The mobile app development industry has been thriving, with iOS developers playing a crucial role. According to EvansData, in 2019, there were 23.9 million software engineers worldwide, and nearly half of them were mobile app developers, comprising 5.9 million Android and 2.8 million iOS developers. The demand for iOS-based apps continues to rise, as evident from the substantial growth in iOS app and game revenues, which increased by 17.7% to reach $85.1 billion in 2021. Furthermore, the App Store has become the second-largest application store platform globally, offering approximately 2.22 million apps for iOS users.
iOS developers have two primary programming languages to choose from: Swift and Objective-C. While Objective-C has a long history of over 30 years and is considered mature and reliable, Swift, introduced in 2014, is a modern and rapidly evolving language with a robust ecosystem of tools. Recent statistics indicate a preference shift among developers, with Swift gaining ground. In the 2018 Developer Survey, 8.1% of developers chose Swift, while Objective-C closely followed with 7%. However, by the 2021 Developer Survey, Swift had solidified its lead with 5.1% adoption compared to Objective-C’s 2.8%.
Competent iOS developers should ideally possess knowledge of both Swift and Objective-C. Additionally, they should hold a BS/MS degree in computer science or information technology, possess a high level of English proficiency (B2-C1), stay updated on Apple device specifications and system updates, and demonstrate expertise in various aspects of iOS development, including mobile landscape, design, architectural systems, and programming.
The competence of iOS developers varies depending on their experience level. Junior iOS developers are expected to write quality code and demonstrate a willingness to learn. Middle and senior iOS positions require a solid understanding of the entire app development life cycle, advanced programming skills, and knowledge of UX/UI standards. Senior roles, such as team leads, architects, and principal engineers, also require proficiency in team and project management.
Experience plays a crucial role in determining an iOS developer’s salary. Job descriptions on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed often specify a minimum of 2 years of iOS app development experience and a track record of published iOS apps in the App Store as prerequisites for candidates.
The size and type of the company an iOS developer works for significantly impact their salary. Large tech companies typically offer higher compensation packages and more opportunities for professional growth.
The geographical location is another vital factor influencing iOS developer salaries. Countries with advanced IT sectors, stable economies, and significant investments in technology tend to offer higher median salaries. Prominent examples include the United States, Australia, and Canada. In the following sections, we will delve into iOS developer salaries in various regions.
If you’re interested in understanding the average iOS developer salary rates in different regions, we’ve compiled data from reliable local sources and converted all figures to US dollars at exchange rates relevant for July 2022.
The United States leads the world in offering the highest iOS developer salaries. Swift engineers in the USA can earn an average annual income ranging from $93,000 to $163,000. Notably, states like California and New York provide the most lucrative salaries for iOS developers.
In Canada, the median iOS developer income is approximately $20,000 lower than in the USA, with salaries ranging from $78,000 to $130,000.
Mexican iOS specialists receive significantly lower salaries compared to their counterparts in the US and Canada, with earnings ranging from $14,000 to $41,000.
The average junior iOS developer salary in Brazil is approximately $16,500, which is significantly lower than in Canada.
Argentina offers the lowest average annual Swift developer salary among the countries mentioned, with earnings ranging from $12,000 to $30,000.
The UK provides competitive annual iOS app developer salary rates ranging from $44,000 to $106,000, with England offering the highest compensations.
Countries in Western and Nordic Europe offer competitive salaries for iOS specialists, ranging from $30,000 to $108,500. Norway stands out with the highest iOS developer salary in the region.
Eastern European countries offer attractive salaries for iOS developers, with earnings ranging from $16,000 to $65,000 in countries like Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
iOS professionals in China receive satisfactory compensations, with salaries ranging from $36,500 to $77,000 per year on average.
Japan offers decent Swift developer salaries, spanning between $52,000 and $108,000.
iOS specialists from South Korea earn salaries ranging from $35,000 to $74,000 per year.
Singapore offers the most appealing remuneration for iOS mobile developers in Eastern & South Asia, with salaries ranging from $57,500 to $118,500.
In India, a senior iOS developer’s salary is considerably lower, at only $25,500, compared to other parts of the region.
Israel offers competitive iOS developer salaries, ranging from $49,000 to $107,000 across cities like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Karmiel.
Australia provides competitive iOS developer salaries, ranging from $87,000 to $158,500 in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide.
One of the principal dilemmas in the IT industry is choosing between iOS and Android development. Both platforms have their pros and cons. iOS apps typically require less development time, while Android apps are easier to publish on Google Play. Compensation rates are also a crucial consideration. On average, the difference between the salaries of iOS and Android developers is usually in the range of $2,000 to $4,000.
To take your iOS app development to the next level, consider assembling a remote team of Swift engineers from abroad. Eastern Europe, in particular, offers quality app development services, a large talent pool (approximately 1 million engineers), and IT specialists with high English proficiency and a western-oriented mentality.
When selecting your destination, you have three primary hiring methods to consider: working with a freelance specialist, outsourcing your app development to third-party vendors, or collaborating with a professional recruitment services provider. Among these options, the third one is often considered the most cost-effective and reliable, as it allows you to build your dedicated team of iOS engineers and retain control over the development process, expenditure, and intellectual property.
If you’re interested in reaping these benefits, consider partnering with Alcor, an international IT recruitment company. With over a decade of experience, Alcor has helped numerous tech companies hire software developers in Eastern European countries such as Poland, Romania, and Hungary. Our team of IT researchers and recruiters offers end-to-end assistance, from creating candidate profiles to conducting interviews and handling offers and counter-offers. Major companies like Grammarly, Sift, and Samsung have already benefited from our solutions.
The iOS developer salary landscape is influenced by various factors, including skills, experience, location, and company size. Salaries vary significantly across regions, with North America offering the highest compensation rates. As the demand for iOS-based apps continues to grow, understanding these salary trends is essential for both developers and employers in the mobile app development industry.
The Comprehensive Guide to Remote Work for Software Engineers Introduction: Working remotely as a Software Engineer has become an increasingly attractive option in recent years. This paradigm shift not only saves time and money on commuting but also allows for greater work-life balance and the freedom to choose your own work environment. In this comprehensiveRead more
Unlocking the Potential of Remote Web Developers for Your Business Subtitle 1: The Rise of Remote Work in the Digital Age In recent years, the concept of remote work has experienced exponential growth, primarily fueled by the proliferation of digital professions and a transformative shift in corporate mindset. Subtitle 2: Exploring the Benefits of CollaboratingRead more
Choosing Between Freelance Web Developers and Full-time Remote Developers: Pros and Cons Introduction In the wake of the significant shift towards remote work and the growing importance of user-friendly interfaces, businesses face a crucial decision when seeking skilled web developers. The question that arises is whether to hire a freelancer or a full-time remote webRead more
We’re excited to hear all about your Brand!
We take immense satisfaction in all of our projects and will do anything we can to ensure the optimal results.
Let's Talk
2013 - 2023 Foreignerds Inc. All Rights Reserved
