Role overview
An Android developer builds applications for Android phones and tablets using Kotlin or Java and the Android SDK. In India they typically design responsive layouts, integrate APIs and local storage, follow Material Design, optimise battery and memory usage, and publish apps to the Google Play Store — owning the experience for the country's vast Android user base.
A android developer usually has around 0–7 yrs of experience and earns typically ₹3.5L–₹20L/yr in India. The day-to-day blends Kotlin, Java, Android SDK and more — this page gives you a ready-to-use android developer job description template you can copy, plus the exact skills and salary employers expect.
Key responsibilities
A android developer is typically responsible for:
- Build and maintain Android apps in Kotlin (or Java) with the Android SDK
- Implement responsive UIs using Jetpack Compose or XML and Material Design
- Integrate REST APIs, local databases (Room) and offline caching
- Optimise app performance, memory, battery and start-up time
- Handle Android lifecycle, permissions and background work correctly
- Write unit and UI tests and fix crashes reported in production
- Publish and update releases on the Google Play Store
- Collaborate with designers and backend engineers on app features
Requirements & qualifications
To succeed as a android developer, candidates usually need:
- Proficiency in Kotlin (and/or Java) and the Android SDK
- Experience with Jetpack components, Compose or XML layouts
- Understanding of REST APIs, JSON and local persistence (Room/SQLite)
- Familiarity with the Android lifecycle, threading and Play Store releases
- Knowledge of Material Design and app performance optimisation
Android Developer skills
The most in-demand android developer skills on listings today:
Not sure which of these you're missing? A free OnJob profile runs your CV against every live android developer job and shows the exact skill gaps standing between you and a 100% match.
Typical salary & experience
Typical salary (India)
typically ₹3.5L–₹20L/yr
Experience range
0–7 yrs
These are typical ranges and vary by city, company and skills. For live, role-specific pay data, see the OnJob salary guide.
Android Developer job description — FAQs
What does an Android developer do?
An Android developer designs and builds mobile applications for Android devices using Kotlin or Java. The work includes building UIs, integrating APIs and storage, optimising performance, and publishing apps to the Google Play Store.
Should I learn Kotlin or Java for Android development?
Kotlin is now Google's preferred language for Android and is recommended for new development, with cleaner syntax and modern features. Java is still useful for maintaining older codebases, so knowing both is ideal but Kotlin should be your priority.
What is Jetpack Compose?
Jetpack Compose is Android's modern, declarative UI toolkit for building interfaces in Kotlin with less boilerplate than XML layouts. It's increasingly the standard for new Android apps and a sought-after skill in Indian job listings.
How much does an Android developer earn in India?
Freshers typically earn ₹3.5L–₹7L per year, mid-level Android developers ₹8L–₹15L, and senior Android engineers ₹16L+. Check our salary guide for live ranges.