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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 1-25 of 114 in total
  1. 1,897 Reviews
    8 Courses
    4.73

    Nucamp bootcamps offer excellent and affordable training for entry-level jobs in tech. They provide the flexibility of 100% online, part-time, self-scheduled study with the accountability and support of active mentoring and live, online workshops. Bootcamps include Cybersecurity (15 weeks), Back End, SQL, DevOps with Python (16 weeks), Front End Web & Mobile Development (17 weeks), Full Stack Web & Mobile Development (22 weeks), Solo AI Tech Entrepreneur (30 weeks), as well as AI Essentials for Work (15 weeks), an intro to Web Development Fundamentals (4 weeks of HTML, CSS, & Bootstrap), and a Job Hunting Bootcamp (4 weeks for anyone, educated or self-trained, looking for hands-on help with finding their next job).


    Andria Breton
    Andria Breton
    Student • Course: Full Stack Web and Mobile Application Development • Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    “Nucamp”

    Review: Nucamp Bootcamp ExperienceI decided to enroll in Nucamp because I wanted to transition into a tech career & It was definitely the right decision for me! The curriculum is well-structure...

  2. 1,076 Reviews
    16 Courses
    4.78

    Ironhack is a global tech school that offers immersive bootcamps in Web Development, Data Analytics, UX/UI Design, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Data-Driven Marketing, DevOps and Cloud Computing, Data Science and Machine Learning. These programs are available both full-time and part-time, with options to study on-campus in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Mexico City, Berlin, Amsterdam, São Paulo, Lisbon, London, and remotely. Ironhack has helped over 20,000 alumni launch tech careers they love since 2013. 


    Carmen Suarez-Llanos
    Graduate • Course: UX/UI Design Bootcamp (Full-Time) • Lisbon

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Unique experience with Ironhack Lisbon's on-site bootcamp”

    I don't even know where to start describing the experience of the last 9 weeks in the IN-PERSONtial UX/UI design bootcamp at Ironhack Lisbon. The quality of the training program is unbeatable. The ...

  3. 852 Reviews
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    upGrad KnowledgeHut is an online technical skills training provider that offers flexible, full-time and part-time courses and bootcamps in Full Stack Development, Front End Development, Back End Development, Project Management, Cyber Security, Blockchain, and more. Curriculum is a mix of live instructor-led sessions, on-demand self-learning, auto-graded assignments, guided hands-on exercises, and more than 12 projects. Students also receive two hours of 1:1 mentor support each week. upGrad KnowledgeHut also offers professional certification courses. 

  4. 689 Reviews
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    Hacktiv8 is a tech training provider based in Indonesia that offers full-time bootcamps in Full Stack JavaScript, Data Science, and Performance Marketing. Hacktiv8 offers part-time programs in Web Development, Python for Data Science, React & React Native Basic, and more. The bootcamps are offered in Indonesian. Upon successful bootcamp completion, students will be recruited by one of Hacktiv8’s 800+ partner companies. 

  5. 627 Reviews
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    Udacity offers Nanodegrees which are online immersive full-time and part-time programs, ranging from 12-24 weeks in length for students worldwide. Nanodegree courses are available in subjects like data science, artificial intelligence, programming, autonomous systems, business, and cloud computing. Udacity's approach to talent transformation incorporates projects based on real-world scenarios, guided by personalized mentor support with a focus on in-demand digital competencies in areas like AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, programming, data science, and more. The custom learning program enables students to learn at their own pace, and manage monthly payments for their programs to fit their budgets. 


    Jesus Reyes
    Jesus Reyes
    Student • Course: React Developer • Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    “Student”

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  6. 622 Reviews
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    4.88

    CourseCareers is an online modern learning platform that offers affordable, self-paced courses in technology sales and information technology. Students start by going through a free introduction course to learn about which career to pursue, then enroll in their desired, paid course. Students complete the course in a few weeks to a few months depending on how much time they commit. CourseCareers teaches students exactly how to land an entry-level position or internship by giving them insider knowledge of how to apply to companies, what to look for in resumes/applications, how to prepare for interviews, and so much more. 

