The demand for mobile applications is rapidly growing due to smartphone proliferation, specifically Apple products powered by iOS. This operating system is frequently used by IT companies, accounted for 63% of the total app revenue in 2021, and is projected to sustain this pace.
In case you’d also like to benefit from high-performing iOS apps, you might consider hiring competent developers who will be responsible for the creation, maintenance, and updating of your iOS application. And to help you choose the best destination for hiring these iOS specialists, my team and I prepared some deep research into their technical skills and average salaries worldwide.
iOS Developer Salary Market Trends
According to EvansData, there were 23,9 million software engineers in 2019 with almost half of them being mobile app developers: 5,9 million Android and 2,8 million iOS ones. Experts in the field claim that the number of Swift app developers will continue to grow, as the demand for iOS-based apps is not going to decline. The figures from the year 2021 are vivid evidence of that. iOS app and game revenues increased by 17.7% to $85.1 billion, while the App Store became the second-largest application store platform in the world with roughly 2.22 million available apps for iOS.
The popularity of iOS apps has increased the demand for Swift developers worldwide. In the USA alone, there are over 102,500 open vacancies on ZipRecruiter, 9,000 on Indeed, and around 4,200 on Glassdoor.
Expertise and Education of iOS Developers Worldwide
Nowadays, iOS developers can choose between two programming languages: Swift and Objective-C. The latter has been used for over 30 years and is considered mature, stable and reliable. For its part, Swift was introduced in 2014 and is a modern, rapidly evolving language with a rich ecosystem of tools. Look at the table below to see their differences.
The statistics prove that Swift is slowly becoming more preferred among IT professionals. The 2018 Developer Survey showed that Swift was selected by 8,1% of developers, while Objective-C was just slightly behind, reaching 7%. In the 2021 Developer Survey though, the difference between the two is more vivid: Swift – 5,1%, Objective-C – 2,8%.
Even though there is low-key competition between the two Apple-powered languages, it’s crucial for a competent iOS developer to be knowledgeable in both of them. Moreover, a well-versed iOS programmer should have a BS/MS degree in computer science or information technology and a high level of English proficiency (B2-C1). They also need to be aware of all Apple device specifications, keep track of system updates, and possess expertise in the iOS mobile landscape, design, architectural systems, and programs, etc. See the complete list of iOS developer qualifications below.
Primary Factors That Influence the Average iOS Developer Salary
Desired Skills & Knowledge
The competence of an iOS programmer can differ, depending on the level of expertise. Most tech companies expect a junior iOS developer to write quality code and have the ability to learn. Middle and senior iOS positions require solid understanding of the full app development life cycle, advanced programming skills, and knowledge of UX/UI standards. Team lead, architect, and principal engineers should also have team & project management skills.
Experience Level
According to job descriptions on Glassdoor and Indeed, the more relevant experience an iOS programmer has, the more chances they will get a higher salary. For instance, most entrepreneurs in the tech industry require at least 2 years of iOS app development experience and a proven track record of published iOS apps in the App Store from these programmers.
Company Size & Type
Another factor that determines the iOS developer salary is the company they work for. It goes without saying that big tech companies offer higher compensation and more opportunities for professional growth.
Location
The location is another vital aspect that influences the iOS developer income. Countries with a more advanced IT sector, stable economy, and huge investments tend to offer higher median salaries, like in the USA, Australia or Canada. Keep reading this article to find out about the average iOS developer rates in various countries.
iOS Developer Salary: Key Takeaways
If you are curious about the scale of average iOS developer salary rates by area, check out the data collected by my team from reliable local resources. All currencies were converted to US dollars at a relevant exchange rate for July 2022.
| Gross annual income, USD | North America | South America |
| Junior iOS / Swift Developer | $61,000 | $14,000 |
| iOS / Swift Developer | $80,000 | $20,500 |
| Senior iOS / Swift Developer | $94,000 | $27,500 |
| Team Lead iOS / Swift Engineer | $107,000 | $37,000 |
| Gross annual income, USD | Western & Nordic Europe |
Eastern Europe |
| Junior iOS / Swift Developer | $45,500 | $20,000 |
| iOS / Swift Developer | $64,500 | $40,500 |
| Senior iOS / Swift Developer | $82,000 | $51,000 |
| Team Lead iOS / Swift Engineer | $96,500 | $59,000 |
| Gross annual income, USD | Eastern & Southern Asia |
Middle East | Africa |
| Junior iOS / Swift Developer | $40,000 | $35,500 | $20,000 |
| iOS / Swift Developer | $54,000 | $49,000 | $27,500 |
| Senior iOS / Swift Developer | $68,500 | $62,000 | $35,500 |
| Team Lead iOS / Swift Engineer | $82,000 | $75,000 | $43,000 |
Average iOS Developer Salary in North America
USA
The US market is recorded as an absolute leader in terms of the highest iOS developer salary rates in the world. The average compensation threshold of this specialist spans between $93K and $163K, with California and New York providing real success salaries for Swift engineers.
| Gross annual income, USD | United States | |||
| California | Texas | Florida | New York | |
| Junior iOS / Swift Developer | $114,000 | $98,500 | $93,000 | $112,000 |
| iOS / Swift Developer | $136,000 | $120,000 | $116,500 | $133,500 |
| Senior iOS / Swift Developer | $150,000 | $139,000 | $134,000 | $148,000 |
| Team Lead iOS / Swift Engineer | $163,000 | $152,000 | $145,500 | $160,000 |
Canada
The median iOS developer income in Canada is approximately $20,000 lower than in the USA and ranges from $78K to $130K.
