iOS App Development: Is It a Lucrative Career Choice?

Hello friends, Leo here. Today we will explore iOS development as a career choice.

I will not lie, one of the things that most attracted me to a development career was that we have an almost infinite demand for a workforce. When I started to study in college back in my home country, I heard a TV show talking about IT opportunities. In that show, they said that the country has more than 300000 available positions for developers, and that blew my mind.

I was always afraid of not having a job and knowing that my future area would probably be very safe to get a job is an amazing perspective.

At present, the field of mobile app development is flourishing, and iOS development has emerged as one of the most popular platforms. iOS developers are in high demand, and the earning potential of an iOS developer is quite impressive. In this article, we will discuss the salary and earning potential of an iOS developer.

One thing to mention is that all the salaries are US based, other regions have other salary ranges and perks. So don’t compare yourself with the highest salaries in this article or the lowest, because maybe those don’t apply to your region.

I can see four main income sources for iOS developers: in-house developers, freelancing developers, indie app developers, and iOS content creators. We will explore each one of those options today as well as how much each on average would earn.

Let’s go!

Four Main Options Income Stream For iOS Developers

iOS development has become a popular career choice in recent years, thanks to the widespread use of Apple’s devices. As an iOS developer, there are several ways to earn money, including working for companies, freelancing, indie app development, and content creation.

I will rank them as the easiest to earn money in my point of view. For me, the easiest way to earn money as an iOS Developer is no surprise that is working for companies. This is the fastest and most reliable way to earn money as an iOS developer.

Here are four ways that iOS developers can earn a living:

1. Working for companies: Many iOS developers work for companies, either as full-time employees or as contractors. This is a good option for developers who enjoy working as part of a team and want the stability of a regular paycheck. Companies that hire iOS developers include Apple itself, as well as a wide range of other tech companies, startups, and agencies.
2. Freelancing: Freelancing is a popular option for iOS developers who prefer to work independently and have more control over their projects. As a freelancer, you can work with a variety of clients on different projects, set your own rates, and work on your own schedule. Platforms like Upwork and Freelancer make it easy to find freelance iOS development gigs.
3. Indie app development: Indie app development involves creating your own apps and releasing them on the App Store. This is a good option for iOS developers who are passionate about creating their own products and want to build a portfolio of apps. Indie developers can make money through in-app purchases, ads, or selling their apps outright.
4. Content Creation: Blogging is a great way to share your knowledge and experience with others while also making some money. You can monetize your blog through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content. By sharing tutorials, tips, and tricks related to iOS development, you can build a following and establish yourself as an expert in the field. Plus, blogging can be a fun way to connect with other developers and share your experiences. Likewise, if you’re passionate about teaching others, creating online courses is a great way to earn money while sharing your knowledge. You can create courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable, covering topics such as iOS app development, Swift programming, or mobile design. By creating high-quality courses, you can attract students and earn a passive income stream.

No matter which path you choose, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest iOS development trends and technologies. As the mobile landscape evolves, new opportunities for earning money as an iOS developer are sure to emerge. Whether you work for a company, freelance, or create your own apps, there’s no shortage of opportunities for talented iOS developers to make a living doing what they love.

In addition, iOS developers can also earn money by creating plugins, extensions, and custom integrations for existing apps. This is a great way to leverage your skills to create value for others while earning money. For example, a developer might create a custom payment integration for a popular e-commerce app, or develop a plugin that extends the functionality of a popular productivity app.

Ultimately, the key to earning money as an iOS developer is to keep learning and expanding your skillset. Whether you specialize in Swift, Objective-C, or other iOS development languages, there’s always room to grow and improve. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, networking with other developers, and honing your skills, you can build a successful career as an iOS developer.

Now let’s drill down each one of the paths above.

iOS Developer Salary: Working for Companies

According to data from Glassdoor, the average base salary for an iOS developer in the United States is around $100,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as your level of experience, the location of the company you work for, and the specific industry you work in.

