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App developer

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

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become App developer

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

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

The following apprenticeships may be relevant:

  • software developer higher apprenticeship
  • creative digital design professional degree apprenticeship

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Other Routes

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

These are often open to graduates with any degree, not just degrees in IT. You start as a junior developer and get training on the job.

More Information

Career tips

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

You'll also find it useful to understand agile project management.

Professional and industry bodies

You can find professional development and training opportunities from 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:

  • maths knowledge
  • the ability to write computer programs
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • knowledge of systems analysis and development
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • persistence and determination
  • 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

You may:

  • develop new apps or create 'mobile-friendly' versions of websites
  • work with other developers, designers and copywriters
  • design prototypes to suit client needs
  • write or amend computer code
  • test software, find faults and fix problems
  • write accurate notes about the development process
  • keep up to date with new technology trends and 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:

You could:

  • move into system analysis
  • get promoted to a senior app developer or project manager
  • become self-employed to do contract work

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Cloud Engineer

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: HERE & NOW, THAMES VALLEY PARK, READING

Apprentice Support Developer

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: HERE & NOW, THAMES VALLEY PARK, READING

Courses In England

Level 2 Award in Mobile App Development

  • Provider: WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL
  • Start date: 03 March 2025
  • Location: London

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: App Design

  • Provider: HARLOW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Harlow

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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