Mobile Developer Salaries vs. Full-Stack Web Developer Salaries
Choosing a career in software development involves understanding the differences in roles, responsibilities, and salaries. In this article, we’ll compare mobile developers and full-stack web developers in terms of what they do, how much they earn, their job outlook, and the qualifications required. This comparison aims to help aspiring professionals decide which path aligns best with their goals.
Introduction
Mobile developers and full-stack web developers are both in high demand in the United States. Mobile developers focus on creating applications for smartphones and tablets, typically for platforms like Android and iOS. Full-stack developers, on the other hand, work on both the front-end (user interface) and back-end (server-side logic) of web applications.
These two roles cater to different parts of the tech industry, but both offer competitive salaries and plenty of job opportunities. Below, we’ll dive into what these roles entail and how they compare in terms of earning potential, job responsibilities, and growth prospects.
What Do Mobile Developers and Full-Stack Web Developers Do?
Mobile Developer Responsibilities
Develop and maintain mobile apps for platforms like Android and iOS.
Write code using languages like Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android).
Test and debug applications to ensure smooth performance on different devices.
Work closely with designers to create user-friendly interfaces.
Submit apps to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and manage updates.
Full-Stack Web Developer Responsibilities
Build and maintain websites or web applications.
Handle front-end design using tools like HTML , CSS , and JavaScript frameworks (React, Angular).
Manage server-side operations using back-end tools like Node.js, Python, or Ruby.
Develop and maintain databases, ensuring efficient data handling.
Work on APIs to connect the front-end and back-end of applications.
2. Qualifications and Skills
Role
Required Skills
Preferred Background
Mobile Developer
Proficiency in Swift, Kotlin, or Flutter; experience with testing tools and app store guidelines.
Degree in Computer Science or certifications like Certified Android/iOS Developer.
Full-Stack Developer
Expertise in JavaScript (React, Angular), back-end systems (Node.js, Django), and cloud technologies.
Degree in Web Development or certifications like AWS Certified Developer.
3. Salary Comparison by Experience
Experience Level
Mobile Developer Salary
Full-Stack Developer Salary
Entry-Level
$70,000–$95,000
$65,000–$90,000
Mid-Level
$100,000–$130,000
$95,000–$120,000
Senior-Level
$130,000–$160,000
$120,000–$150,000
Specialized Expertise
$160,000–$180,000+
$150,000–$170,000+
4. Job Outlook
Aspect
Mobile Developer
Full-Stack Developer
Demand Drivers
Growth in mobile-first businesses, gaming, and e-commerce apps.
Increasing need for scalable web applications and SaaS platforms.
Growth Rate
~20% annually, driven by smartphone adoption and app usage.
23% growth projected through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sector Demand
Predominantly in fintech, healthcare, and entertainment.
Strong demand across startups, enterprises, and tech giants.
5. Related Experience
Role
Relevant Prior Experience
Mobile Developer
App development internships or projects, experience with mobile frameworks, and contributions to mobile open-source libraries.
Full-Stack Developer
End-to-end web application development, cloud deployment experience, and contributions to scalable open-source systems.
6. Salaries at Top Companies
Company
Mobile Developer Salary
Full-Stack Developer Salary
Google
$160,000–$190,000
$150,000–$180,000
Apple
$150,000–$180,000
$140,000–$175,000
Microsoft
$140,000–$170,000
$130,000–$165,000
Amazon
$140,000–$175,000
$135,000–$165,000
Meta
$150,000–$200,000
$145,000–$185,000
7. Comparison Summary Table
Aspect
Mobile Developer
Full-Stack Developer
Salary Range
$70,000–$180,000+
$65,000–$170,000+
Key Skills
Swift, Kotlin, Flutter, React Native.
JavaScript, Node.js, Django, AWS.
Preferred Background
Mobile app-focused roles or projects.
Web development and cloud platforms.
Sector Demand
Fintech, e-commerce, gaming.
SaaS platforms, scalable web systems.
Job Growth
Steady with mobile app proliferation.
High with growing web-based services.
Both mobile developers and full-stack developers offer rewarding careers with competitive salaries and strong job growth. Mobile developers are ideal for those interested in app ecosystems, while full-stack developers are best for those who enjoy working on complete web solutions. Understanding your skills and long-term goals can help you make the best decision.
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