The debate surrounding Android vs. iOS developer salaries has been ongoing for years. While both platforms offer lucrative career paths, understanding the nuances of market demand, revenue potential, and platform-specific skills is crucial for maximizing your earning potential. Let’s dive into the data and trends to help you make informed decisions about your career in mobile development.
Before we plunge in, it’s also important to keep in mind that iOS and Android aren’t going anywhere; if you develop cutting-edge skills in either or both platforms, you’ll likely find interesting opportunities to build and iterate on new apps.
Android vs. iOS Developer Salaries
Pinpointing exact salary figures is challenging due to various factors like location, experience, and company size. However, we can analyze available data to understand general trends.
Average Salaries
While some reports suggest iOS developers historically earned slightly more, the gap is closing. According to levels.fyi, which crowdsources compensation data, the median total compensation for an iOS engineer is $180,000 per year; meanwhile, the average Android engineer earns $159,000. (Keep in mind that, according to the latest Dice Tech Salary Report, the average tech salary hit $112,521 in 2024.)
But different sources pin iOS and Android developer salaries at different levels. For example, Indeed says that the average salary for an Android developer is slightly above $120,000, while an iOS developer earns $113,000. What’s clear is that mastery of iOS and Android skills can prove extremely lucrative.
Salary Differences Based on Experience
Experience plays a significant role in salary. Entry-level developers on both platforms can expect similar starting salaries. However, mid-level and senior-level developers see more significant differences. Senior iOS developers, particularly those with specialized skills like machine learning and Swift mastery. Senior Android developers with expertise in Kotlin, AI, and other top-level skills are likewise highly compensated.
Freelance vs. Full-Time
Freelance rates vary widely based on project complexity, client, and developer expertise. While iOS developers have historically enjoyed a slight advantage in freelance hourly rates, Android freelance opportunities are increasing. Full-time positions generally offer more stability and benefits, though freelance work allows for greater flexibility and potentially higher earning potential for highly skilled developers.
Revenue Models: App Store vs. Google Play
Understanding the revenue models of each platform is crucial for freelance developers looking to maximize their earnings.
App Monetization Options
Both the App Store and Google Play offer similar monetization options:
- Paid Apps: Charging users a one-time fee to download the app.
- In-App Purchases (IAP): Selling virtual goods, subscriptions, or premium features within the app.
- In-App Advertising: Displaying ads within the app (banner, interstitial, rewarded video ads).
- Subscriptions: Offering recurring access to content or features for a fee.
Which Platform Generates More Revenue Per User?
Historically, iOS users have been considered more likely to spend money on apps, leading to higher revenue per user compared to Android. However, the gap is narrowing as Android adoption increases in developing markets.
Commission Fees
Both Apple and Google take a commission on in-app purchases and paid app sales. The standard commission is typically 30 percent, although both platforms offer reduced rates for subscriptions after a year and for small developers.
Job Market & Demand for Mobile Developers
Understanding job market trends is essential for career planning. Big tech companies often seek developers proficient in both platforms. Startups may focus on one platform initially, often choosing based on target audience and budget. While iOS has massive market-share in the U.S., the various flavors of Android are dominant worldwide.
If you’re new to the mobile market, keep in mind that Apple is pushing developers to learn Swift, its newer language for iOS development; those developers working with legacy iOS apps will also need to know Objective-C, which was Apple’s main development language for many years. While Android developers have traditionally needed to know Java, Google is currently pushing Kotlin as a next-generation development language for the platform.
Programming Languages & Required Skills:
iOS: Swift, Objective-C (legacy), SwiftUI
- Android: Kotlin, Java (legacy), Jetpack Compose
- Cross-Platform: React Native, Flutter
Knowledge of relevant frameworks, design patterns, and testing methodologies is crucial for both platforms.
Career Growth & Future Outlook for Android & iOS Developers
The future of mobile development looks bright for both platforms. The demand for mobile developers is projected to continue growing in the coming years—nobody’s going to stop using their smartphones or tablets anytime soon.
In-Demand Technologies:
Cross-Platform Development: Frameworks like React Native and Flutter enable developers to build apps for both platforms from a single codebase, potentially increasing efficiency.
- AI in Mobile Apps: Integrating AI and machine learning into mobile apps is becoming increasingly common, creating new opportunities for developers.
Keeping up with evolving user preferences and trends is crucial for long-term success. For example, keep a close eye on how iOS and Android apps are integrating the latest generation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Conclusion
When it comes to Android and iOS, there's no single "best" platform. The ideal choice depends on your career goals, interests, and the specific market you're targeting. Many mobile developers future-proof their careers by becoming experts in both platforms.
For those keeping score at home: Android has a larger global footprint, while iOS users tend to spend more money (which is critical when it comes to designing revenue-producing apps). There’s a well-established freelance market for both platforms, and companies everywhere will continue to need developers and engineers who can build both Android and iOS apps. This strong demand means lots of opportunities well into the future—provided you keep your skills up-to-date.
FAQs
Q: Do iOS developers make more money than Android developers?
A: While historically iOS developers sometimes earned slightly more, the gap is closing. Experience, specialization, and location play a major role.
Q: Which platform is easier for freelance developers to make money on?
A: Both platforms offer freelance opportunities. iOS has traditionally had a more established freelance market, but Android freelance work is growing. Success depends on your skills, portfolio, and networking.
Q: Which platform is in higher demand: Android or iOS?
A: Demand fluctuates regionally. Android has a larger global user base, but iOS remains strong in key markets such as the U.S.
Q: Is Swift harder to learn than Kotlin?
A: Both Swift and Kotlin are considered modern, relatively easy-to-learn languages compared to their predecessors (Objective-C and Java). Swift may have a slightly steeper learning curve for those new to programming, while Kotlin benefits from its strong integration with the Android ecosystem.
