How to Become an Augmented Reality Developer

Key takeaways

Build a path to a career as an augmented reality developer with a foundation in computer science, specialized AR skills, and relevant certifications.

• To gain the computer science foundation, which includes knowledge of programming, software engineering processes, data structures, and version control, necessary for a career as an augmented reality software developer, consider a degree in computer science or a related field.

• Gain augmented reality skills, which you can develop by contributing to open-source projects and participating in hackathons, in a portfolio featuring AR projects you’ve worked on.

• You can smooth the path to becoming an augmented reality developer by building skills in software development, augmented reality, communication, collaboration, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.  

Learn more about augmented reality developers and how to become one, including the education, certification, and skills you’ll need to be successful. Explore the average salary and job outlook in the industry as well. Then, if you’re ready to learn the underlying concepts, enabling technologies, and key applications for AR and related technologies, consider enrolling in the Extended Reality for Everybody Specialization. In as little as two months, you’ll have the opportunity to build skills in storyboarding, user experience, prototyping, and more. 

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality is a technology where digital information is overlaid against real-world objects, allowing users to engage with digital content while still feeling rooted in reality. This is in contrast to virtual reality, where users fully immerse their senses as they leave the real world and enter a fully digital space. On the other hand, augmented reality allows you to access digital information in your physical reality. This can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, performing your work more effectively, or deciding whether a new piece of furniture fits the color scheme of your living room.

What is an augmented reality developer?

Using technology, including 3D modeling, computer vision, and computer programming, an augmented reality developer designs, develops, and implements AR experiences that enhance real-world environments. Augmented reality developers are also tasked with optimizing AR applications for performance, usability, and cross-platform compatibility. The interactive digital overlays they create have applications in industries such as gaming, education, retail, and more. 

What does an augmented reality developer do?

As an augmented reality developer, you will be a software developer specializing in immersive AR experiences. In this role, you will use development frameworks and hardware like head-mounted displays or devices that provide haptic feedback to create a 3D experience that overlays digital information onto what the user can see in the real world. The AR content responds in real time as users move around or otherwise interact with real and digital objects. 

In this role, you may also work with virtual reality, which is fully immersive digital content in which the user feels transported outside the real world. Additionally, you may work in mixed reality, a combination of digital and physical elements. 

Tasks and responsibilities

Some common tasks you may be responsible for as an augmented reality developer include:

• Plan and design AR programs, including the tools you’ll use to create the program

• Model how components of an AR program will come together in a cohesive experience

• Work with programmers and other team members to create and build AR applications

• Perform testing and quality assurance 

• Conduct ongoing maintenance of AR applications

AR developer job outlook and salary

According to Glassdoor, the total median salary of an augmented reality developer in the United States is $147,000 [1]. This total salary figure includes additional pay, such as bonuses and commissions, ranging from $18,000 to $33,000 [1]. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that software developer jobs will grow 16 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the 3 percent average growth rate for all occupations [2]. Augmented reality, along with artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, automation, and cybersecurity, will propel this growth.

Read more: 5 Augmented Reality Careers

How to become an augmented reality developer

To become an AR developer, you will want to start by earning your bachelor’s degree in computer science, then specialize in augmented reality and take additional courses or complete certification as needed to learn relevant skills. Next, you can build your portfolio with hands-on projects to help you demonstrate your competencies to potential employers. 

Step 1: Gain a strong foundation in computer science.

To start an augmented reality developer career, you will want to consider a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Although you can explore nontraditional paths to becoming a software developer, a bachelor’s degree is one way to help you learn many of the skills you’ll need to be successful in the field. This degree can also offer you a well-rounded education to apply to other aspects of computer science.

Step 2: Specialize in AR development and build a portfolio.

Your next step is to specialize in AR development by building skills in augmented reality and demonstrating your competencies through portfolio projects or other development experience. Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science can help you learn foundational skills to apply to many different careers. To find a job as an augmented reality developer, you may find it helpful to express your unique career goals through your portfolio and certifications, such as by demonstrating your 3D modeling, spatial computing, and advanced coding skills. 

One way for you to specialize in AR is to feature AR projects in your portfolio. A portfolio is a great way to demonstrate to potential employers your capabilities and competencies. By focusing on augmented reality projects, you can designate yourself as a software developer specializing in AR technology. You can also contribute to open-source projects and participate in hackathons to gain experience that you can note on your resume. 

Step 3: Consider certification.

Certification, especially if you elect to take a nontraditional education path, can help you demonstrate your competence in the skills required to succeed as an augmented reality developer. Certification can also help you fill in gaps and strengthen your knowledge base in your chosen specialization. Two certifications to choose from include:

• Certified AR Developer from the Blockchain Council

• Certified Mixed Reality Expert from the Global Tech Council

You could also consider online courses to learn new skills and set yourself apart from other applicants. For example, you might enroll in the Google AR & VR on Coursera to gain skills using tools like Unity and Google Poly.

Required skills for an augmented reality developer

To become an augmented reality developer, you will want a mix of software development, augmented reality, and workplace skills. Explore topics in each of these categories to help direct your education. 

Software development skills:

• Programming languages: Consider learning JavaScript, Linux, Perl, Java, Ruby, PHP, C, or C++.

• The software engineering process: Become familiar with the steps involved in planning and creating a software program.

• Data structures and algorithms: Understand how to store and manipulate data with data structures and algorithms.

• Git, source code, and version control: Get experience working with version control systems and branching code from source code.

AR/VR skills:

• 3D modeling: Understand the concept of creating 3D models.

• Spatial computing: Develop skills in spatial computing or computing that involves three-dimensional space.

• Animation and design tools: Understand how to use tools like Blender and 3ds Max.

• AR devices: Learn how AR devices like head-mounted displays or handheld controllers work with AR programs.

• ARKit: Get experience using frameworks like ARKit for Apple projects and ARCore for Android projects.

Workplace skills:

• Communication and collaboration: You will often work with other professionals, so you will want to develop strong communication and collaboration skills to work well in a team.

• Analytical thinking: You will need analytical thinking to ensure that pieces of your project fit together as they should and to manage challenges as they occur.

• Problem-solving: You will want problem-solving skills both to develop software solutions to problems and to manage challenges that arise within the development process. 

Augmented reality developer career path

You may start your career as an AR developer or gain experience in a junior position, such as working as a programmer on a larger team of AR development professionals. As AR has use cases in many industries, you may be able to position yourself as a specialist adapting the technology in your field, such as health care or education. You may also advance in your career by taking on a leadership position such as team lead or augmented reality project manager. 

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• Prepare for interviewing: Software Engineer Interview Preparation Guide

• Develop a learning plan: C++ Learning Roadmap: Courses, Projects, and Skills

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