31 Honest Mobile Developer Salaries

Most of us can't go more than a few hours without interacting with a mobile app. From tracking our workouts to planning our dinner, mobile apps have become an integral part of our daily lives. In fact, the average smartphone has more than 80 different mobile apps. The people who make those mobile apps are called mobile developers—and the demand for talented mobile developers has never been higher. 

Whether you're looking to increase your salary or considering a new career, understanding what mobile developers make is crucial to making informed career decisions. But, like most tech careers, factors like location, platform expertise, and the types of frameworks you know can all impact how much you take home. 

In this guide, we'll break down what mobile developers do, what skills are in demand, mobile developer salaries, and how you can increase your salary. 

What is a Mobile Developer?

A mobile developer is a software professional who designs, builds, and maintains applications for mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices. They specialize in one or more platforms (most commonly Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android) or use cross-platform frameworks to create apps that run on multiple operating systems.

The daily tasks of a mobile dev can vary by company and where you are in the development cycle. In general, core responsibilities for mobile developers include:

• Designing and coding mobile applications based on client or business requirements.

• Collaborating with designers to create user-friendly interfaces.

• Integrating apps with backend services via APIs.

• Testing, debugging, and optimizing for performance and security.

• Publishing and maintaining apps in marketplaces like the App Store or Google Play.

What you need to know as a mobile developer will vary depending on the company and industry. We'll dig into the most important skills and frameworks in detail later. But, in general, expect to be familiar with: 

• Programming Languages: Swift, Kotlin, Java, Dart, JavaScript

• Frameworks and SDKs: SwiftUI, UIKit, Jetpack Compose, Flutter, React Native

• Development Environments: Xcode, Android Studio, Visual Studio Code.

• Version Control: Git and GitHub or GitLab

• Agile Methodologies: Scrum or Kanban for managing development cycles

Standard job titles for this role include mobile application developer, iOS developer, Android developer, cross-platform developer, and mobile software engineer.

31 Honest Salaries for Mobile Developers

What can you expect to earn as a mobile developer? According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary nationwide is $110,000. But location can have a significant impact on salary ranges. To provide a clear picture of what mobile developers earn across the U.S., we compiled salary data from various sources, including Glassdoor, Payscale, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The table below shows estimated annual salaries for 31 cities, representing a mix of major tech hubs, regional business centers, and smaller markets. These figures reflect base salaries and do not include bonuses, stock options, or other compensation.

What the Data Shows 

Unsurprisingly, the highest salaries for mobile developers are concentrated in tech hubs such as San Francisco, Seattle, and New York, where the average pay often exceeds $135,000 and high-end roles can push well past $170,000. These markets have fierce competition for talent and higher living costs, both of which drive salaries up.

Mid-sized tech cities like Austin, Denver, and Boston also offer strong earning potential, averaging $125,000 to $135,000. This makes them attractive options for developers seeking competitive pay without the high Bay Area rent prices, where the average rent is nearly $3,000 per month. 

At the other end of the spectrum, smaller markets such as Tallahassee, Boise, and Birmingham offer lower salaries (ranging from $100,000 to a touch above). Still, they may come with benefits like lower living costs, shorter commutes, and a slower pace of life.

Salary ranges also vary widely within the same city, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and company size. For example, a junior iOS developer at a mid-sized startup might be closer to the low end. At the same time, a senior cross-platform engineer at a major fintech firm could land near the high end, even in the same location.

Salary Considerations for Mobile Developers

While location is a big consideration when it comes to salary, it's far from the only factor impacting pay. Several other factors can influence your earnings as a mobile developer, and understanding them can help you position yourself for higher pay. Here are a few other considerations to keep in mind: 

• Platform Depth: Specializing in either iOS or Android often pays more than junior-level generalist roles. Deep expertise in one ecosystem’s tools, design guidelines, and optimization techniques can make you more valuable to employers targeting that platform.

• Cross-Platform Fluency: Familiarity with frameworks like Flutter or React Native enables you to build apps for multiple platforms with a single codebase. This flexibility can open up more job opportunities and give you an edge in negotiations.

• App Performance and Security: Developers who can improve load times, optimize for battery usage, and apply secure coding practices are in high demand, especially for financial, healthcare, or enterprise apps where performance and security are critical.

• Cloud and Backend Integration: Experience with Firebase, REST APIs, GraphQL, and other backend technologies can enhance your value, as many mobile apps rely on seamless server-side communication.

• Portfolio and Published Apps: Having shipped apps in the App Store or Google Play provides tangible proof of your skills. A portfolio of live projects—especially with strong user ratings—can significantly influence an employer’s offer.

How Experience Impacts Mobile Dev Salary

Your level of experience is crucial in determining your earning potential as a mobile developer. As you move from entry-level work to senior leadership, both your salary and the scope of your responsibilities increase. While the specific tasks and earnings vary by person, here's a general idea of how salary scales with experience: 

Entry-Level (0–2 Years): Salary Range: ~$80,000–$95,000

Entry-level mobile developers typically focus on supporting tasks rather than leading projects. Typical duties might include helping build app features, fixing bugs, implementing user interface designs from mockups, and learning codebase standards. 

At this stage, mentorship from senior developers is key, and employers often expect a willingness to learn quickly. Building a strong foundation in platform-specific languages, such as Swift or Kotlin, can accelerate growth.

