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More than 2 million apps are available in the App Store.
These are downloaded into over 1.4 billion Apple devices.
It’s no surprise then…
…that iOS developer jobs are in such high demand.
Are you looking to start a career in mobile development?
Being an iOS developer is definitely worth considering.
Join thousands of people currently working as iOS developers by learning what it takes to be a specialist in this industry. We’ve compiled some lists of the resources, data, and information on developing for iOS into one comprehensive guide.
Here’s everything you need to know on how to become an iOS developer:
In a Nutshell
An iOS developer is basically someone who creates mobile apps for Apple devices. These apps help make lives more productive both for individual consumers and big enterprises. If you’re already nifty with Mac and love exploring iOS apps, you may just have the passion it takes to excel in this job.
Key responsibilities:
Build new apps for iOS devices.
Test and refine existing apps for better user experience.
Adapt iOS applications to client requirements.
Basic requirements:
Strong understanding of iOS mobile operating system.
Knowledge on Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV.
Average salaries:
The average annual wage for app developers is $108,080. For estimates specific to iOS developer jobs, here’s what we got from various job sites:
$125,980 (Indeed)
$84,249 (PayScale)
$96,016 (Glassdoor)
iOS Developer: For Beginners
Going over the iOS developer responsibilities and the high average salaries, you might think that it’s the perfect job—easy and pays well. However, developing for iOS isn’t that easy at all. It requires technical skills and continuous learning.
As you embark on a career as an iOS developer, strive to master the basics of programming, and learn as much as you can about developing for iOS.
Start by doing these:
Know the Basics
You may be wondering: How fast can I learn iOS development?
The answer to your questions depends on how diligent you are. There’s a plethora of books and websites that can help you learn. Here are a few you can start off with:
Apple Developer Documentation – Among the best places to learn iOS dev is from Apple themselves. Find everything you need to know as an iOS developer from their documentation page.
Swift Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide – Learn everything you need to know about Swift. This book covers everything from Swift 3.0 grammar to best practices in developing solutions.
iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide – Tackle iOS projects on your own after mastering concepts and techniques laid out in this book. The most recent edition has been updated for Swift 3, Xcode 8, and iOS 10.
Ray Wenderlich – Give your career a boost with thousands of tutorials and open discussion forums that help build your knowledge about programming. A treasure trove for an Apple developer, this site has the largest collection of books, courses, and tutorials on iOS and Swift.
iOS Developer: Essential Programming Languages
All app developers must be fluent in common programming languages like MySQL and PHP. Aside from these, you’ll also need to learn specific languages used by iOS developers.
Swift. What is Swift? It’s the coding language released by Apple in 2014 and used for developing iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
Objective-C. Before Swift, the main programming language of Apple was this object-oriented programming (OOP) language based on C. Today, a significant proportion of Apple’s code base is still Objective-C.
SwiftUI. Recently released in 2019, this new framework for Swift is designed to help developers build better apps using less code.
Join iOS Developer Communities
Get the latest news and updates on iOS app development by joining online iOS programming communities. Look for forums where you can freely ask questions to help you learn more about the job and gain knowledge from those who have wide experiences in the industry. Build relationships with developers who work for iOS application development companies.
There are thousands of events organized for the mobile development industry every year. Attend meetups and conferences. Listen to the experts as they share the latest software updates and their innovative ideas. Exchange ideas personally with other iOS developers. Check the schedule in your area, and join the local community. You can also block your schedule for a couple of these global iOS developer conferences:
Worldwide Developers Conference – no schedule yet but most likely in March or June
Build Your Portfolio
Having a college degree and an arsenal of certificates may be an advantage to getting an iOS developer job. However, you need to show actual work experiences that prove your iOS developer skills. So, bring out your Mac, and open XCode to start building app after app.
Keep in mind that for many employers, actual contributions to mobile development weigh more than years of experience or schooling. So, start coding and building your portfolio to start your career as an iOS developer.
iOS Developer Job Description
Disclaimer: This is a general job description for this position. Every employer will have different criteria for hiring.