For example, iOS developers working in the San Francisco Bay Area, which is known for its high cost of living, can expect to make more than the national average. In fact, the average salary for an iOS developer in San Francisco is around $132,000 per year.

Another factor that can impact your salary as an iOS developer is the industry you work in. This can be pretty determinant about the ceiling of your earnings in iOS development working for companies. According to data from PayScale, iOS developers working in the software development industry earn an average salary of around $88,000 per year, while those working in the financial services industry can earn an average of $116,000 per year.

The earning potential of an iOS developer is quite impressive, and it largely depends on their experience, skills, location, and the company they work for. Junior iOS developers can expect to earn between $50,000 and $70,000 per year, while experienced developers with 5-9 years of experience can earn an average salary of $95,000 to $120,000 per year. Senior iOS developers with more than ten years of experience can earn over $150,000 per year.

More Things to Consider – Perks, Location, etc

In addition to your base salary, many companies offer additional benefits and perks to attract and retain talented iOS developers. For example, some companies offer bonuses, stock options, or profit-sharing plans. Others may offer flexible work schedules, remote work options, or other incentives like daycare or free lunch.

But it’s not just about the money – working for a company as an iOS developer can also offer valuable experience and opportunities for career growth. By working on a variety of projects and collaborating with other developers, you can develop new skills and gain exposure to new technologies and tools.

So, if you’re interested in earning a solid salary and gaining valuable experience as an iOS developer, working for a company could be a great option. Just keep in mind that salaries can vary depending on a variety of factors, so it’s important to do your research and negotiate your salary and benefits to ensure you’re getting paid what you’re worth.

💵 MANGA Salaries  – Meta, Apple, Netflix, Google, and Amazon

So, you know how big tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple are known for paying crazy-high salaries, right? Like, we’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars in total compensation for some roles. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a Google software engineer is around $130K per year, but when you factor in bonuses and stock options, that number can easily climb higher.

Why do these companies pay so much? Well, for one thing, they’re in a constant battle to snag the best talent out there. Plus, with all the cash these companies are raking in, they can afford to be pretty generous with their compensation packages. The total compensation can get higher than $300K per year. So yes, this is a very good opportunity for the ones who are willing to study and pass the really difficult interviews there.

Not every company in the tech industry is going to offer such high salaries. Smaller startups or companies in less competitive fields may not be able to match the salaries of the big dogs. And even within a company like Google, salaries can vary depending on factors like experience, job title, and where you’re based.

However, I record one story about one day I was hanging around the iOS Developers community in slack, and one recruiter just popup and offered a 400k total compensation for one iOS position. You will never guess what company was offering that… Duoling, the amazing green owl is offering almost half a million dollars in total compensation for iOS developers. Don’t be afraid to also search for high salaries in other companies besides MANGA, because you could be surprised by the results.

Still, for a lot of folks in tech, the promise of a big paycheck and the chance to work for one of these big companies is too good to pass up. And with the industry only continuing to grow, it seems like the high salaries at these companies are here to stay.

Software Development Salaries in Europe

If you want to know about salaries in other regions, this article explores the software engineering salaries in the Netherlands and Europe. The author presents findings from various sources, including Glassdoor, Payscale, and Stack Overflow, to give a comprehensive overview of the salary landscape. The analysis shows that the Netherlands offers competitive salaries, with Amsterdam and Utrecht being the top-paying cities for software engineers. In addition, the article highlights that certain factors, such as experience, education, and industry, can significantly impact a software engineer’s salary.

The author also provides insights into the salary differences between European countries. The analysis shows that Switzerland is the highest-paying country for software engineers, followed by Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The article also discusses the cost of living in different European cities, emphasizing that it is essential to consider this factor when comparing salaries.

What is highest Salary that Can be Earned as an iOS Developer?

Did you ever wondered yourself how much is the highest salary that an iOS Engineer can make? Well, to discover that we will use a interesting tool.First of all this is a bold statement since we don’t have all the salaries in the world, however, we have a really interesting site called levels.fyi that you can search high paying salaries in the IT world that are known. 

