36 weeks). Students may choose to take any bootcamp either online or in Madrid, Spain. Remote bootcamp classes take place over live stream. 

  5. openclassrooms-logo
    13 Reviews
    7 Courses
    4.62

    About This School

    OpenClassrooms offers part-time, online, 12-month mentored courses in digital skills like full-stack and mobile development, product management, and UX design. Students will engage in a learning experience centered around professional projects because OpenClassrooms believes that project-driven work is the fastest way to become proficient in technical skills. Projects offer hands-on experience so that students can hit the ground running when they start a new job. Students are also equipped with mentors, who are dedicated professionals and experts in their field, to help coach them to achieve their goals throughout the course. Mentors and students connect via weekly video conference sessions.


    Mehedi Hasan
    Student • Course: Front-End Developer • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Great Experience, Learned a lot, An Institute that really cares for its students”

    As long as you commit yourself, you'll learn SO so much.  - Great environment.  - Courses are organized and well structured and mentors wow. They are eager to help students. - You will hav...

  6. code-career-academy-logo
    12 Reviews
    3 Courses
    4.83

    About This School

    Code Career Academy is a 16-week full stack and mobile development coding bootcamp in Atlanta, Georgia. The bootcamp focuses primarily on Microsoft technologies C# and .NET, as well as JavaScript, NodeJS, Mongo and SQL. The program is broken into two 8-week parts; basic web development, followed by enterprise (corporate) development. Classes are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.


    Cristian
    Cristian
    Student • Course: Full-Stack Immersion Full-Time • Atlanta

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Excellent instructor, excellent course”

    I was one of Code Career Academy's first full time students. I had previously been exposed to programming through college. I quickly realized that college was lacking the hands on approach that I w...

  7. ibg-institute-logo
    12 Reviews
    3 Courses
    4.33

    About This School

    IBG Institute offers part-time 1-to-2-month and 4-to-6-week technical training programs in Charlotte, North Carolina and online. These courses train students in front end, mobile, and full stack development. IBG Institute teaches in a fast-paced, real-time production environment, and believes the only way to become a great engineer is to be exposed to best practices and apply them relentlessly. Courses are instructor-led and students can expect lecture, presentations, and exams. IBG instructors have over 30 years of IT industry knowledge, working in over 200 Fortune 500 companies. 


    Mo Nader
    Graduate • Course: IBG Fast Track (Vets Free with DD214) • Charlotte

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Life Changing”

    I started the program in the summer of last year, coming out of high school, had no prior experience on Tech, IBG Institute had an amazing staff and provided me with valuable material that the mark...

  8. xr-terra-logo
    11 Reviews
    2 Courses
    4.55

    About This School

    XR Terra offers 12-week AR & VR Developer and Visual Design bootcamps in Boston and online. For the online bootcamp option, students will spend 7 hours per week in live virtual classes, and an additional 5 hours on self-study and projects. XR Terra bootcamps are intensive and project-based with real industry projects. 


    Daniel Sisson
    Graduate • Course: AR & VR Developer • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “New identity obtained”

    I've been slowly teaching myself to code over the years. Then slowly learning game development online with a Udemy course. This last fall I decided to really commit to being a builder in the coming...

  9. eurotech-study-logo
    10 Reviews
    12 Courses
    4.56

    About This School

    euroTech Study offers part-time programs in cybersecurity (36 weeks), Android mobile app development (36 weeks), software development engineer in test (30 weeks), full stack web development (68 weeks), front end web development (38 weeks), back end web development (30 weeks), and IT support specialist (19 weeks). euroTech Study is designed for beginners and individuals with some experience.


    Yusuf Atayün
    Graduate • Course: Cybersecurity • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “I learned from scratch a subject I never knew and now I have a job.”

    I joined this course in end of 2021. I learned network, operations systems and security related stuffs from zero. Then I found a job in the middle of 2022. The instructors were super interested and...

  10. gomycode-logo
    10 Reviews
    21 Courses
    4.44

    About This School

    GOMYCODE is an online tech training provider offering online or in-person, full-time or part-time bootcamps covering topics like design (20 weeks), DevOps (12 weeks), full stack JavaScript development (20 weeks), digital marketing (20 weeks), and data science (20 weeks). GOMYCODE is dedicated to serving students across Africa and the Middle East. GOMYCODE also offers intro courses for students interested in learning foundational skills before committing to a bootcamp.

  11. northcoders-logo
    10 Reviews
    3 Courses
    4.4

    About This School

    Northcoders is a technical training provider based in the UK that offers full-time and part-time bootcamps in software development, Java development, and data engineering in Manchester and Leeds, England as well as online. Northcoders aims to provide an exciting, up-to-date curriculum that teaches the skills that employers really want and need. Students at Northcoders will be able to work in teams, solve problems, and think clearly with the skill sets to be able to learn additional technologies on their own.