Mexico
Mexican iOS specialists receive around 4-5 times less than in the US and Canada: $14K – $41K.
Average iOS App Developer Salary in South America
| Gross annual income, USD | North America | South America | |||
| USA | Canada | Mexico | Brazil | Argentina | |
| Junior iOS / Swift Developer | $92,000 | $78,000 | $14,500 | $16,500 | $12,000 |
| iOS / Swift Developer | $120,000 | $97,000 | $22,000 | $25,000 | $16,500 |
| Senior iOS / Swift Developer | $136,000 | $115,000 | $30,000 | $33,500 | $22,000 |
| Team Lead iOS / Swift Engineer | $150,000 | $130,000 | $41,500 | $44,000 | $30,000 |
Brazil
The average junior iOS developer salary in Brazil reaches $16,500, which is about 5 times lower than in Canada.
Argentina
The average annual Swift developer salary in Argentina is the smallest compared to the above-mentioned countries, ranging from $12K to $30K.
iOS Developer Income in Western & Nordic Europe
United Kingdom
| Gross annual income, USD | United Kingdom | |||
| England | Scotland | Wales | North Ireland | |
| Junior iOS / Swift Developer | $55,000 | $51,000 | $49,000 | $44,000 |
| iOS / Swift Developer | $74,000 | $70,000 | $68,000 | $62,000 |
| Senior iOS / Swift Developer | $91,000 | $87,000 | $85,000 | $79,000 |
| Team Lead iOS / Swift Engineer | $106,000 | $102,500 | $100,000 | $96,500 |
The UK provides decent annual iOS app developer salary rates: $44K – $106K, with England having the highest compensations for these professionals.
| Gross annual income, USD | Germany | France | Italy | Spain | Norway | Netherlands | Sweden | Austria | Belgium |
| Junior iOS / Swift Developer | $51,500 | $42,500 | $38,500 | $30,000 | $58,000 | $50,000 | $40,000 | $49,000 | $51,000 |
| iOS / Swift Developer | $72,000 | $60,000 | $56,000 | $44,000 | $80,000 | $70,000 | $58,000 | $68,000 | $71,000 |
| Senior iOS / Swift Developer | $91,000 | $77,500 | $71,000 | $57,500 | $100,000 | $88,500 | $74,500 | $85,500 | $90,000 |
| Team Lead iOS / Swift Engineer | $108,500 | $92,500 | $83,500 | $70,000 | $117,500 | $104,000 | $87,500 | $100,000 | $105,000 |
Germany
The German market offers competitive wages for iOS specialists: $51K – $108K, which makes them second-highest in the region.
France
In France, the iOS developer salary range spans between $42K and $92K.
Italy
The reward of Italian Swift developers on average ranges from $38K to $83K on average.
Spain
The iOS mobile developer salary in Spain is one of the smallest in the region: $30K – $70K.
Norway
In Norway, the lead iOS developer salary reaches $117,500 — the highest rate in Western & Nordic Europe.
Netherlands
The entry-level Swift developer salary in the Netherlands is $50,000, which is only $1,500 lower than in Germany.
Sweden
Sweden has quite similar iOS/Swift developer salary rates to the ones offered in France: $40K – $87K.
Austria
Austrian iOS specialists get paid almost the same as their colleagues in the Netherlands: $49K – $100K.
Belgium
Belgium iOS app developers of different expertise levels receive from $51K to $105K.
iOS Developer Salary Range in Eastern Europe
| Gross annual income, USD | Ukraine | Poland | Romania | Hungary | Czech Republic |
| Junior iOS / Swift Developer | $22,000 | $21,000 | $16,000 | $20,000 | $21,000 |
| iOS / Swift Developer | $46,000 | $45,000 | $25,500 | $43,500 | $44,500 |
| Senior iOS / Swift Developer | $57,000 | $55,500 | $36,500 | $53,000 | $54,000 |
| Team Lead iOS / Swift Engineer | $65,000 | $64,000 | $44,000 | $61,000 | $62,500 |
Ukraine
The Ukrainian iOS developer salary ranges from $22K to $65K, which is one of the highest rates in the region.
Poland
Polish Swift professionals make almost the same amount as their Ukrainian colleagues: $21K to $64K.
Romania
The price tag for Romanian iOS mobile developers is significantly lower than in the above-mentioned countries, ranging from $16K to $44K.
Hungary
The iOS mobile developer salary in Hungary spans on average from $20K to $61K.