Comparing the Android and iOS market share, Android has a significantly higher chunk than iOS. However, that doesn’t mean that there are fewer opportunities for those looking for iOS developer jobs. On the contrary, there’s a very high demand for iOS developers. Moreover, they’re often paid higher than other app developers. For instance, an iOS developer in New York City receives an average of $132,911, while an Android developer gets only $116,328.
Now, if you’re all set to begin a career as a Swift developer, here’s what you can expect in this field. Best to go over all the details before you look for the best place to find a job as an iOS developer.
Detailed Job Description
iOS developers work in various industries including those that deal with computer systems design and services, software publishing, and manufacturing. Companies and enterprises in different economic sectors also employ app developers to manage their mobile and web applications.
They have a passion for creating and optimizing mobile technologies and are highly knowledgeable about the mobile app development process. They also work with other developers and engineers in designing and building mobile apps that fulfill the client’s requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities
The specific duties and responsibilities of iOS developers vary according to the particular industry they belong in and the specific position they hold. However, there are certain core tasks that iOS developers accomplish.
Designing and building user-friendly iOS apps.
Testing iOS apps to identify flaws and optimize performance.
Integrating new iOS apps for use on mobile devices.
Implementing new features in existing iOS apps.
Performing maintenance checks.
Evaluating new technologies for app development.
Implementing new technologies for app efficiency.
Collaborating with other developer teams.
Daily Activities
Day to day tasks for an iOS engineer vary depending on their position and the organization they work for. Typically, a junior developer goes over the following tasks:
Building new features on client’s site.
Answering functionality questions posed by users.
Troubleshooting app-related issues.
Assigning tasks to team members.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Evaluating new technologies for possible implementation.
Key Areas of Expertise
A top-notch iOS app developer has proven working experience in iOS and software development and has published iOS apps in the app store. Aside from these, they have expertise in Apple’s Xcode IDE, user interface and user experience design, the XNU kernel of Darwin, and the Swift programming language.
iOS Developer Salary
Salaries for this position rely on many factors including employee skills, employer size, state or city, and demand for iOS developers. In Indeed.com, the average of 2,366 salaries reported is $125,980 per year. This is higher than the average for Android developers, which is $102,912.
The salary for iOS developer entry-level roles averages $68,303 per year. This too depends on your skill and location. The iOS developer salary in San Francisco for entry-level hires is $75,000. In Atlanta, Georgia, junior hires can expect an annual income of $73,310.
On the other hand, a senior iOS developer salary is estimated to have an average of $118,623.
By state, San Francisco offers are among the highest at $161,320, second only to San Jose with an annual average of $172,513. At the bottom of the list is the iOS developer salary Atlanta offers, which is just $97,856 per year.
Suitability for Freelance
Getting freelance jobs is a good way to start a career in this field. Taking on remote work can help build your portfolio and eventually land a full-time salaried position in reputable iOS app development companies. If you’re new in the field, strive to do an excellent job so you can receive positive client testimonials. This way, you’ll boost your credibility, increase your rates, and build a wider pool of clients.
Management Position Possibility
There are plenty of opportunities for career advancement as an iOS developer. Once you have experience in junior iOS developer jobs, you earn skills and capabilities that qualify you for senior iOS developer positions.
iOS Developer Average Salary Range
Salaries for iOS developers depend on the employee’s abilities, credentials, and experience. They also vary from state to state depending on the demand for such talent in that specific location.
The average salary is $96,016 per year with entry-level developers receiving about $89,559 per year. For senior roles, the annual average is pegged at $115,086.
The iOS developer salary Seattle offers is $136,654 which is a bit lower than that of San Jose and San Francisco.
New York City is another high-paying city for professionals in this field. An iOS engineer in NYC can expect to get an average salary of $132,911. They can also receive a cash bonus of up to $5,000 per year.
San Diego and Austin are also cities where you can aim to get salaries that are higher than average. iOS developers can expect salaries of up to $127,642 and 124,370 per year, respectively.
