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.

Jump to a list of all Fullstack Developer Bootcamps

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 51-75 of 117 in total

  1. 15
    Reviews
    7
    Courses

    WCoding offers a 12-week intensive coding bootcamp, as well as 4-week intensive or part-time coding courses in Seoul, Korea. The classes cover topics like HT... Learn more about WCoding.

    VianneyVianney

    5Graduate - Course: Dev Bootcamp (Fullstack Intensive) - Seoul

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Web Dev (Fullstack Intensive)

    Wcoding is an excellent introduction to the tech-world.Originally a marketer, I wanted to change my career and learn new skills in the wake of the Covid19.Being
  2. 14
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    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, ... Learn more about JLM Hub.
  3. 14
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    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, N... Learn more about The App Academy NL.
  4. 14
    Reviews
    8
    Courses

    CodeX Academy offers full time and part time Front End Developer, Full-Stack Developer, and Full-Stack Engineer bootcamps. CodeX Academy Developer programs a... Learn more about CodeX Academy.

    Duo XuDuo Xu

    5Student - Course: Front End Developer (Part-Time) - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Excellent Academy

    I really appreciate that I found this school. The learning is systematic. Mentors are responsible. Thank you CodeX
  5. 13
    Reviews
    9
    Courses

    ID Bootcamps offers multiple bootcamp options including Programming and Full Stack Web Development, Data Science and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and Ethi... Learn more about ID Bootcamps.
  6. 13
    Reviews
    3
    Courses

    Code Career Academy is a 16-week full stack and mobile development coding bootcamp in Atlanta, Georgia. The bootcamp focuses primarily on Microsoft technolog... Learn more about Code Career Academy.

    CristianCristian

    5Student - Course: Full-Stack Immersion Full-Time - Atlanta

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: 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 l
  7. 13
    Reviews
    7
    Courses

    OpenClassrooms offers part-time, online, 12-month mentored courses in digital skills like full-stack and mobile development, product management, and UX desig... Learn more about OpenClassrooms.

    Mehedi Hasan

    5Student - Course: Front-End Developer - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: 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 eage
  8. 12
    Reviews
    3
    Courses

    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... Learn more about IBG Institute.

    Mo Nader

    5Graduate - Course: IBG Fast Track (Vets Free with DD214) - Charlotte

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: 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
  9. 11
    Reviews
    2
    Courses

    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 p... Learn more about XR Terra.

    Daniel Sisson

    5Graduate - Course: AR & VR Developer - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: 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 co
  10. 10
    Reviews
    12
    Courses

    euroTech Study offers part-time programs in cybersecurity (36 weeks), Android mobile app development (36 weeks), software development engineer in test (30 we... Learn more about euroTech Study.

    Yusuf Atayün

    5Graduate - Course: Cybersecurity - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: 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
  11. 10
    Reviews
    3
    Courses

    Northcoders is a technical training provider based in the UK that offers full-time and part-time bootcamps in software development, Java development, and dat... Learn more about Northcoders.

    Niko

    5Graduate - Course: The Developer Pathway: Leeds - Leeds

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: 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 abl
  12. 9
    Reviews
    21
    Courses

    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 (1... Learn more about GOMYCODE.
  13. 9
    Reviews
    4
    Courses

    Arkansas Coding Academy (ACA) is a software development bootcamp located in Conway, Arkansas. Founded in 2016 at the University of Central Arkansas, courses ... Learn more about Arkansas Coding Academy.

    Susan Bidziil

    5Applicant - Course: Full-Stack Development - C#/.Net with SQL - Conway

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: AN UNBELIEVABLE EFFORT/SERVICE

    Don't go further looking for a hacker techspypro @gmail com has proved that there's still a genuine hacker. After my past encounter with some hackers I thought
  14. 8
    Reviews
    3
    Courses

    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... Learn more about Moringa School.

    Raphael KatanaRaphael Katana

    5 - Course: Android Development Course (Full time) - Nairobi

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: 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 joi
  15. 7
    Reviews
    4
    Courses

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

    Kenan

    5

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Special opportunity for upskilling

    Don't hesitate to get service from GTS
  16. 7
    Reviews
    2
    Courses

    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 ... Learn more about Coding Deep Dive.

    Eliseo

    5Graduate - Course: Software Design and Principles - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: 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 l
  17. 7
    Reviews
    5
    Courses

    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 ... Learn more about Zindua School.
  18. 7
    Reviews
    8
    Courses

    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 ... Learn more about Digital House.

    Sofia

    5Graduate - Course: Fullstack Web Development - Buenos Aires

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Great Community!

    They have a continuous follow up during and after classes, activities and connections with companies where you get different opportunities. 
  19. 7
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    CodeFactory offers a full-time, 15-week full stack web development bootcamp in Vienna, Austria. CodeFactory aims to fill an important role among Austrian edu... Learn more about CodeFactory.
  20. 6
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    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 fo... Learn more about Stateful Academy.

    Chase HillChase Hill

    5Graduate - Course: IOS Developer Bootcamp - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: 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'
  21. 6
    Reviews
    3
    Courses

    CodeBound, in partnership with the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), offers 20-week Agile Full Stack Software Developer, Agile Mobile & Native Appl... Learn more about CodeBound.

    Kieran

    5Graduate - Course: Certified Agile Full Stack Software Developer - San Antonio

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: 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 th
  22. 5
    Reviews
    25
    Courses

    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, we... Learn more about Noble Desktop.

    Gail Kearney

    5Graduate - Course: Web Design Certificate (NYC or Online) - New York City

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: 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 an
  23. 5
    Reviews
    12
    Courses

    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 develo... Learn more about Developer Bootcamp.

    RICHARD SUAREZ

    5Student - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: 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
  24. 5
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    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 i... Learn more about ALPHA Camp.
  25. 5
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    The Disruption Institute aims to turn Kansas City into the world leader for mobile innovation by teaching students how to build mobile apps in iOS. Disruptio... Learn more about Disruption Institute.

Get our FREE Ultimate Guide to Paying for a Bootcamp

By submitting this form, you agree to receive email marketing from Course Report.

Get Matched in Minutes

Just tell us who you are and what you’re searching for, we’ll handle the rest.

Match Me