Mobile Application Developer

Mobile Application Developers create software for mobile devices.

The latest mobile devices and applications are changing the way we communicate, do business, and access news and entertainment. Businesses, consumers and programmers have embraced this innovative content, making mobile application developer one of the most demanded and fastest growing IT careers in 2013 and beyond.

Mobile developers write programs inside of a mobile development environment using the Objective C, C++, C# or Java programming languages. A mobile app developer chooses the operating system (a.k.a. mobile platform) they will develop for, such as Google's Android or Apple's iOS, then learns the programming languages and software development environment for that platform.

Currently, there are 5 major mobile platforms, each with its own core language(s) and development environment:

Graph: Mobile OS Market Share - April 2010 to March 2013 (USA)

Businesses typically develop mobile applications for multiple platforms at once, to maximize market penetration and return on investment - so the more mobile development platforms you learn and master, the more sought-after you become as a professional mobile application developer. As you can see from the graph link above, Android & iOS dominate the market, making these platforms the ideal place to focus your mobile application development education.

There are numerous mobile application developer training programs and accredited degrees that feature coursework in mobile application programming, mobile media art & design, app deployment & marketing for the leading mobile platforms. Compare the top-rated mobile development training programs in the U.S., Canada and online.

a.k.a. Mobile App Designer | Android Developer | iPhone Developer | BlackBerry Developer | Mobile Software Engineer

Mobile App Dev Training

Mobile Application Developer Skills & Responsibilities

Typical day-to-day duties and in-demand skill sets for mobile application developers include:

• Mobile developers are fluent in object-oriented programming languages such as Java, Objective-C, and C++.
• Mobile application developers code, test, debug, monitor and document changes for mobile applications.
• Mobile application developers are proficient in the programming environments for one or more mobile platforms.
• Mobile application developers implement application programming interfaces (APIs) to support mobile functionality.
• Mobile application developers know the terminology, concepts, and best practices for coding mobile applications.
• Mobile application developers migrate and adapt existing web applications to the leading mobile platforms.
• Mobile application developers work closely with other departments to brainstorm new app deployments.
• Mobile application developers recommend changes and enhancements to existing mobile applications.

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Mobile Application Developer Salary

• Mobile Application Developer average annual salary (USA): $94,000

Average salaries for mobile application developers and related positions:

• Blackberry App Developer salary: $89,000
• Software Engineer salary: $90,000
• Mobile Software Engineer salary: $94,000
• Mobile Application Developer salary: $94,000
• iPhone Application Developer salary: $95,000
• iPad Application Developer salary: $95,000
• Java Application Developer salary: $96,000
• Android Application Developer salary: $97,000
• iOS Software Engineer salary: $102,000
• Senior iPhone Developer salary: $105,000
• Senior Android Developer salary: $107,000
• Lead Java Developer salary: $110,000
• Senior Mobile Developer salary: $111,000
• Javascript Jquery Developer salary: $124,000

The hourly wage for mobile application developers ranges from $20 to $150 per hour, depending on the developer's geographic location, credentials and range of platforms known.

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Mobile Application Developer Education Requirements

Most employers seek mobile application developers with at least a bachelor's degree in software engineering, mobile application development, mobile computing, computer science or a similar programming-centric field of study. Hiring managers for mobile development positions will also want to see a portfolio with samples of completed mobile applications and your best development projects. The following undergrad and graduate degree programs satisfy both of these requirements with hands-on courses wherein students create a range of applications for the leading mobile platforms, plus specialized lessons on presenting yourself as a top candidate for mobile developer positions, in which active mobile development practitioners help you assemble the apps created throughout the program into an industry-specific portfolio, resume and cover letter.

Marketable skills to look for in a mobile development education program include iOS application development (iPhone & iPad), Android application development, object-oriented programming (OOP), Java programming (Java SE/ME/EE), JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Objective-C and C++ programming, user-interface (UI) design, game & simulation programming, mobile app portfolio assembly, database & OS fundamentals, and mobile media marketing & deployment. The subject matter in mobile application development training works extremely well in online learning formats.

Research and compare the top-rated mobile application developer training programs in the U.S., Canada and online.

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Mobile Application Developer Training, Certificates & Degrees

Browse the top-rated undergrad & graduate degrees, professional certificates, self-paced courses and online training programs matching the mobile application developer education requirements and career path.