Czech Republic
The average salary of an app developer (Swift) in the Czech Republic is quite similar to the one in Poland: $21K – $62K.
iOS Developer Salary in Eastern & South Asia
| Gross annual income, USD | China | Japan | South Korea | Singapore | India |
| Junior iOS / Swift Developer | $36,500 | $52,000 | $35,000 | $57,500 | $13,500 |
| iOS / Swift Developer | $51,000 | $73,000 | $48,500 | $78,000 | $20,000 |
| Senior iOS / Swift Developer | $63,500 | $90,000 | $61,000 | $98,500 | $25,500 |
| Team Lead iOS / Swift Engineer | $77,000 | $108,000 | $74,500 | $118,500 | $31,000 |
China
iOS professionals in China receive quite satisfactory compensations, which range from $36K to $77K per year on average.
Japan
The average Swift developer salary in Japan is quite decent, spanning between $52K and $108K.
South Korea
iOS specialists from South Korea make from $35K to $74K per year.
Singapore
Singapore offers the most appealing remunerations for iOS mobile developers in Eastern & South Asia: $57K – $118K.
India
In India, a senior iOS developer salary constitutes only $25,500, which is about 3 times lower than in other parts of the region.
iOS Developer Salary in Israel
| Gross annual income, USD | Israel | |||
| Jerusalem | Tel Aviv | Haifa | Karmiel | |
| Junior iOS / Swift Developer | $50,000 | $51,000 | $49,500 | $49,000 |
| iOS / Swift Developer | $70,500 | $71,500 | $69,500 | $68,500 |
| Senior iOS / Swift Developer | $87,000 | $89,000 | $85,750 | $85,000 |
| Team Lead iOS / Swift Engineer | $104,500 | $107,000 | $103,500 | $102,000 |
iOS Developer Salary Range in Australia
| Gross annual income, USD | Australia | |||
| Sydney | Melbourne | Perth | Adelaide | |
| Junior iOS / Swift Developer | $106,000 | $102,000 | $91,500 | $87,000 |
| iOS / Swift Developer | $130,000 | $125,000 | $115,000 | $110,000 |
| Senior iOS / Swift Developer | $144,000 | $138,500 | $129,000 | $123,500 |
| Team Lead iOS / Swift Engineer | $158,500 | $154,000 | $143,500 | $137,000 |
Average iOS Developer Salary vs Android Developer Salary
Choosing between iOS and Android has been a principal dilemma among IT enterprises, as both operating systems have pros & cons. iOS apps generally require less development time, while Android apps are easier to publish on Google Play. Apart from solely technical aspects, entrepreneurs also pay attention to compensation rates. According to the data from the local job search websites, the difference between the average iOS and Android developer salaries is usually $2,000 – $4,000.
Consider a Turnkey Alcor BPO Solution to Find the Best iOS Developers for Your Tech Team
The best way to take your iOS app development to the next level is by getting a remote team of Swift engineers abroad. If you’d like to enjoy the price-to-quality ratio, consider Eastern Europe. This region provides quality app development services, has a huge talent pool (around 1 million engineers), IT specialists with a high English proficiency level and a western-oriented mentality.
Once you select your ideal destination, it’s time to decide on a hiring method. There are basically 3 of them: working with a freelance specialist, outsourcing your app development to third-party vendors, or collaborating with a professional recruitment services provider. Unlike the first two options, the third one is considered the most cost-effective and reliable, as you will get your own team of dedicated iOS engineers and retain full control over the software development process, spending, and IP.
If you want to receive all these benefits, you may consider partnering with Alcor. We are an international IT recruitment company that helps foreign tech businesses hire software developers in Poland, Romania, Hungary, and other Eastern European countries. We have been building research and development teams for over 10 years, and such well-known companies as Grammarly, Sift, People.ai, Samsung, ThredUP, and Tonic Health have already benefited from our solutions.
In terms of IT recruitment services, our team of 40 IT researchers and recruiters provides all-around assistance to clients, starting from creating an ideal candidate profile, pre-screening eligible candidates, then conducting job interviews, and working with offers / counter-offers.
For example, Ledger, a French tech product company that develops hardware wallets for managing cryptocurrencies, was able to benefit from our quality recruitment. We hired 10+ QA engineers for them in a short period, as well as took over legal compliance support and covered payroll & accounting operations. And if you plan to scale up dramatically, you may also enjoy our all-in-one place BPO services in your own software research and development center in Eastern Europe.
FAQ
1. Which countries offer the highest iOS developer salary?
Such countries as the USA, Australia, Canada, Norway, and Germany provide iOS specialists with the most generous annual remunerations.
2. Which countries provide the lowest iOS mobile developer salary?
Among countries with small annual iOS developer rates are Romania, Brazil, Mexico, India, and Argentina. The average senior Swift developer salaries in these locations are 5-6 times lower than in the US.
3. Do iOS developers earn more than Android engineers?
The average annual iOS developer salary is approximately $2,000 – $4,000 higher than the compensation of Android software engineers.
4. Which region has the perfect price-to-quality ratio when it comes to hiring iOS development engineers?
Eastern Europe is the perfect destination for recruiting iOS programmers, as it offers attractive iOS developer salaries — from $20K to $59K per year — and has a huge pool of competent engineers who are proficient in English and share western mentality.