  7. 460 Reviews
    5 Courses
    4.98

    La Capsule is a coding bootcamp offering 10-week, full-time Full Stack Web & Mobile Developer Bootcamp and 10-week, full-time DevOps Engineer Bootcamp in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Paris, Nice, Marseille (France), Monaco and Brussels (Belgium). The signature pedagogy of La Capsule is project-based learning so students can have hands-on tech experience. Students will complete a project during each work of the bootcamp.


    Laetitia BARA
    Graduate • Course: Full Stack Web Developer • Paris

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Excellente expérience”

    L’architecture des cours est très bien pensée, avec un équilibre parfait entre autonomie et travail en groupe, idéal pour une formation à distance.L’accompagnement, aussi bien administratif que péd...

  8. 432 Reviews
    39 Courses
    4.82

    The Tech Academy is a trade school headquartered in Portland, Oregon that offers full-time and part-time bootcamps online and in-person at their Portland campus. The Tech Academy offers part-time and full-time bootcamps in computer programming, website development, cybersecurity, game development, mobile development, data science, front-end development, tech marketing, and tech sales. The immersive experience aims to create well-rounded technology professionals, and also gives students the option to take the course at their own pace. There are also no set starts dates or rigid scheduling. Students can enroll at any time, study from home, and choose whatever study schedule they would like. 


    Joshua Rollins
    Graduate • Course: Online Game Developer Boot Camp (part-time) • Portland

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Best Decision ”

    In 2022, I made the decision to pursue my lifelong dream of making video games. I started small—learning Python through free online courses—then quickly dove into Unity and C#. By 2024, I took the ...

  9. 431 Reviews
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    Makers is a full-time, highly selective tech program which teaches Software Engineering, Data Analytics, DevOps (or Cloud), and Test Engineering online and in hybrid cohorts at their campus in London, England. Makers Academy is creating a new generation of tech talent who are skilled and ready for the changing world of work. The academy is inspired by the idea of discovering and unlocking potential in people for the benefit of the 21st-century business and society. At the core, Makers combines tech education with employment possibilities that transform lives. The academy accepts only exceptional applicants into the course. While they are highly selective, they focus on a student's passion for becoming a developer by gauging their coding experience. Makers Academy offers apprenticeships through their bootcamps.


    Karina Dawson
    Karina Dawson
    Graduate • Course: Software, Web and Mobile Engineering • Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    “Comprehensive, supportive experience ”

    The coaches are skilled, caring and supportive. They get to know you and really care about your success and wellbeing. The course is very comprehensive and at times intense but not as intense ...

  10. 411 Reviews
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    Turing College is an online school built for ambitious professionals ready to take the next step in their careers. It helps learners build practical skills in Data, Software, and AI, from foundational training in AI Literacy to advanced programs such as AI Engineering.

  11. 397 Reviews
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    4.85

    WBS CODING SCHOOL is a live online, instructor-led bootcamp backed by over 40 years of professional training expertise through its parent company, WBS TRAINING. Based in Germany and serving learners across the country, WBS CODING SCHOOL offers tech bootcamps and long programs in AI software development, data science, data analytics, UX/UI product design, AI for business, AI agents and automations, and AWS cloud computing. WBS CODING SCHOOL also offers one-year programs in Software Engineering & AI, Data Science & AI, Data Analytics & AI, and AWS Cloud Engineering & AI. Programs are offered in English and/or German, depending on the course.

  12. 369 Reviews
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    Devmountain is a coding bootcamp that offers short, full-time in-person and online programs in Web Development, Software Quality Assurance (QA), Cybersecurity, and User Experience (UX) Design. The programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the tech industry. There is a Devmountain campus in Lehi, Utah for those who want to participate in-person. Devmountain's immersive courses require 40 hours of class per week, and 10-20 hours of work outside of the classroom. The part-time programs require 11 hours of class per week, and 10-20 hours of work outside of the classroom. The school was started in 2013 in Provo, Utah.