Meanwhile, iOS developer jobs in Utah can expect an annual income of $110,560.
Freelance Opportunities
In app development, most employers put value over experience than education so freelancing is a good way to hone skills and build credibility in the field. For those who have years of experience, shifting careers as a freelance developer gives more freedom, flexibility, and independence. If you’re highly skilled and have much expertise, you may even be able to land big projects that’ll multiply your salary tenfold. Even if most enterprises find it more cost-effective to hire full-time onsite iOS developers, there are still plenty of opportunities for remote work and profitable projects.
How much can a freelance iOS developer make?
While there is no specific data available, a freelance iOS developer can expect to earn an average of around $100,000 per year. That or anywhere between $80,000 and $130,000. Your income as a freelancer depends on your ability and reputation. Newbies can charge around $65 per hour, while experts can set rates as high as $100 per hour.
In remote iOS developer jobs, you must exert extra effort in providing excellent services to consistently get high rates from clients. Build your network and enhance your skills as a developer with continued learning.
Education
About three-quarters of iOS developers have bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science, Engineering, or other related disciplines. While a college degree is an advantage, it’s not necessarily required by all employers. Most employers prefer those with proven experience in developing for iOS. A rich portfolio of useful iOS apps in the app store is also a huge advantage.
Self-Study
Do iOS apps have to be written in Swift?
Not really.
While Swift is a concise and expressive language that can be used to develop responsive and feature-rich apps, the native language of iOS is Objective-C. Nowadays, you can use other programming languages as well.
Even so, Swift is the ideal language to use when developing iOS apps. The programming language, frameworks, and software development tools can be self-taught. As we mentioned in the section for beginners, there are plenty of books and websites where you can learn the basics. You can also take online courses in programming or software development.
Even if you’ve been in this field for several years or looking for iOS developer jobs as entry-level, you must continue learning to keep up to date with the latest technologies as iOS constantly evolves. Aside from taking advanced courses, it would also benefit you to follow blogs, listen to podcasts, and subscribe to newsletters.
Certifications
Several developer certifications can boost the career of app developers. These include MTA Developer Certification, Associate Android Developer, Salesforce Certified App Builder, and Certified Scrum Master. For iOS, you can take the App Development with Swift Certification. This year-long program will help you gain expertise in the programming language. You can get this certification from Certiport by Pearson Vue, which is the only one that has an official partnership with Apple.
While certifications aren’t really necessary for iOS developers, it can add value to your credentials. For freelance iOS developers, this certification can add credibility and help them reach more clients.
Technical Skills
All app developers must have fluency in basic programming languages such as MySQL and PHP. They also need to be knowledgeable in software development. Employers will typically look for developers with the following skills:
Knowledge in JavaScript, SQL, Python, and other programming languages.
Use of software development methodologies such as Agile.
Ability to troubleshoot issues found during app testing.
Experience in project management.
Expertise in user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.
Versatility in cross-platform app development.
Knowledge of cybersecurity.
Knowledge of IoT capabilities.
Experience in database management.
Familiarity with computing architectures such as ARM architecture.
For iOS developers, it’s essential that they also possess the knowledge and technical skills specific to iOS development. These include:
Solid understanding of the full mobile development life cycle.
Mastery of iOS programming languages: Swift, Objective-C, and SwiftUI.
Knowledge of networking libraries such as AFNetworking, SQLite, ReactiveCocoa, and SDWebImage.
Knowledge of Grand Central Dispatch (GCD).
Thorough understanding of Xcode IDE.
Knowledge of Apple Human Interface guidelines.
Mastery of the Safari web browser.
Familiarity with iOS frameworks such as Core Data, Core Graphics, Core Text, and Core Animation.
Knowledge of third-party APIs such as Core Data API, Facebook Software Development Kit (SDK), and the CocoaTouch.
Familiarity with direct manipulation interface (multi-touch gestures).
Familiarity with 2D and 3D graphics frameworks like SceneKit and SpriteKit.
