Top Android Programmers Earn More Than iOS Counterparts

Senior Android application developers tend to earn more money than similarly experienced iOS developers, according to data from a worldwide recruiting and staffing firm.

CyberCoders, a worldwide recruiting firm that uses analytics technology and tech savvy recruiters to match potential employees with hiring companies announced new data comparing salary and hiring trends for iOS and Android developers. The data, compiled of information from 2011 to 2013, showed that senior Android developers receive an average of $10,000 (£6,400) more per year in salary, compared to their iOS counterparts.

Hiring increase

However, developers who specialise in Apple’s mobile operating system saw close to a 20 percent increase in hiring over Android developers, proving senior Android specialists may make more, but the demand for those who work on iOS continues to climb.

“CyberCoders is on the front lines of hiring for mobile platforms, and this information is essential for both hiring managers and candidates alike,” said Heidi Golledge, chief executive and co-founder of CyberCoders, in a statement. “It is a very interesting and dynamic hiring climate for mobile developers. Although Android’s latest numbers put them at about a 53 percent market share, we have seen a great increase in hiring for iOS developers.”

Matt Miller, chief technology officer at CyberCoders said at the junior level, iOS and Android developers make relatively the same amount per year.

“Our data shows mobile developers on either platform average about $107,000 a year, but when we compare senior developers, Android developers are earning stronger salaries at an average of $10,000 more than their iOS counterparts.”

Language popularity

According to the CyberCoders data, senior or lead Android developers earn an average of $131,571 a year, while senior or lead iOS developers earn an average of $121,117. Meanwhile, Android developers with moderate experience earn an average of $107,185 and similarly experienced iOS developers earn an average of $107,081 a year, the CyberCoders data showed.

The TIOBE Index for October 2013 shows that Java, upon which Android is based, is the second most popular programming language in the world. The same TIOBE Index lists Objective-C, the language for developing iOS applications, as the third most popular programming language. The TIOBE Index lists C as the most popular language currently in use.

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Originally published on eWeek.