    Emily Catherine Mills
    Emily Catherine Mills
    Graduate • Course: Web Development In-Person, Full-Time • Lehi

    Verified Via GitHub

    “The Best Kind Of Education”

    My experience at DevMountain was extremely positive. As someone who always struggled to learn in standardized education, I was hesitant to try an accelerated course like the one offered at DevMount...

  13. 286 Reviews
    29 Courses
    4.82

    Dibimbing is an Indonesia-based education platform focused on helping people get better jobs through industry-aligned bootcamps in high-demand digital and business skills.Founded in 2021 by university graduates in response to the growing employment gap after the pandemic, Dibimbing was built on a simple belief: education should directly improve career outcomes. Its programs are designed in close collaboration with industry practitioners to ensure learners gain skills that are truly relevant to the job market.Dibimbing delivers structured, practical bootcamps led by 275+ active industry mentors, combining hands-on projects, real-world case studies, and career-focused learning. Beyond technical training, Dibimbing emphasizes career readiness, equipping learners with practical insights, portfolio experience, and exposure to industry standards.To date, Dibimbing has supported 100,000+ learners through its bootcamps and growing student–alumni community, helping graduates and career switchers move closer to meaningful, sustainable employment.


    Alvin Widi Nugroho
    Alvin Widi Nugroho
    Graduate • Course: Mobile Apps Development • Jakarta

    Verified Via GitHub

    “It was all new knowledges for me”

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  14. 255 Reviews
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    Brian
    Graduate • Course: Full Stack Web Development at Antioch University • Los Angeles

    Verified Via LinkedIn

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    I came back to the United States after 4 years abroad with no job prospects, no idea what I was going to do, and zero programming experience whatsoever. I found my way to Sabio and just over 6 mont...

  15. 244 Reviews
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    Coderhouse is an online learning platform offering live, instructor-led courses in technology, business, design, marketing, and artificial intelligence. Since launching in 2014, more than 500,000 students have enrolled in Coderhouse programs.

  16. 191 Reviews
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    Toby Dixon Smith
    Toby Dixon Smith
    Graduate • Course: Software Engineering Immersive • London

    Verified Via GitHub

    “A transformative experience”

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  17. 155 Reviews
    12 Courses
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    School of IT offers both online and in person bootcamps from its campuses in Cape Town and Somerset West, South Africa. Bootcamps include Full Stack Software Development, Mobile App Development, Digital Marketing, CyberSecurity, and Data Science. Students may choose to complete the bootcamps in 12-weeks (full time) or 24-weeks (part time). All bootcamps come with courseware, including ebooks, certain software programs, and additional resources. 


    Alice Kim Brook
    Alice Kim Brook
    Student • Course: Software Engineering course • Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    “Excellent experience ”

    My experience with The School of IT was very  transformative, equipping me with the practical skills and confidence to get into software engineering . I highly recommend it to anyone looking f...

  18. 147 Reviews
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    Code Platoon is a non-profit coding bootcamp located in Chicago, Illinois specifically designed for veterans and military spouses transitioning into the civilian workforce by providing technical training and career placement. Code Platoon offers 15-week, full-time and 28-week, part-time Full-stack Software Engineering and DevOps and Cloud Engineering bootcamps. Code Platoon's DevOps bootcamp is only offered as a 28-week part-time program. Programs are available to attend in-person or remotely via video conference. Students are taught technical skills that leverage the core competencies of problem-solving, teamwork, and discipline. 

  19. 134 Reviews
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    MindHub is a Latin American coding bootcamp that aims to unite education and employment, empowering individuals through education and fostering the sustainable development of organizations. Since MindHub's founding in 2018, over 100 companies have used their project-based bootcamps to help their team members upskill. 


