iOS Developer Salary: Your 2024 Guide

iOS developers build software applications for devices that use Apple's operating system, iOS. This includes iPhones or iPads and excludes Mac computers, which instead run on MacOS. In the following article, you can learn more about the average salary for an iOS developer in the US and how your experience level, location, and skill set can influence your earning potential.

Read more: Mobile App Development: Quick Start Guide

iOS developer salary

According to Glassdoor, the average iOS developer salary in the US was $132,000 as of November 2024 [1]. This figure includes both base salary and additional pay, which can represent profit-sharing, bonuses, or commissions.

Read more: What is an iOS App Developer? A 2025 Guide

Android developer vs. iOS developer salary

Glassdoor reports the average salary for Android developers to be $111,000 per year, including additional pay such as profit-sharing or commissions. This figure is $21,000 less than the average iOS developer's yearly wage. However, remember that factors like skill set, experience, and demand can influence these numbers.

Read more: What is an Android App Developer? Your 2025 Guide

Experience level

Your earning potential tends to increase the more experience you have. Here are the approximate yearly salaries you can expect at each stage of your iOS developer career:

• Entry level iOS developer salary (0-1 year): $97,000

• Junior iOS developer salary (1-3 years): $112,000

• Mid-level iOS developer salary (4-6 years): $129,000

• Senior iOS developer salary (7-9 years): $141,000

Read more: Software Engineer Career Path 2025: Overview, Jobs, and Pay

In-demand iOS development skills

Forty-eight percent of iOS developers major in computer science, 12 percent in computer engineering, 11 percent in electrical engineering, and 7 percent in information technology [2]. The following list outlines frequently requested skills for iOS software developers and the average salaries associated with them [3]:

• Objective-C: $104,332

• Apple Xcode integrated development environment (IDE): $92,839

• Swift programming language: $100,865

• Mobile application development: $97,478

Read more: What Programming Language Should I Learn?

Full stack iOS developer salary

The type of software development you specialize in can also influence your salary. According to ZipRecruiter, the average full stack iOS developer salary as of November 2024 is $123,262 per year [4].

Read more: What is a Full-Stack Developer?

Certifications

Becoming well-versed in Apple's ecosystem can potentially contribute to higher earnings and better career opportunities. Consider Swift certifications offered by Apple to validate your proficiency in using Swift and Xcode for iOS app development. There are two levels available depending on your level of education:

• App Development with Swift Associateis catered to high school or higher education students who have completed the App Development with Swift Associate exam. This certification showcases your knowledge of how computing impacts apps on society. 

• App Development with Swift Certified User is designed for higher education students who have completed the Swift Certified User exam and are looking to demonstrate their

  iOS development skills. 

These certifications complement the free Develop in Swift Fundamentals course on the Apple Book Store. Obtaining these certifications can help you showcase your expertise in Apple's recommended tools and practices.

Industry

The industry you decide to work in may also have an impact on your annual earnings. The top five highest-paying industries for an iOS developer in the US are as follows, according to Glassdoor [1]:

• Media & Communication: $160,000

• Financial services: $155,000

• Insurance: $154,000

• Arts, entertainment, & recreation: $152,000

• Pharmaceutical & biotechnology: $151,000

Location

Pay can vary significantly depending on your location. Select cities may offer wages that are higher than the national average. If you’re willing to relocate, gaining an insight into location-based salaries can help you make an informed decision. 

Keep in mind, if you live in a location with a high cost of living, you’ll require a higher salary than you would in a location with a lower cost of living to afford the same lifestyle.

High-paying cities for iOS developers 

Here are some high-paying states, according to data collected by Indeed [5]:

• San Francisco: $148,932

• Princeton, NJ: $148,826

• Sunnyvale, CA: $144,246

• San Jose, CA: $141,038

• Los Angeles, CA: $125,065

• Austin, TX: $123,854

Related job titles

As an iOS developer, you can branch off into specific areas of development or advance into more leadership-oriented developer jobs. Should you wish to embark on this career path, here are some related job titles that may interest you, alongside salary info:

• Game developer: $105,000 per year

• Blockchain developer: $145,000 per year

• Game designer: $109,000 per year

• Product manager: $197,000 per year

Job outlook 

Over 2 million iOS apps are available in the Apple Store for over 1.5 billion Apple devices worldwide, signaling a demand for iOS developers to create, maintain, and improve iOS apps. Some of the most popular app categories include games, business, education, utilities, lifestyle, food and drink, and shopping. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 17 percent increase in demand for software developers, which includes iOS developers, between 2023 and 2033 [6]. This estimate equates to 327,900 new work opportunities within that time frame.

Prepare for a role in iOS development with Coursera

If you’re ready to start your iOS app development career, consider enrolling in the Foundations of Objective-C App Development course offered by the University of California, Irvine, on Coursera. Topics that are covered include functions, objects, and system libraries. 

Or, enhance your resume by obtaining a Meta iOS Developer Professional Certificate. This program is led by industry leaders who help learners gain job-ready skills. Upon completion, gain exclusive access to career resources like resume review, interview prep, and career support.