    Niko
    Graduate • Course: The Developer Pathway: Leeds • Leeds

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Journey to success”

    At 28 deciding to change careers can be a tricky business but I could not be happier with my decision. The course was quite challenging at times but I was a able to land my first developer role bef...

  12. moringa-school-logo
    8 Reviews
    3 Courses
    5.0

    About This School

    Moringa School is an intensive tech education program based out of Nairobi, Kenya offering a 5-week prep, and 5-month course. Moringa School is a world-class coding accelerator with a direct education to employment model. The focus is to enable a whole generation of high-potential, pro-active young people who are passionate about technology. The program prepares students to become top mobile and web developers by equipping them technical and workplace skills, and placing them in high-value employment. Through top quality teachers, curated curriculum, and partnership with Hack Reactor, a top Silicon Valley coding school, Moringa School is creating world-class developers in Africa and here's how they do it:


    Raphael Katana
    Raphael Katana
    • Course: Android Development Course (Full time) • Nairobi

    Verified Via GitHub

    “Moringa school - where I ventured my career in computer programming.”

    I am a graduate of Moringa school and I can attest that indeed this is the best coding bootcamp in Kenya and in Eastern Africa if not the whole of Africa. I joined Moringa school without any backgr...

  13. galactech-logo
    7 Reviews
    4 Courses
    5.0

    About This School

    Galactech is an online bootcamp based in Azerbaijan that offers programs in data analytics (12 weeks), artificial intelligence, front end development (16 weeks), and back end development. 


    Kenan

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Special opportunity for upskilling”

    Don't hesitate to get service from GTS

  14. brightcoders-academy-logo
    7 Reviews
    2 Courses
    5.0

    About This School

    BrightCoders is a Latin American tech training provider offering an online, part-time Web Development bootcamp. Students will work in a collaborative environment to develop web and mobile projects using tools like Ruby on Rails.Throughout the bootcamp, students will master technical skills that are aligned with the current labor market. BrightCoders is dedicated to promoting gender and geographic diversity for students aged 18 to 28.


    Brayan Diaz C
    Graduate • Course: Ruby on Rails Web Developer • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Excellent Experience and Outstanding Team in Ruby on Rails Bootcamp”

    The Ruby on Rails bootcamp was an excellent experience, enriched by a fantastic team dynamic. The course offered a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing m...

  15. coding-deep-dive-logo
    7 Reviews
    2 Courses
    4.86

    About This School

    Coding Deep Dive is an 8-week, online software design bootcamp. Bootcamp instructors are industry experts and students will solve real world problems in the course. By the end of the program, students will be able to clearly present ideas to a group of people and discuss complex software design principles, solve complex problems, and apply well-known design patterns to qualifying situations. Graduates of the bootcamp will be able to comfortably analyze and code in real time, and solve coding challenges during job interviews. 


    Eliseo
    Graduate • Course: Software Design and Principles • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Software design and principles”

     I am a 12-week boot camp graduate, and like many of us, when I started applying for jobs, taking up challenges and interviewing, I realized there was still a lot to learn.  Coding boot camps are g...

  16. zindua-school-logo
    7 Reviews
    5 Courses
    4.29

    About This School

    Zindua School is a training provider based in Kenya offering 25-week, part-time, online bootcamps in Data Science and Software Development. The Data Science bootcamp covers topics like data analysis, Python, Numpy, Pandas, SQL, machine learning, deep learning, Docker, Apache, and Kubernetes. The Software Development bootcamp covers topics like JavaScript, React, Python, Django, and systems engineering.

  17. digital-house-logo
    7 Reviews
    8 Courses
    3.29

    About This School

    Digital House is a coding bootcamp in Buenos Aires, Argentina offering full-time courses in fullstack and mobile web development. With a mission to create a new generation of coders and digital professionals that innovate, Digital House accepts aspiring startup founders and career changers.


    Sofia
    Graduate • Course: Fullstack Web Development • Buenos Aires

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Great Community!”

    They have a continuous follow up during and after classes, activities and connections with companies where you get different opportunities. 

  18. codefactory-logo
    7 Reviews
    1 Course
    3.29

    About This School

    CodeFactory offers a full-time, 15-week full stack web development bootcamp in Vienna, Austria. CodeFactory aims to fill an important role among Austrian educational institutions, to prepare people for a future in the tech industry. The course teaches students how to build complex server-side web applications that use powerful relational databases and covers JavaScript, SQL, PHP, AJAX and more. The school believes that students learn not only from the modular curriculum but also from colleagues and fellow students. Students can also choose to participate in an internship at a tech company at the completion of the course.