    YEISON ANDRES LOPEZ
    YEISON ANDRES LOPEZ
    Graduate • Course: Full Stack MERN Web Development • Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    “La mejor experiencia.”

    Actualmente curso quinto semestre de Ingeniería de Software en la universidad, y sinceramente, este Bootcamp superó por completo mis expectativas. Aprendí mucho más aquí que en varios semestres aca...

  20. 125 Reviews
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    Scaler is an intensive online career accelerator program offering beginner (44 weeks), intermediate (37 weeks), and advanced (30 weeks) engineer bootcamps where students can specialize in back end (15 weeks) or full stack (15 weeks) development. Students can also pursue optional, advanced electives in Advanced DSA, Concurrent Programming, and Product Management. With an industry-vetted curriculum and professional, personalized guidance, Scaler Academy is a community of dedicated instructors, teaching assistants, industry mentors & career coaches who are devoted to creating a growth ecosystem to help software professionals unlock talent and opportunities at every stage of their career. Scaler Academy’s mission is to to help professionals take their careers to the next level without any educational, geographical, or financial constraint. Scaler Academy is a product by InterviewBit, which offers live and interactive classes along with Practice sessions with teaching assistants, peers & 1:1 mentorship with industry experts throughout.

  21. 123 Reviews
    5 Courses
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    Alterra Academy is an intensive, in-person coding bootcamp located in Malang, Indonesia. Founded in 2018, Alterra Academy’s mission is to foster and improve tech talent in Indonesia. Students can choose either the Quality Engineer program or the Full-stack Engineer Program. The Quality Engineer program is two months long, and teaches students skills such as Java programming, software testing fundamentals, agile testing methodology, mobile app testing using JUnit, and Scrum. The Full-stack Engineer program is three months long, and students learn skills such as HTML, programming, Javascript, and Restful API.  


    Farhan Maulana
    Student • Course: Making Mobile Applications With Flutter • Malang

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Kesan pesan selama belajar di Alterra Academy”

    Kesan yang saya dapat kan pada Alterra Academy sangat menyenangkan, teman teman mentee jga seru, materi yang diberikan sangat bermanfaat.Pesan saya adalah mungkin untuk coding dari tugas bsa di rev...

  22. 119 Reviews
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    Matteo Calenda
    Graduate • Course: Android Developer • Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Excellent way to find job”

    I've just finished the Android Mobile course for this bootcamp and in my opinion it's the best way to find a job in programming. The people there are really passionate about what they're doing and ...

  23. 96 Reviews
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    NEXT Academy offers a 10-week Full-Stack Web Development bootcamp in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and remote 8-week Front-End Web Development courses and 12-week Digital Marketing courses. NEXT Academy was founded by self-taught programmer and bootcamp graduate, Josh Teng. NEXT Academy partnered with the Malaysian government agency, Malaysian Global Innovation & Creative Centre (MaGIC) in 2014 - jointly officiated by U.S. President Obama, Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak and Founding CEO Cheryl Yeoh who previously sold her company to Walmart Labs, to grow the tech startup ecosystem in Malaysia.

  24. 93 Reviews
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    WsCube Tech is an India-based hybrid upskilling tech bootcamp that collaborates with top industry experts to develop cohort-based learning programs, empowering a global community of aspirants to become job-ready.

  25. 91 Reviews
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    Wild Code School is a 5-month, European training program teaching in-demand digital skills through a blended learning approach. Wild Code School was created to train digital professionals to adapt to the changing work environment. The teaching style uses a combination of e-learning, in-class training, and hands-on projects where students master agile project management methods and other collaborative tools. Students are taught web development languages and application frameworks that vary from program to program. For example: PHP/Symfony, JavaScript, AngularJS, Vue.js, React or Java and Android.


    Vânia Tavares
    Graduate • Course: Web development bootcamp • Lisbon

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    “Web Development”

    It was a complete course, appropriate for anyone starting and that gave a good preparation to keep progressing in the area. Its main focus is JavaScript, but it opens doors for more specific areas,...

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