Each of these operating systems comes with their own requirements and regulations that need to be met to design a perfectly functional mobile app. For example, creating apps for iOS devices makes use of Objective C, while app developers working on Android use Java. And there are only the nuts and bolts.
What Kind of Education and Skills Are Required?
Most app developers have a degree in computer science. While not necessary, it can give you the foundation needed to become a top player in the industry. Furthermore, most companies would hire a developer with a bachelor’s degree in computer science over someone with no education in this field.
There are also plenty of valuable in-class or online courses — such as those offered by W3Schools or Coursera — that anyone can take regardless of their level of education. Some are designed specifically for beginners, which means that anyone interested in learning more about mobile development has a real chance at gaining the necessary skills to someday create an app of their own.
How Much Do Mobile App Developers Make?
How much money an app developer makes depends on a number of factors, including whether they are employees or freelancers, what kind of apps they create, what OS they’re working on, and others. The two most popular platforms on the market today are iOS and Android.
Now let’s talk figures. App developers working on iOS earn more, with over 25 percent of them earning over $5,000 per month. But making apps for Android is almost as rewarding, with over 16 percent of app developers earning more than $5,000 per month.
And if you’re wondering why the pay is so good, let’s look at the revenue. In 2016, global app revenue was at an estimated $52,000 billion, a $10,000 billion increase from the year before. There are also predictions that the global app revenue will increase by 18 percent between 2017 and 2020.
The Bottom Line
Specialized training is available for those who wish to learn about mobile app development and turn their passion into a profitable job. But there’s no better way to build the skills and knowledge required to be an app developer than by simply doing development work. This is how one learns a platform, understands its inner workings, and is given a chance at exploring the resources in and around it.
Finally, it should go without saying that an app that sells comes from an original and clever idea. Look at what’s missing or what can be improved, and you could be making thousands of dollars each month yourself.
Featured Image: twitter