Check out below the top five paid iOS developers, that we know, in the WORLD!

Quite impressive to think that someone in the world earns almost 2 million dollars a year to be an iOS developer.

Now let’s move to the second one on the scale from the easiest to most difficult way to earn money as an iOS developer.

iOS Developer Income: Freelancing and Contractor

This path is perfect if you’re a developer looking to work on your own terms or hop around from gig to gig, and are not afraid to have some downtime regarding income.

So, how much can you expect to make as a freelance iOS developer? According to a survey by Upwork, the average hourly rate for iOS developers on their platform was around $70 per hour. And that’s not all – the top 10% of iOS developers on Upwork were earning over $150 per hour. Let’s do the math: if you are in the top 10% and get a 6-month project with 40 hours a week, in six months you can make 144k gross (before tax) income and that is HUGE.

Of course, the amount you can earn as a freelancer can vary depending on a lot of factors. Your experience level, portfolio, and the type of work you’re doing can all impact your earning potential. However, if you’re a skilled iOS developer with a solid reputation, there’s no reason you can’t command top dollar for your services.

Now, let’s talk about contracting. As a contractor, you’re typically working on a project-by-project basis for a company, rather than as a full-time employee. According to Payscale, the average hourly rate for a contractor iOS developer is around $52 per hour, with salaries ranging from around $20 per hour all the way up to $100 per hour.

As with freelancing, your rate as a contractor can vary depending on your experience level and the type of work you’re doing. However, many contractors find that they’re able to earn a higher hourly rate than they would as full-time employees, thanks to the flexibility and specialized skills they bring to the table.

So, there you have it – the scoop on iOS developer salaries when it comes to freelancing and contracting. Whether you’re looking to strike out on your own or work on a project-by-project basis, there’s plenty of money to be made in the world of iOS development. Just make sure you’re putting in the work to build your skills and reputation, so you can command those top-dollar rates.

There’s also something we need to talk about regarding freelancing and contracting…

What is Over Employment in iOS Development?

We must take this elephant out of the room. I’ll not advocate in favor or against it, only you can decide what is better for your life. We’ll just present some info about that practice in the contractor’s world.

As a contractor, one of the biggest benefits is the flexibility it provides. You can work on different projects with different companies, which can be exciting and help you learn new skills. However, this flexibility can sometimes lead to over-employment, which is when you’re working on so many projects simultaneously.

This can be very tempting and there is a whole community praising that on Reddit. The gains can be absurd for one person, imagine that taking one project as a senior iOS developer could give you 100k in six months, if you take 2 at the same time in six months you could buy a house with that money.

On the evil side, over-employment can be a real challenge for contractors, as it can lead to burnout and poor-quality work. It’s important to make sure you’re not taking on too much work and that you’re setting realistic expectations for your clients. If you find yourself consistently working overtime or struggling to meet deadlines, it may be time to re-evaluate your workload and consider scaling back. Remember, it’s better to do one project well than to take on too much and risk damaging your reputation as a skilled iOS developer.

That is my two cents on that matter.

Let’s go to the third income stream from the easiest to the hardest in my point of view which is indie app development.

iOS Developer Income: Indie App Development

Are you an iOS developer looking to venture into the world of indie app development? While the idea of being your own boss and creating the next big app is enticing, there are both pros and cons to consider before taking the leap. In this article, we will explore the income potential of indie app development for iOS developers and what you should keep in mind.

Advantages of Indie App Development

Let’s start with the sweet stuff. If everything turns out well, what can you expect from app development?