Mid-Level (3–5 Years): Salary Range: ~$100,000–$125,000

Mid-level developers take on more complex projects and often manage entire mobile features from design to deployment. They’re expected to handle the full app lifecycle, collaborate on architectural decisions, and contribute to performance optimization and security measures. 

By this point, developers are usually proficient in at least one mobile platform and may start exploring cross-platform development to expand their career opportunities. 

Senior-Level (6+ Years): Salary Range ~$125,000–$160,000+

Senior developers lead app development efforts, mentor junior team members, and often own the long-term mobile strategy for their company. They may design large-scale mobile solutions, oversee multiple projects, and ensure apps meet both technical and business goals. Specialized expertise—such as advanced animations, accessibility compliance, or backend integration—can push salaries well beyond $160,000 in more competitive markets.

Must-Know Tools for Mobile Developers

The tools you use can make or break your efficiency as a mobile developer—and mastering the right ones can also boost your earning potential. Here are the essential tools you should at least be familiar with as a mobile dev. (And if you're looking to boost your pay, more is better.)

• iOS: Swift, Xcode, UIKit, SwiftUI are the foundation of iOS development. Swift is Apple’s modern programming language, Xcode is the integrated development environment (IDE), and UIKit/SwiftUI are frameworks for building responsive, user-friendly interfaces.

• Android: You'll want to know Kotlin, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose. Kotlin has become the preferred language for Android development, while Android Studio is the go-to IDE. Jetpack Compose is the modern toolkit for building native Android UI with less boilerplate.

• Cross-Platform: React Native, and Flutter frameworks allow developers to build apps for both iOS and Android from a single codebase, saving time and expanding project reach.

• DevOps: Get to know Firebase, Fastlane, Bitrise if you want to succeed. Firebase supports cloud storage, authentication, analytics, and backend integration. Fastlane automates app deployment tasks, and Bitrise helps streamline continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) for mobile projects.

• Testing/Debugging: To test your mobile apps, you'll need Appium, Charles Proxy, and/or TestFlight.  Appium enables automated testing across multiple platforms, Charles Proxy helps debug network calls, and TestFlight is Apple’s official platform for beta testing iOS apps.

Must-Have Certifications/Trainings for Mobile Developers

You don't have to have a certification to be a mobile developer, but it can definitely help validate skills and show employers you have the skills they need. In addition to official certifications, there are several online trainings that can help you up your game. Here are a few certs and trainings to consider: 

Apple App Development with Swift

Apple offers multiple pathways for learning and validation, but this certification track—often paired with programs like the Swift Student Challenge—is perfect for those pursuing iOS development. It covers Swift programming, building and deploying apps using Xcode, and following Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines. It’s a strong choice for both students and career changers focusing on the iOS ecosystem.

Android Developer Training Courses 

Android offers a number of different training courses for developers, from beginner-friendly courses on Compose to more advanced courses on Android app architecture, Jetpace Compose, and building more accessible apps. While most are simply courses, they also offer a Google Play Store Listing Certificate aimed at acquiring users and marketing mobile apps. 

Certified Flutter Developer  

This certification demonstrates your ability to use Flutter for building cross-platform apps. It typically covers widget-based UI design, state management, API integration, and app deployment. This is a great fit for developers who want to expand their marketability by creating apps for both iOS and Android from a single codebase.

React Native Training on CBT Nuggets

While not a formal certification, structured training in React Native can be a powerful career move for developers aiming to master cross-platform development using JavaScript and React. CBT Nuggets’ training covers setup, navigation, data handling, performance optimization, and deployment. 

How to Increase Your Salary as a Mobile Developer

Boosting your earning potential isn’t just about years of experience—it’s about building in-demand skills, proving your expertise, and positioning yourself for higher-value roles. Here are some proven strategies to help boost your salary: 

• Specialize in Complex Areas: Skills in animations, accessibility compliance, or mobile app security can set you apart from generalist developers. Look for gaps at your company and pay attention to what areas are most interesting to you—then find ways to expand your expertise. 

• Learn Cross-Platform Tools: Master frameworks like Flutter or React Native to expand your job options and appeal to companies targeting both iOS and Android. Being able to build on multiple platforms is a skill that comes with a good pay bump—and more job opps. 

• Publish Your Own Apps: Having apps in the App Store or Google Play—especially with solid reviews—proves your capabilities and initiative as a mobile developer. Think of it like a portfolio of your skills. 

• Contribute to Open-Source Projects: Getting involved in popular mobile development libraries boosts your credibility and visibility in the developer community.

• Stay Current With UI Trends and OS Updates: Knowing the latest features in iOS 18, Android 15, or new design guidelines helps you stay ahead of competitors. As new trends roll out, make sure you stay on top of them! 

• Move Into Leadership Roles: Positions like mobile tech lead or engineering manager (mobile) come with higher pay and expanded influence on project direction. While this path isn't for everyone, it's a good way to boost your salary. 

Conclusion

Mobile development is a well-paying and fast-growing field, with salaries ranging low six-figures for those starting out to $180,000+ for senior specialists. Factors like platform expertise, cross-platform fluency, security skills, and a strong app portfolio can all push your compensation higher. 

If you want to continue to grow, staying current with the latest tools, certifications, and operating system updates is essential. Whether you want to move into leadership, specialize in high-value areas, or simply build better apps, continuous learning is the key to a successful career. 

If you’re ready to level up your mobile development career, CBT Nuggets can help. Explore all our programming and development courses.