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The differences between web application developers and mobile 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 web application developer and a mobile applications developer. Additionally, a mobile applications developer has an average salary of $99,257, which is higher than the $85,840 average annual salary of a web application developer.
The top three skills for a web application developer include javascript, web application and CSS. The most important skills for a mobile applications developer are java, C++, and mobile development.
| Web Application Developer | Mobile Applications Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $85,840 | $99,257 |
| Hourly rate | $41.27 | $47.72 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 229,802 | 252,254 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A web application developer is responsible for designing website and system applications following clients' specifications and business' needs. Web application developers utilize their expertise in programming languages and system codes, ensuring the efficiency and smooth navigation of the website. They also run multiple diagnostic tests on the output before release, identifying inconsistencies, and addressing incompatibilities on browsers and devices. A web application developer should be detail-oriented and highly-technical as this job requires excellent digital knowledge to manage complex systems.
A mobile application developer is responsible for designing programming applications for mobile devices according to clients' specifications and business demands. Mobile application developers must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as computer system commands to develop efficient scripts and smooth navigation of operating systems. They analyze the clients' needs and recommend application solutions within their budget limitations and timeframe. A mobile application developer identifies inconsistencies and glitches with the output before submission to ensure its stability and optimal performance.
Web application developers and mobile applications developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Application Developer | Mobile Applications Developer | |
| Average salary | $85,840 | $99,257 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $110,000 | Between $75,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairfield, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a web application developer and a mobile applications developer in terms of educational background:
| Web Application Developer | Mobile Applications Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between web application developers' and mobile applications developers' demographics:
| Web Application Developer | Mobile Applications Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.9% Female, 19.1% | Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 16.1% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |