Kotlin vs Swift: Hiring Insights for Recruiters

Kotlin and Swift are both modern programming languages designed to streamline mobile application development, yet they cater to different platforms—Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS. While both are open-source and focus on improving coding efficiency, their ecosystems and developer communities differ significantly.

Kotlin developers often have experience working within the Java ecosystem due to Kotlin’s interoperability with Java. This can mean a broader skill set that includes backend development capabilities. Conversely, Swift developers are generally more specialized, focusing intensely on the Apple ecosystem, which includes iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.

In terms of language features, Kotlin’s concise syntax and full interoperability with Java make it a preferred choice for Android app development, particularly among teams migrating from Java. Swift, on the other hand, is known for its safety features and performance, appealing to developers who prioritize security and efficiency in iOS app development.

The choice between hiring Kotlin or Swift developers largely depends on your project’s platform and technological goals. If your primary focus is on Android applications, Kotlin is the clear choice. It’s not only Google's preferred language for Android but also offers seamless integration with existing Java code, making it ideal for projects that need to bridge older systems with new developments.

For projects targeting the Apple ecosystem, Swift is essential. It’s optimized for all Apple devices and has become the standard for iOS development. Swift’s strong emphasis on performance and safety features makes it particularly suitable for applications where these aspects are critical.

Additionally, consider the future scalability of your app. If there's a plan to expand across both platforms, hiring developers with cross-platform skills or those familiar with frameworks like Flutter or React Native might be advantageous.

Salary expectations for Kotlin and Swift developers can vary based on location, experience, and market demand. Generally, Kotlin developers might command slightly lower salaries compared to Swift developers because of the broader availability of Android developers.

In the US, Kotlin developers typically earn between $90,000 to $130,000 annually, while Swift developers can expect salaries ranging from $100,000 to $150,000. In the UK, the figures are somewhat lower, with Kotlin developers earning between £45,000 to £70,000, and Swift developers slightly higher, from £50,000 to £80,000.

Market availability also varies. There is a larger pool of Android developers compared to iOS developers, which might influence hiring timelines. Companies may find it easier to fill Kotlin roles due to the higher number of available candidates.

Kotlin’s interoperability with Java provides a significant advantage in technical depth, allowing developers to leverage a vast array of Java libraries and frameworks. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for integrating new applications with legacy systems. Kotlin’s null safety, type inference, and extension functions also contribute to a robust development process.

Swift, by contrast, is designed to be safe and fast, with features like optionals and powerful error handling. Swift’s type safety and memory management capabilities ensure high performance, which is critical for resource-constrained mobile devices. Developers with a deep understanding of Swift can optimize applications for speed and efficiency, making it ideal for high-performance apps.

Both languages require developers to have a solid understanding of their respective platforms’ guidelines and best practices, which can affect the complexity and quality of the end product.

Career trajectories for Kotlin and Swift developers can vary significantly. Kotlin developers often start with Java or other JVM-based languages and transition into Kotlin as they advance, becoming Android specialists or full-stack developers. With Kotlin’s growing popularity, there’s potential for career growth into lead developer or architect roles, especially in Android-centric companies.

Swift developers typically begin their careers within the Apple ecosystem, progressing from junior to senior iOS developer roles. Due to the specialization required, they might move into roles such as iOS team lead or mobile project manager. The career path for Swift developers often involves deeper specialization in the Apple ecosystem, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality or machine learning within iOS.

Both paths offer opportunities for growth, but the choice between them should align with the company’s strategic goals and the developer’s career aspirations.

When evaluating CVs for Kotlin developers, look for experience with Kotlin-specific libraries such as Ktor or Coroutines. Familiarity with Android SDK, Java, and RESTful APIs is also crucial. Highlight any contributions to open-source projects or participation in Android developer communities as a positive indicator of engagement and expertise.

For Swift developers, prioritize candidates with experience in SwiftUI and UIKit, as well as a strong understanding of Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines. Contributions to open-source projects, attendance at WWDC, or involvement in iOS developer meetups can reflect a proactive approach to staying updated with the latest Swift developments.

In both cases, look for problem-solving skills, the ability to adapt to new technologies, and a portfolio showcasing completed projects or apps available in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.