With more than 2.2 million applications available for download on the Apple App Store and 1.5 billion active Apple devices, it’s a great time to learn how to be an iOS developer.
But, despite its growing popularity, there is an acute shortage of developer talent — 61% of executives think that the scarcity of developers is the biggest challenge to the success of their businesses.
If you’re considering a career as an iOS developer then you’re moving in the right direction towards career stability and growth. But, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. Before you make the move here’s what you can expect as a junior iOS developer.
Salaries of a Junior iOS Developer
Given the skills gap, iOS developers have seen a salary increase and the payouts have increased over the years. Here some info about Apple developers’ annual payouts.
Source – Statista.com
According to Glassdoor, the annual salary of an iOS developer in the United States can range from $64,000 to $140,000 with an average salary of $96,016. For a junior iOS developer, the salary ranges from $53,000 to $118,000 with an average salary of $80,733.
The Role of a Junior iOS Developer
Salary is important but so is the role. So what does an iOS developer do? We can almost hear you say “develop iOS apps.” Well, that’s correct but there is more to it. The role requires technical skills. Here’s a fantastic list of seven skills you need to be an iOS developer.
As an iOS developer, you will write programs that will be in the Swift programming language and Xcode. As an iOS developer you will not be ‘designing’ iOS apps. That’s the job of a User Interface Designer. While you will work closely with design teams, as a developer, your focus is functionality.
As a junior developer, you might be asked to manage bugs or do some testing on an existing app before you actually get to work on writing programs that will make the app work.
One of the biggest challenges you will face as you move up the ladder as a developer is that Apple moves very fast. They continuously launch updates, which means that you will have to keep your skills fresh at all times. For example, they recently launched SwiftUI — a framework that changed how iOS apps are developed. So, if you don’t have a keen interest in constantly learning then being an iOS developer might not be for you.
Start Your Career as an iOS Developer. Get Skilled Now!
If the idea of a career as an iOS Developer excites you, now is the time to start building core foundational skills. Check out our iOS Developer Nanodegree program that will help you master the Swift programming language, and create a portfolio of iOS apps for iPhone and iPad to showcase during an interview.
Good luck!