Computer School	Mobile App Dev Training	Course Highlights & Certifications
Request More Info	B.S. Mobile Application Development Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	iPhone Application Development Training Android Application Development Training Mobile Game Dev & Simulation Programming User Interface Design and Usability Testing Mobile Application Design and Art Direction Mobile Media Business & Marketing Courses Successfully Launch & Deploy Mobile Apps Professional Mobile App Developer Portfolio Java ME, Objective-C, MySQL & PHP Coding 2011 Award-Winning Online Learning Platform Online Courses & Programs Begin Year Round
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Mobile Computing Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Android, Blackberry and Apple iOS (iPad and iPhone) Application Development Training Learn how to Develop Mobile Applications that Interact with the Corporate Database Java & Objective-C Programming Training Mobile Operating Systems Administration Develop Microsoft .Net Applications in C# Pro Mobile Application Developer Portfolio Innovative Core Curriculum and Electives Kaplan University Job Placement Services Online Courses & Degrees Begin Year Round
Request More Info	A.A.I.T. Programming Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Java, C, C# & C++ Programming Courses for Web and Mobile Application Development Develop Websites and Web-Based Apps using HTML, CSS, DHTML, XML and JavaScript Use Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash to Manipulate Digital Images and Design Visually-Stunning Multimedia Web Experiences Advanced Java 2SE Programming Training Online, Campus or Blended Class Formats 6-Week Online Courses Begin Year Round
Request More Info	A.A.S. IT Application Development Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Design & Develop Graphical User Interface-Based (GUI) Applications in Visual Studio Use C# Programming to Develop Applications that Solve Common Business Problems Learn how to Analyze, Design and Implement Software Engineering Solutions using Java Develop SQL Server Database-Driven Apps Application Developer Portfolio Assembly Customize Your IT Curriculum & Electives Kaplan University Job Placement Services Online Courses & Degrees Begin Year Round
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Software Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: Oracle OCA & OCP: Java SE 7 Programmer CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ & Project+ Six (6) CIW Certificates including Perl, Web Foundations, Web Design, JavaScript, Database Design & Web Development Seven (7) Microsoft MTA Certificates in Windows, Server, Networks, Databases, Security, Web & Software Development Advanced Computer Systems, Web and Mobile Application Development Training Java, Perl, Objective-C and C++ Programming JavaScript, HTML & CSS for Web Development Systems Administration and Security Training Software Dev Team Management/Leadership Technical Writing for Software Development Option to Create Custom Online Semesters
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Web & Mobile Applications Development Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Cross-Platform Application Development for Web, Android, iOS & Blackberry Mobile Devices Learn a Range of Hot Computer Programming Languages including Java, Objective-C & HTML Use Human-Computer Interaction Concepts to Design Effective Mobile User Interfaces (UI) Software Application Development Lifecycle Learn Web & Mobile User Experience Design Develop Database-Driven Business Apps Systems Analysis and Computer Engineering Mobile Developer Portfolio and Resume Prep Customize your IT and CIS Core Curriculum Includes Expansive Career Placement Service Online Courses & Degrees Start Year Round
Request More Info	M.S. Software Engineering Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Master Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree	Learn to Analyze & Solve Business Problems with Strategic Software Engineering Solutions Examine Emerging Technology Trends inc. Cloud-Computing & Mobile Device Integration Advanced Software Usability and UI Design Select Graduate-Level Programming Courses Networking, Security and Database Concepts Software Developer Team/Project Leadership Software Application Planning and Strategy CTU won Computerworld Honors "Best of the Best" Award for its Online Learning Platform Online Courses & Degrees Begin Year Round
Request More Info	B.S. Game & Simulation Programming Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited College: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Provides the Skills & Connections to Pursue a Range of Game/Simulation Development Jobs DeVry Partners with Gaming Industry Giants like Vivendi / Universal to Provide Real-World Learning Opportunities & Networking Contacts! Mastery of Game & Simulation Programming Skills, Design Principles and Software Methods Develop Video Games, Corporate Training Software and Crime Scene Reconstructions Practical Game Design w/ Hands-On Labs Artificial Intelligence Methods & Techniques Game Physics Engine Development Training Mobile Device Game Development Training Learn Effective Collision Detection Solutions Pick Online, Classroom or Blended Learning
Request More Info	BIT Software Analysis & Development Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Learn In-Demand Systems, Application & Web Programming Languages including PHP, Perl, Java, VB. Net, C+, C++, C#, SQL & Objective-C Analyze, Design & Develop Innovative Software Systems to Solve Complex Business Problems Android & iOS Mobile Application Development Human-Computer Interaction and UI Design Develop Websites in HTML, CSS & JavaScript E-Commerce Web Development & Marketing Develop Integrated Data-Driven Apps with XML Software Quality Control & Testing Techniques Plan & Develop Multi-Tier Distributed Systems 5-Week Online Courses Beginning Year Round

