by When you’re deciding between becoming an app developer or a software engineer, one of the first things you might wonder about is the salary difference. This overview gives you a clear picture of what to expect salary wise and role wise between app developers and software engineers. You should weigh these factors carefully to find the best fit for your ambitions.
Both careers are in high demand and offer rewarding opportunities, but there are some notable distinctions in pay, responsibilities, and skills that you should consider to make the best choice for your future.
What is role of an app developer vs software engineer
You might think these roles are quite similar since both involve coding and software creation, but there are some important differences. As an app developer, you primarily focus on creating apps for mobile smartphones or tablets. Your daily tasks would include planning new app features, writing code, testing applications, fixing bugs, and updating existing apps based on user feedback. Note: Communicating with your team is key. You should coordinate every step to make sure the app you build functions smoothly.
On the other hand, as a software engineer, your scope is broader. You’re responsible for designing and developing entire software systems, which can include operating systems, network distribution software, and applications beyond just mobile. Software engineers often work on complex problems, designing software architecture and ensuring that the system meets the client’s needs. Your knowledge spans multiple programming languages and technologies, and you might be involved in everything from initial design to testing and deployment.
Salary and what you can expect to earn
When it comes to salary, the numbers between app developers and software engineers are quite close, but there are subtle differences worth noting. The average annual salary for a mobile app developer is around $99,840, while a software engineer earns slightly more, averaging $100,260 per year. Meanwhile, application software developers, a closely related role, tend to earn a bit higher, with an average salary of $104,724.
You should also consider the range of salaries. For app developers, salaries typically fall between $75,000 and $131,000, whereas software engineers have a range from $73,000 to $136,000. This overlap means your experience, location, and the company you work for can significantly impact your earnings.
Cities like Seattle, WA, offer the highest pay for mobile app developers, while software engineers tend to earn the most in places like San Bruno, CA. On the company front, Apple is known for paying well for app developers, and The Citadel stands out for software engineers. The industry also matters; app developers often find lucrative opportunities in healthcare, while software engineers might see the best pay in startups.
What skills and education will I need as mobile app developer
You might be wondering what skills you should focus on if you want to excel in either career. For mobile app developers, the top skills include Java, JavaScript, and React Native. These languages and frameworks are very important for creating responsive and user friendly mobile applications. Meanwhile, software engineers commonly rely on Java, Python, and a deep understanding of software development principles.
Both roles typically require a bachelor’s degree, with computer science being the most common major. Harvard University is among the most frequent alma maters for professionals in both fields. The average age and years of experience for app developers and software engineers are quite similar, usually around 39 years old with about four years of experience. Gender ratios show a predominance of males in both fields, but software engineering has a slightly higher percentage of females.
Common questions you might have
You may ask, Is it easier to become an app developer or a software engineer? Well the both normally takes around 2-4 years of education. You need to have experience to enter the field. But, the scope of work differs, so your personal interests and strengths should guide your choice.
Another question is, Which role offers better job growth? Both careers have a projected growth rate of 21%, indicating strong demand in the coming years. So, you can expect plenty of opportunities regardless of which path you choose.
You might also wonder about job satisfaction. While specific satisfaction ratings depends, both careers offer engaging work that challenges your problem-solving skills and creativity.
How do I choose a path
If you enjoy working on mobile platforms and creating apps that people use daily on their phones, becoming an app developer might be the right fit. You should be comfortable with mobile-specific programming languages and frameworks and collaborating closely with design and marketing teams.
On the other hand, if you prefer a broader role that involves building complex software systems and working across different platforms, software engineering could suit you better. You’ll need a strong foundation in multiple programming languages and software development methodologies.
For more information on programming languages, check out this post on: Computer programming languages for beginners guide.
Meanwhile, keep in mind that both roles require continuous learning. Technology changes fast, and staying updated with new tools and languages is important to remain competitive.
Consider Jane, a mobile app developer in Seattle, and Mike, a software engineer in San Bruno. Jane earns close to $110,000 annually, benefiting from the tech driven healthcare industry in her city. Mike, meanwhile, earns about $120,000, working at a startup that values innovative software solutions. Both have similar educational backgrounds and years of experience, but their salaries reflect their locations, industries, and specific job roles.
This example shows that while average salaries provide a baseline, your actual pay depends on various factors like geography, company, and industry. Therefore, you can increase your earning potential by targeting high paying cities or industries.
Here’s what you should keep in mind
When deciding between app developer and software engineer pay, remember that the difference is not huge but still significant. Your choice should be influenced by your interests, skills, and career goals, not just the paycheck. Both fields offer strong growth prospects and rewarding work environments.
You can boost your salary by developing in-demand skills like Java, Python, or React Native, gaining experience, and choosing the right location or company. And since both roles require ongoing learning, staying curious and adaptable will serve you well.
In the end, it doesn’t matter whether you become an app developer or a software engineer, your career path can be fulfilling and financially stable, thereby giving you the opportunity to grow professionally and personally.
