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The differences between mobile app developers and applications developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a mobile app developer and an applications developer. Additionally, a mobile app developer has an average salary of $99,840, which is higher than the $89,205 average annual salary of an applications developer.
The top three skills for a mobile app developer include java, javascript and react native. The most important skills for an applications developer are java, javascript, and C++.
| Mobile APP Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,840 | $89,205 |
| Hourly rate | $48.00 | $42.89 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 241,509 | 279,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A mobile app developer is primarily in charge of designing and developing applications for mobile devices. Typically working with a team, the responsibilities of a mobile app developer include planning new systems, generating codes, creating test structures for applications, troubleshooting, fixing bugs, and executing upgrades and modifications. They must also monitor client feedbacks on existing applications, performing corrective measures or adjustments as needed. Furthermore, as a mobile app developer, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with team members, coordinating every step of the way.
An application developer is responsible for creating program applications for devices based on clients' specifications and business needs. Application developers must have excellent knowledge of computer systems, as well as a strong command of programming languages to develop customized programs. Duties of an application developer also include running diagnostic tests to ensure the application's performance and stability, providing instruction manuals for reference, performing troubleshooting for any inconsistencies, upgrading design codes for optimization, and launching the application following the client's timetable.
Mobile app developers and applications developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mobile APP Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Average salary | $99,840 | $89,205 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $131,000 | Between $67,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Finance |
There are a few differences between a mobile app developer and an applications developer in terms of educational background:
| Mobile APP Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between mobile app developers' and applications developers' demographics:
| Mobile APP Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.0% Female, 18.0% | Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |