The Average App Developer Salary in the US
According to a report by Glassdoor, as of June 2021, the average base salary for an app developer in the United States is $117,306 per year. This includes bonuses, equity, and other forms of compensation. However, salaries can vary depending on the company, location, and experience level of the app developer.
Factors that Affect App Developer Salaries
There are several factors that affect app developer salaries, including:
- Company Size: App developers working for large companies tend to earn more than those working for small startups. This is because larger companies have more resources and can afford to pay higher salaries. Additionally, larger companies often offer more benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Location: The cost of living in certain cities can greatly affect app developer salaries. For example, app developers working in New York or San Francisco tend to earn more than those working in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because the cost of living in these cities is higher, and companies need to offer higher salaries to attract and retain talent.
- Experience Level: App developers with more experience tend to earn more than those who are just starting out. This is because they have a greater level of expertise and can command higher salaries based on their skills and track record. Additionally, experienced app developers may be offered more challenging and interesting projects, which can lead to higher salaries.
- Skills and Specialization: App developers who specialize in certain technologies or platforms tend to earn more than those who have a general set of skills. For example, app developers who are proficient in Swift or Kotlin may command higher salaries than those who are proficient in other languages such as Java or C. Additionally, app developers who work on popular and cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain or augmented reality may be able to negotiate higher salaries due to the high demand for their skills.
Case Studies: Successful App Developers
To further illustrate how much app developers make and the factors that affect their salaries, let’s look at some real-life examples of successful app developers.
1. Steve Wozniak
Steve Wozniak is a co-founder of Apple Inc. and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the technology industry. While he did not specifically work as an app developer, his contributions to the development of the Macintosh computer and other Apple products have had a significant impact on the app development industry. According to reports, Steve Wozniak’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 billion, with much of it coming from his ownership stake in Apple.
2. Uber Co-Founder Garrett Camp
Garrett Camp is a co-founder of Uber and has played a key role in the development of the popular ride-hailing app. According to a report by TechCrunch, Garrett Camp’s salary as CTO at Uber was reported to be around $30 million per year. While this is an exception rather than the norm, it shows how successful app developers can command high salaries based on their contributions to the industry.
3. Instagram Co-Founder Kevin Systrom
Kevin Systrom is a co-founder of Instagram and played a key role in the development of the popular photo-sharing app. According to a report by Business Insider, Kevin Systrom’s salary as CEO of Instagram was reported to be around $1 million per year. While this may not be as high as Garrett Camp’s salary, it still shows that successful app developers can earn substantial salaries based on their contributions to the industry.
Summary: How Much Do App Developers Make?
In conclusion, app developers can earn substantial salaries based on a variety of factors such as company size, location, experience level, and skills specialization. While salaries can vary widely depending on these factors, successful app developers can command high salaries based on their contributions to the industry. If you are considering a career in app development, it’s important to consider the potential earning opportunities and determine whether it’s the right fit for you.