Find Mobile Development Schools

Choose a Subject:
Mobile App Development Java Programming iOS App Development Objective-C and C++ Programming Mobile Game Development Video Game Programming Mobile App Development C Programming (C C++ C#) Java Programming Game Art and Design 3D Computer Animation Computer Graphics Multimedia Design Visual Effects Autodesk Maya Web Development Web Design Training Computer Science Degrees Computer Programming Software Engineering .NET Programming AJAX Programming ASP Active Server Page C and C++ and C Sharp Cascading Style Sheets CSS Certified Internet Webmaster CIW ColdFusion Training Computer Game Programming HTML Training Java Programming JavaScript Programming PHP Training Microsoft Visual Studio VB Visual Basic WebSphere Training XML eXtensible Markup Language Graphic Design Computer Animation Computer Graphics Game Art and Design Multimedia Design Visual Effects Web Development Web Design Training AutoCAD 3D Drafting Adobe CS Applications Information Technology General Engineering Computer Programming Database Technologies Network Administration Information Security IT Help Desk Support Computer Systems Analyst Project Management Technology Management Health Information Technology Business Administration Accounting Programs Communications and Media Criminal Justice and Legal Culinary Arts Education and Teaching Entrepreneurship Finance Training Healthcare and Nursing High School and GED Programs Liberal Arts Programs Marketing and Advertising Math and Science Project Management Psychology Programs Vocational and Trade

Degree:
All Levels Certificate Programs Diploma Programs Undergraduate Degrees Associate Degrees Bachelor Degrees Graduate Degrees Master Degrees Post-Graduate Degrees Doctoral Degrees

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Mobile Application Developer Certifications

There aren't many mobile application development certifications on the market yet, however we expect to see an influx of vendor-specific (Apple iOS & Google Android) as well as vendor-neutral mobile development certificates in the near future. Existing certifications for mobile application developers include:

• Oracle Certified Associate: Java SE 7 Programmer
• Oracle Certified Professional: Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer
  (formerly Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer - SCMAD)
• MCTS: Windows Mobile 6.5, Application Development
• MCTS: Windows Mobile 6.5, Configuration
• BlackBerry Certified Application Developer (Exam Retired on 10/30/11)

Stay tuned for detailed examinations & reviews as new mobile application development certifications arrive on the scene.

Browse school-sponsored programming certificates with coursework matching the mobile developer career track.

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Mobile Application Developer Jobs

Your specialized experience and training in mobile application development & computer programming may qualify you for a variety of in-demand job roles including:

• Mobile Application Developer: Browse and apply to Mobile Developer Jobs
• Android Application Developer: Browse and apply to Android Developer Jobs
• iPhone/iOS Application Developer: Browse and apply to iPhone Developer Jobs
• Blackberry Application Developer: Browse and apply to Blackberry Developer Jobs
• Windows Mobile App Developer: Browse and apply to Windows Mobile Developer Jobs
• Software Engineer: Browse and apply to the latest Software Engineer Job Openings
• Java Application Developer: Browse and apply to Java Application Developer Jobs
• Objective C Developer: Browse and apply to Objective C Developer Job Openings
• C# "C Sharp" Developer: Browse and apply to C# Development Job Openings
• Businesses and Hiring Managers: Post Jobs and Find Candidates at a Discount

Search Jobs

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Mobile Application Developer Job Outlook

The mobile device market is growing at breakneck speeds. Some experts even compare the mobile movement of the 2010's to the Internet explosion of the mid 1990's. This growth is feeding the increased demand for mobile application developers. As smartphones and tablets change the way people communicate, do business, shop, and access news & entertainment, the demand for new and innovative mobile applications will continue to rise as mobile devices become more capable, and an increasing number of traditional businesses develop apps to bring their products and services to the mobile marketplace. The rapid growth of mobile is creating a host of employment opportunities for both corporate and freelance mobile application developers.

According to hiring managers and IT recruiters, the demand for skilled & talented mobile application developers still far exceeds the supply. Some of the most popular industries hiring mobile app developers include video game studios, advertising and marketing firms that aim to build branded application for clients, media firms that recognize mobile as a powerful content distribution channel, government agencies and financial institutions that want to bring their core services to mobile users, software development firms and real estate agencies.

The job market for mobile application developers is expected to skyrocket by 32% from 2010 through 2020, creating close to 300,000 new positions and heralding one of the decade's largest increases for any occupation (IT or otherwise). The lion's share of job opportunities will be in Android and iOS app development, as these giants represent close to 90% of all smartphones in circulation in the U.S.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-2013 Occupational Outlook Handbook | StatCounter.com

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Mobile Developer Related Careers

• Software Engineer
• Web Developer
• Computer Programmer
• Graphic Designer
• Video Game Designer
• Database Administrator
• IT Security Specialist

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