1. Freedom and Flexibility: As an indie app developer, you have complete control over the app you create and the freedom to work on your own terms. You can choose your own work schedule, work environment, and even the type of apps you want to create.
2. High Earning Potential: With a popular app, the income potential for an indie app developer can be quite lucrative. Unlike salaried positions, you get to keep all the profits from your app.
3. Creative Control: As an indie app developer, you have creative control over every aspect of the app. This includes design, functionality, and features, which can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
4. Chance for Growth: If your app becomes successful, you can continue to grow your income and expand your business by developing additional apps or creating paid versions of your existing app.

Cons of Indie App Development

Well, so you are now convinced that you want to create an app? Don’t rush into things, this will not be an easy journey. Actually, when you open a business all the odds are against you, the chance that you will be success opening a new business is 1 in 5 according to research. Let’s discuss the disadvantages of creating your own app:

1. High Competition: The app market is highly competitive, and there are millions of apps available on the App Store. Getting your app noticed and standing out among the competition can be challenging.
2. No Guaranteed Income: Unlike salaried positions, indie app developers have no guaranteed income. Your income depends entirely on the success of your app, which can be unpredictable.
3. High Risk: Creating an app requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources. If your app fails to gain traction, you could potentially lose a substantial amount of money.
4. Marketing and Promotion: As an indie app developer, you are responsible for marketing and promoting your app. This can be a daunting task and requires additional skills outside of app development.

Being an indie app developer is not easy, but it for sure is rewarding. In the end, at least you will learn how to deal with the Apple release process and learn new iOS development features along the way!

Tips for Success in Indie App Development

It’s time for tips on how to be successful in this area. Of course, this is not a thorough list of things, but this is what at top of my head is the most important stuff to look at.

1. Research the Market: Before creating an app, research the market to identify popular trends and what users are looking for in an app. This will help you create an app that appeals to your target audience.
2. Focus on User Experience: User experience is crucial for the success of any app. Focus on creating a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and use.
3. Invest in Marketing: Marketing and promotion are essential for the success of your app. Invest in creating a strong marketing strategy to ensure that your app gets noticed by your target audience.

Of all the options above, Marketing is, without a doubt, the most powerful tip to get well in this area. Without the right marketing, you can build the best product in the world that no one uses, on the other hand, if you have great marketing you can make an average product and sell millions.

How much an iOS indie app developer can earn?

So, you’re curious about how much an iOS indie app developer can earn? It’s tough to give a definite answer since it all hinges on how well the app does. If your app turns into a mega-hit and brings in a lot of dough, you could potentially earn millions like the founders of WhatsApp or Instagram, which sold for a 1 billion dollars. However, if your app falls flat, you could end up losing the money you initially invested.

According to Statista, the average revenue per app on the App Store was $1,547 in 2020, but the median revenue per app was only $68. So, it’s clear that there’s a huge gap between the top-performing apps and the rest of the pack.

We also have a lot of success stories for example Flappy Bird. That was a game that everyone who played before was banned from the stores, and the game was making 50k/day before the ban. The ban was because the developer used Nintendo sprites to create the game and that was not allowed.

Just keep in mind that making bank as an iOS indie app developer isn’t a sure thing. There are a lot of factors that come into play, such as how good your app is, how much competition you have, and how well you can market and promote it.

Basically, if you’re looking to get rich quickly, iOS indie app development might not be the way to go. But, if you’re willing to put in the time, effort, and resources to make a quality app that people love, then you could potentially earn a decent income over time.

Indie app development can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for iOS developers. While there are both pros and cons to consider, with the right strategy, dedication, and hard work, you can create a successful app and achieve financial independence. Remember to research the market, stay up-to-date with technology, focus on user experience, and invest in marketing to maximize your chances of success. 

Now let’s move to the most difficult way to earn money as an iOS developer. 

iOS Developer Revenue Stream: Content Creation

While getting a traditional job or app sales are the common revenue stream for iOS developers, content creation can offer a new and potentially lucrative way to earn money. Let’s take a look at some aspects of earning money through content creation.

As a creator myself, I can guarantee that earning money with content creation is by far the most difficult way to earn money as an iOS developer. I like to be a content creator because I get in touch with a lot of people that I would not have the opportunity other ways. I like to force myself to write in my non-native language so I can practice that also learning new things every week is the best thing of all when talking about blogging about iOS development.

