What Is an Android Developer? How to Become One, Salary, Skills.

An android developer builds software applications for Android devices. They often work with Android Studio, the official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for the Android operating system, and use programming languages like Java and Kotlin. Here’s what to know about a Android developer’s needed skills, salary and how to become one.

What Is an Android Developer?

An android developer is a type of software developer who focuses on designing, building and maintaining Android applications. Their ultimate goal is to ensure applications operate correctly and fulfill Android users’ needs.

What Do Android Developers Do?

Android developers are responsible for various duties across the app development process with the goal of ensuring a seamless Android user experience.

Android Developer Responsibilities

• Design and develop Android applications.
• Test applications and troubleshoot issues.
• Stay current on Android operating system updates.
• Perform maintenance on apps as needed.
• Collaborate with other relevant teams.
• Implement and adhere to appropriate security measures.

Android Developers Within a Company

Android developers often work alongside engineering, product and UX teams. They may report to a project manager, senior software engineer, engineering manager or director of engineering.

Importance of Android Developers

Android developers bring specialized experience and education to the software development process. They have skills and expertise specific to working within the Android environment.

What Skills Are Needed to Be an Android Developer?

Qualifications to Be an Android Developer

• Knowledge of relevant programming languages.
• Development knowledge and experience specific to the Android operating system.
• Ability to collaborate within a team-oriented environment.
• Experience testing applications and troubleshooting issues.
• Familiarity with foundational UX and UI principles.
• Understanding of how to work with necessary development tools and software.

Android Developer Prerequisites

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as computer science.
• Bootcamps can help aspiring Android developers sharpen their knowledge of coding languages and gain useful mobile app development experience. 

Android Developer Hard Skills

• Working with relevant coding languages, such as tk tk.
• Experience using app development tools.
• Experience testing applications.
• Proven ability to debug coding errors.
• Familiarity with conducting research.

Android Developer Soft Skills

• Balancing multiple tasks.
• Thinking analytically.
• Communicating and collaborating with team members.

Tools and Programs Android Developers Use

• Android Studio
• Android Debug Bridge
• LeakCanary
• Jira
• GitHub
• Unity 3D
• IntelliJ IDEA
• Slack

How to Become an Android Developer

Android Developer Education and Experience

An Android developer usually needs at least a bachelor’s degree in a field such as computer science or computer engineering. They’re also required to have anywhere from five to 10 years of professional experience depending on the job they’re applying for. That experience typically has to include time working in mobile app development, especially for the Android operating system.

Android Developer Certificates and Courses

• Android Basics in Kotlin
• Modern Android App Architecture
• Beginners Guide to Android App Development
• Android App Development Masterclass Using Kotlin
• Mobile Penetration Testing of Android Applications
• Coursera Android App Development Specialization
• Udacity Kotlin Android Developer Nanodegree

Android Developer Career Path

An Android developer commonly gets their start in an entry-level engineering or developer position, such as junior software engineer. Before becoming an Android developer, professionals will likely need to build a portfolio either by working on smaller Android applications or passion projects to demonstrate their skills and abilities. 

Android Developer Salary and Job Outlook

From 2021 through 2031, employment among software developers is anticipated to grow by 26 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The full compensation package for an Android developer depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s experience and geographic location. See below for detailed information on the average Android developer salary.