Skip to main content
National Careers Service

beta How could we improve this service? Your feedback will help.

  1. Home
  2. Explore careers
  3. App developer

App developer

Alternative titles for this job include App designer, mobile app developer, application developer

App developers design and build mobile applications for smartphones, PCs and tablets.

Average salary (a year)

£31,000 Starter

to

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42

You could work

9am to 5pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • computer science
  • software engineering
  • computer applications development
  • mathematics
  • financial technology

Some employers may also look for a postgraduate qualification in computing or a related subject.

You could sign up to do a free UCAS Subject Spotlight to learn more about computer science and software development.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an app development company, such as:

  • Software Developer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Creative Digital Design Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Digital User Experience (UX) Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with study.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Other Routes

You may be able to apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with a company if you have a degree.

These are open to IT graduates and sometimes others with a non-computing degree. You would start as a junior developer and get training on the job in all aspects of the development process.

More Information

Career tips

You can build up your skills and knowledge, using online learning resources for programming languages and apps development.

A good understanding of mobile operating systems, such as Android and iOS, will be helpful.

You'll also find it useful to understand agile project management, as this is often used by companies working on IT development projects.

Professional and industry bodies

You can find professional development and training opportunities with The Chartered Institute for IT and the Institution of Analysts and Programmers.

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in computing from techskills.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to write computer programs
  • maths knowledge for understanding programming
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • design skills and knowledge
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an app developer, you could:

  • develop new apps or create 'mobile-friendly' versions of websites
  • work with other developers, UX designers and project managers
  • design prototypes and features based on client requirements
  • write or amend computer code
  • test prototypes, find faults and fix problems
  • keep accurate records of the development process
  • stay up to date with technology trends and app development tools

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

There are opportunities to work in most sectors and industries, such as business, finance, cyber security, telecommunications and healthcare.

With experience, you could:

  • be promoted to senior app developer or project delivery manager
  • move into other areas of IT, like systems analysis or AI engineering
  • become a self-employed developer and work on different contracts

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Digital Design Apprentice

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Colney Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire

Apprentice Software Developer

  • Wage: £14,722.50 a year Annually
  • Location: Castle Court, Castlegate Way, Dudley
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

IT L2 Creating Mobile Apps (Hybrid)

  • Provider: ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
  • Start date: 12 May 2026
  • Location: Colchester
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.