What Are the Options to Earn Money with Content Creation as an iOS Developer?

Options, not limited to, are: 

• Creating Courses
• Create Patreon in Open Source Project
• Monetize Youtube/Instagram/Tiktok/etc Channel
• Monetize Blogs with: ads, affiliate links, sponsorship, etc
• Writing books for other developers

Am I forgeting something? Probably yes, but that is pretty much all the main ways to earn much as a content creator.

Earn Passive Income

One of the most appealing aspects of content creation is that it can potentially earn you passive income. Once you’ve created a piece of content, it can continue to generate revenue for you long after it’s been posted. For example, a YouTube video can continue to earn ad revenue for years after it was uploaded. This can provide a steady stream of income even if you’re not actively creating new content. Or creating video courses, one time that you record them you can infinitely sell and earn money. 

Income Diversification

Another thing to consider is that it allows you to diversify your income. Instead of relying solely on app sales or your salary, you can earn money through various content creation platforms such as YouTube, Patreon, or Twitch. This way, if app sales are slow or your app isn’t doing as well as you hoped, you still have other ways to make money.

Reach a Wider Audience

Another benefit of content creation is that it allows you to reach a wider audience beyond just your iOS developers’ readers. By creating content that appeals to a broader audience, you can attract new fans who may not have heard of your content before. This can help increase your media penetration and sales, as well as your content views and revenue.

Disadvantages of Content Creation in iOS Development

I can think of at least three disadvantages of being an iOS content creator. Not exactly disadvantages, but rather rough edges of this path

It requires consistency and time commitment. While earning money through content creation can be lucrative, it also requires a lot of time and effort. You need to consistently create high-quality content that keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more. This means regularly filming, editing, and uploading videos or streaming on platforms like Twitch. It can be a lot of work, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, it can pay off in the long run.

A lot of Competition: The world of content creation is highly competitive, with countless creators vying for the attention of viewers. You need to create unique and engaging content that stands out from the crowd to attract and retain a loyal following. It can be challenging to compete with well-established creators or those with larger followings, but with perseverance and creativity, it’s possible to succeed.

Revenue is almost always unpredictable. While earning passive income is a great perk, it’s important to remember that revenue from content creation can be unpredictable. Ad revenue can fluctuate based on factors such as ad rates, audience engagement, and algorithm changes. Similarly, revenue from platforms like Patreon or Twitch can be affected by factors such as changes to platform policies or fluctuations in audience size.

The conclusion is, earning money through content creation can be a great way for iOS developers to diversify their income and reach a wider audience. However, it requires a significant time commitment and creativity, and you will have a lot of competition. With the right approach and a willingness to put in the effort, content creation can offer a valuable revenue stream for iOS developers.

Summary – The Landscape of iOS Development Income Streams

In conclusion, becoming an iOS app developer can be a lucrative career choice for those who are passionate about technology and are willing to put in the effort. It’s a constantly growing industry with endless opportunities for those who are willing to stay updated with the latest trends and have the ability to create innovative and useful apps. The potential for earning a high income is definitely there, but it’s important to keep in mind that success doesn’t come overnight. It takes time, hard work, and dedication to create a successful app that will generate a significant income.

If you’re considering a career in iOS app development, it’s important to do your research and take the time to learn the necessary skills. There are many resources available online and in person, such as courses, tutorials, and mentorship programs. Building a strong portfolio is also key to showcasing your skills and attracting potential clients or employers. Ultimately, if you have a passion for technology and the drive to succeed, iOS app development can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice with the potential for significant financial rewards.

Fellow Apple Beginners, that’s all. I hope you liked reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you want to support this blog you can Buy Me a Coffee or say hello on Twitter. I’m available on LinkedIn or send me an e-mail through the contact page.

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Thanks for the reading and… That’s all folks.

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