  19. stateful-academy-logo
    6 Reviews
    1 Course
    5.0

    About This School

    Stateful Academy offers a 16-week, full-time IOS Developer Bootcamp. The program teaches students how to code and create mobile apps. Stateful Academy was founded to help fill the growing gap in the tech industry. All of Stateful Academy’s instructors have industry experience in a variety of settings. 


    Chase Hill
    Chase Hill
    Graduate • Course: IOS Developer Bootcamp • Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    “Best Decision I've Made”

    Signing up for Stateful Academy and graduating has been one of the best decisions of my life. As one of my good friends during the course said, "Stateful doesn't just teach people what to think, bu...

  20. disruption-institute-logo
    6 Reviews
    1 Course
    4.0

    About This School

  21. arkansas-coding-academy-logo
    6 Reviews
    8 Courses
    4.0

    About This School

    Arkansas Coding Academy (ArCA) is a live online, full stack web development bootcamp based in Conway, Arkansas. Founded in 2016 at the University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas Coding Academy provides expert-led, in-demand technical training to fuel a diverse, career-ready workforce in Arkansas. In the 24-week bootcamp, students will learn front end and back end development as well as database mangement. The fully virtual program includes live instruction and in-person events, allowing students to build meaningful connections with industry professionals and peers. 


    Whitney Lawrence
    Graduate • Conway

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Transformative, Supportive and Career-Focused ”

    I recently completed my journey with Arkansas Coding Academy, and I cannot express enough how transformative the experience has been. From the moment I enrolled, the team at ACA demonstrated an unw...

  22. codebound-logo
    6 Reviews
    3 Courses
    3.0

    About This School

    CodeBound, in partnership with the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), offers 20-week Agile Full Stack Software Developer, Agile Mobile & Native Application Developer, and UX/UI Designer bootcamps at the UIW Rolling Oaks Mall campus located in San Antonio, Texas. Bootcamps are designed to fit around the schedules of students who are balancing career, life, and family obligations. Upon bootcamp completion, CodeBound graduates will receive 3 ICAgile International accredited certifications: Agile Fundamentals, Agile Programming, and Agile Testing. CodeBound has partnered with Credly’s Acclaim platform to provide CodeBound bootcamp graduates with digital certification badges that can be displayed on FaceBook, LinkedIn, digital resumes, and email signatures. 


    Kieran
    Graduate • Course: Certified Agile Full Stack Software Developer • San Antonio

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “CodeBound Graduate”

    CodeBound doesn't claim to fix your life, and It doesn't guarantee a long, successful career in the field. What it does offer is a chance to learn the skills that are building the modern world.From...

  23. noble-desktop-logo
    5 Reviews
    25 Courses
    5.0

    About This School

    Noble Desktop is a NY State-Licensed technology training school in New York City providing full-time and part-time certificate programs in graphic design, web development, data science, video editing, UX/UI design, digital marketing, and other coding and design skills. The school teaches students beginner through advanced skills in coding languages such as Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS, Adobe design apps, and other industry-leading tools.


    Gail Kearney
    Graduate • Course: Web Design Certificate (NYC or Online) • New York City

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Highly recommend Noble's courses”

    I have completed 2 certificate programs at Noble Desktop in NYC - a 90-hour front-end web design certificate that included classes in HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript and JQuery, HTML email, Photoshop for w...

  24. developer-bootcamp-logo
    5 Reviews
    12 Courses
    5.0

    About This School

    Developer Bootcamp is an online full-stack coding bootcamp based in Chelmsford, MA. Students will learn SQL, .NET, UNIX/Linux, Java, C/C++, mobile app development and web development in an immersive, online learning experience. Developer Bootcamp's unique approach combines on-demand streaming with personal facilitation and comprehensive hands-on exercises to assure successful training and competence in the IT workplace. Support staff provides personal setup assistance, guidance and lab equipment setup. An instructor is assigned to each student to assist in completing lab exercises and to help with any questions. Classes are designed to be 50% lecture and 50% hands-on exercises. Lab exercises are performed via direct high-speed access to a dedicated lab machine, providing responsive interaction and accessibility.


    RICHARD SUAREZ
    Student • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “The best bootcamp”

    Develhope represents an opportunity for everyone wanting to be introduced to the IT world. They will offer you the best solutions to help you achieve your goals. So, do you want to be a FullStack D...

  25. alpha-camp-logo
    5 Reviews
    1 Course
    5.0

    About This School

    ALPHA Camp offers full-time, 12-week courses and part-time, 8-week courses in full stack, front end, iOS development, product design, and digital marketing in Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, China. ALPHA Camp’s mission is to bring startup talent into the rapidly growing digital economy in Asia. With a focus on learning-by-doing, students will learn and build products with Ruby on Rails, Swift, Xcode, Cocoa, UX/UI design, and more. Mini team projects will teach students how to collaborate with other developers and marketers more effectively. In order to register for the course, interested students can fill out a short online form.

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