Use of Git and GitHub for team projects.
Knowledge of testing tools such as Appium, MonkeyTalk, and Kobiton.
Aside from these technical skills, iOS developers must also know how to utilize tools such as Codebeat for Static Code Analysis, HockeyApp or TestFairy for Beta Distribution, Bitrise for Continuous Integration, and GitHub for Code Review.
Non-technical Skills
Some people imagine app developers to be introverted geeks who spend hour after hour writing codes and never talking to other people. While this may actually be true for a handful of them, working as a Swift developer actually involves collaborative work that requires social interaction. Which is why you’ll also need to have these soft skills if you want a flourishing career:
Excellent communication skills - You must be able to communicate design ideas, app development progress, effective solutions, and other matters to your team and client.
Collaboration skills - You’ll be interacting with other developers, engineers, and even managers in designing apps specific to your client’s needs.
Creative skills - You must exhibit creativity in designing new apps and in solving problems with existing app designs.
Leadership skills - Most app developers work in teams. As you move to more senior positions, you may be required to lead and manage your own team of developers and engineers.
Attention to detail - Coding is a very detail-oriented task. You must have a keen eye for details and spot any flaws or bugs as they appear.
In Conclusion
iOS jobs will continue to become more and more popular, as advancements in technology create more demand for mobile devices. Use this comprehensive guide to help you find and grow a career in developing for iOS.
Just keep in mind that when you‘re looking for iOS developer jobs, you must have a deep understanding of the industry you’d be working in. Each one has specific requirements. For instance, the healthcare industry will have different needs from the finance sector.
As an iOS developer, you must be able to create mobile apps that are relevant to the industry you’re in. When you’re able to do this effectively, you can expect to have a successful career in this field.
Good luck! And don’t forget to consult our guide any time you have doubts.
We’ve got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary of an iOS developer?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the mean annual wage for software application developers to be $108,080 in May 2018. Indeed.com shows a higher average of $125,980 per year. The same site indicates that the iOS developer salary Los Angeles workers earn is about $124,040. This is almost at par with mobile developer salaries of $122,777 and is significantly higher than application developer salaries that average $88,839 per year. You can expect to earn more if you can prove your expertise such as having published an online multiplayer app in the app store.
Is there a demand for iOS developers?
Definitely, yes. Mobile app developer jobs are among the most in-demand jobs today. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 26% growth in the employment of app developers from 2018 to 2028. This figure includes the demand for iOS developers.
Since the App Store was launched in 2008, over two million iOS developer jobs have been created. With Apple regularly releasing new products and platforms every year, the demand for iOS developers is certain to increase even more. So, expect iOS jobs to continue to be among the most in-demand and promising jobs in the future.
What does an iOS developer do?
An iOS developer builds various applications for mobile devices that run on Apple’s operating system. As an iOS developer, you’ll be providing inputs to the design and development of iOS apps so you must have a thorough understanding of the full mobile development life cycle. You may also be tasked with maintaining the performance of existing apps and implementing new technologies to improve their performance. You’ll also need to collaborate with other developers, engineers, and app users to ensure app quality, responsiveness, and performance.
How much do junior iOS developers make?
According to PayScale, the iOS developer salary for junior roles is $68,303 annually. With hard work and diligence, you can grow your career and increase your income to over $100,000 per year. Continue developing your skills by taking online courses, reading the latest editions of software development books, attending conferences, and joining forums. Be familiar with the iOS version history, and stay updated with the latest versions and software updates. If you want a boost in your career, try to create a unique intelligent personal assistant app that’s a notch above the ones in the market today.
How to become an iOS developer?
If you can code and create an iOS app, you’re basically good to go for any iOS developer jobs. But getting employed as one isn’t as simple. You need to show knowledge in iOS and have expertise in using various developer tools. To start with, you can learn the Swift language. If you don’t have them yet, get a Mac and an iPhone. Install XCode, and start building an app that users would find useful, engaging, or entertaining. Publish this app to the App Store then wait for feedback so you can improve your work.
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