Businesses in Washington DC issue a fast increasing economic demand for local app developers. People download mobile apps to alter visual images, get train schedules, track fitness progress, send emails, order pizza and about a million other desired digital activities.
Washington DC Schools and Training Programs for App Developers
Aspiring app developers often attain skills at local colleges. Computer schools in Washington DC include University of the District of Columbia, Southeastern University, Howard University and Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts.
Other DC app experts sharpen their skills or earn degrees online. Successful accredited online colleges of programming and digital design include Baker College, ECPI, Everest University, National American University and University of Phoenix, to name a few.
Working as a Mobile App Developer in Washington DC
Professional app developers in Washington DC often accept full time positions at local computer programming services like Computer Geeks, Conquest Systems, Newbrandanalytics, Hilmar Technology Solutions and Damathi Communication, for example. Some local app developers work for companies that manufacture prepackaged software. Leading examples include Comet Technologies, Sanametrix, T3 Information Systems, Mid Atlantic Computer Connection and Hagen Software. Other Washington DC commercial enterprises possibly in need of app developers include miscellaneous small businesses, web consultants, architects, feature film makers and research professionals, among others.
Employment reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that professional full time app developers employed in Washington DC report an average annual salary of about $96,330, with a reported mean hourly rate of around $46.30. Companies based in Washington DC support roughly 2,410 professional app developers.
Local freelance app developers sometimes earn extra cash by teaching, consulting and/or maintaining app-related websites. Freelancers independently developing their own mobile applications usually run a thorough cost analysis and write business plans in order to avoid losing money. Development costs can run anywhere from $5,000 to more than $200,000, and only a fraction of apps in the app store earn a profit. Key elements to success are quality, innovation, timing, marketing and distribution.
Skills of Mobile App Developers
Professional developers of mobile applications tend to be high-energy, self-motivated, supremely organized entrepreneurs with advanced communication skills and attention to detail. Technical qualifications of mobile app developers start with computer programming, graphic design, web page construction, interactive development and full familiarity with infrastructure, servers and web-based platforms. Equally crucial are post production skills such as online marketing, business presentations and sales technique.