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The differences between mobile app developers and lead software 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 a lead software developer. Additionally, a lead software developer has an average salary of $115,072, which is higher than the $99,840 average annual salary of a mobile app developer.
The top three skills for a mobile app developer include java, javascript and react native. The most important skills for a lead software developer are java, architecture, and application development.
| Mobile APP Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,840 | $115,072 |
| Hourly rate | $48.00 | $55.32 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 241,509 | 309,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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.
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
Mobile app developers and lead software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mobile APP Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $99,840 | $115,072 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $131,000 | Between $87,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a mobile app developer and a lead software developer in terms of educational background:
| Mobile APP Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between mobile app developers' and lead software developers' demographics:
| Mobile APP Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.0% Female, 18.0% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |