Full-stack development is one of the most diverse jobs in the modern technological arena. Full-stack developers are expected to be good at both front-end and back-end development, which means they can handle the whole software development lifecycle, right from the user interface to the database. Being a demanding job role, you might expect a full stack developer salary to be quite high.
In this blog, we are going to talk about the major factors that affect the full stack developer salary and give you some tips on how you can maximize your earnings in the year 2024.
Average Full Stack Developer Salary in the US
Full-stack developer salary can vary quite a lot within the US market because they are more or less dependent on experience, location, and the skills the developers bring to the table. An average full-stack developer makes about $112,000 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.
According to Glassdoor, the typical salary for a full stack developer can vary anywhere from $92,000 to $165,000, depending on specific factors that we will discuss in the next sections.
Full Stack Developer Salary According to Experience Level
Like any other job role, the full stack developer salary also depends on the experience level. Here is a typical breakdown of salary according to experience level.
| Experience Level |
Average Annual Salary |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $77,000 – $143,000 |
| Mid-Level (3-6 years) | $82,000 – $153,000 |
| Senior-Level (6+ years) | $91,000 – $170,000 |
| Lead Full Stack Developer (10+ years) | $113,000 – $213,000 |
Please note that the given salaries are averages. You can earn a lot more at the mid-level and senior level. Salaries also depend on the company. For example, Meta offers up to $280,000 for a mid to senior-level full stack developer. The more experienced a developer, the larger the projects, teams, and complex systems they can deal with; hence increasing their value in the market.
Full Stack Developer Salary According to Location
The typical salary of a full stack developer may vary depending on the state and city. Cities like San Francisco have the highest salaries because it is a tech hub. Here are the average annual salaries for full stack developers in different states.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
| California | $170,000 |
| New York | $143,000 |
| Massachusetts | $139,000 |
| New Jersey | $125,000 |
| Texas | $124,000 |
| Washington | $116,000 |
5 Factors Affecting Full Stack Developer Salary
There are a lot of factors that can affect the salary of a full stack developer. Salary for full stack developers can range from as low as $70,000 to $250,000 or even higher in some specific cases. Here are the factors that affect full stack developer salary.
1. Experience Level
Experience is a major factor that determines the salary of a full stack developer. Less experienced junior developers, who have 1-3 years of experience make, on average, $102,000 annually, according to Glassdoor. For such an experience, the salary range is between $77,000 to $143,000.
A mid-level full stack developer with an experience of 3-6 years makes an average of $110,000 and up to $160,000, according to Glassdoor. At mid-level, it is important to choose the right company and upskill yourself to get the best salaries.
A senior full stack developer salary with an experience of more than 6 years typically ranges between $113,000 to $210,000. This experience allows developers to manage projects, organize teams, and make decisions on the most complicated parts of the development, which increases their demand.
2. Full Stack Developer Salary Can Vary With Location
Full stack developers are mostly employed in the tech sector due to which tech hubs tend to attract better talents. Full stack developers working in San Francisco and New York City tend to earn more money due to the cost of living and because these cities happen to be tech hubs where the full stack developers are more in demand.
For example, full stack developers based in San Francisco have a median salary of $138,000. However, in cities like Austin (Texas), you earn an average of around $127,000​. Full stack developers in smaller cities may learn less but they also have a lower cost of living. If you are considering relocating to other cities, you may want to consider the cost of living as well.
Having said that, remote jobs have leveled the playing field and you can get a good salary regardless of your location.
3. Skill Set and Specialization
A full stack developer salary can vary a lot with skills and specializations. Because full stack developer is a highly technical job role, having appropriate skills in backend and frontend is crucial.
Mastery of front-end and back-end technologies, such as JavaScript, React, Node.js, and Python, forms the basis of the skill set. Further specialization in popular full-stack frameworks, like MERN, opens the possibility to get higher salaries.
Additionally, developers with experience and knowledge in emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, blockchain, and cloud computing are in high demand. With these specialized skills as leverage, you can negotiate for salaries well above the industry average.
Full stack developers with experience and expertise in cloud architecture expertise, particularly in AWS or Azure can earn a lot more than the industry average. Combined with DevOps tools like Docker and Kubernetes, you can earn up to $350,000 in top companies like Meta and Google.
Also read: Must-Have Skills to Become a Full-Stack Developer
4. Company Size and Reputation
On average, most companies offer a very similar salary for full stack developers. However, aiming for larger companies or fast growing startups can fetch you a lot more than the industry average.
For instance, Meta offers $236,000 to $349,000 to mid-level full stack developers which is more than the industry average. Companies such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have been known to give out lucrative compensation packages with bonuses, and stock options among other perks.
On the other end of the scale, smaller startups could pay less, although they are great for freshers where you can build up your skills and experience, or for remote opportunities.
5. Industry
The industry of your company also factors in and determines the full stack developer salary. Full stack developers working in industries such as finance, IT, or e-commerce get higher salaries as compared to full stack developers who work in some manufacturing, government institutions, or educational institutions.
However, in this case, the difference in salaries won’t be too huge. The difference lies in the skills that you acquire working in different sectors. The skills you use in a company in the agriculture sector are a lot less demanding than in a tech startup. While it may not influence your salary directly, it can impact your experience and skill levels which in turn affect your future salary potential.
Tips to Increase Full Stack Developer Salary in 2024
Now that you understand what are the major factors that affect full stack developer salary, let’s look at some tips to increase the potential of your salary.
Specialize in High-Demand Technologies
You can demand better salaries by mastering in-demand technologies such as React, Python, and cloud platforms like AWS. Additionally, DevOps and containerization technologies like Docker or Kubernetes could substantially add to your value.
Certifications
Cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI are the most in-demand technologies of 2024. Getting certified in cutting-edge technologies will help you set apart from the crowd and you can justify a higher salary.
Pursue remote opportunities
Remember how location can affect full stack developer salary? You can get the salaries of San Francisco working from any location if you target companies that offer lucrative remote opportunities. Without having to relocate to another city, you can save a lot on relocation costs and avoid living in a city with a much higher cost of living.
Build a solid portfolio
With a diverse portfolio with multiple projects across industries, you can negotiate better when it comes to salaries. Emphasize projects in which you have performed a full-stack solution from scratch or managed a development team.
Network with professionals in the industry
Make use of platforms like LinkedIn and make connections with other professionals to understand the scope of the industry and jobs. Good networking may open up good opportunities that can potentially improve your career.
Unlock Your Potential and Get the Best Full Stack Developer Salary With the Help of Interview Kickstart!
Full stack developer salary in the US can depend on various factors like location, experience, skill set, etc. By investing in improving your skills and getting relevant experience and certifications, you can maximize your salary. With Interview Kickstart’s Full Stack Developer Interview Masterclass, you can be ready to nail your next job and get the best salary.
Led by industry experts (from the likes of Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn), our instructors will help you valuable skills, build a strong foundation in the subject, and give you all the tools required to be successful in your career or land your dream job.
You can check out some of the success stories of our alumni who have advanced their full stack development careers with the help of Interview Kickstart.
FAQs: Full Stack Developer Salary
1. What Will Be The Average Salary Of A Full Stack Developer In 2024?
The average US salary of a Full Stack Developer in 2024 is around $122,000 a year. Depending on experience, geography, and skills, the typical salary can range between $92,000 to $167,000.
2. How Does The Location Affect The Salaries For A Full Stack Developer?
Location is one of the factors based on which salary may vary. For example, a mid-level full stack developer earning in San Francisco may take it as high as $170,000, while those in smaller cities might get less.
3. How Do I Maximize My Full Stack Developer Salary?
Specializing yourself in some in-demand skills such as React, Node.js, cloud technologies, or DevOps tools like Docker and Kubernetes, are a few ways to increase your full stack developer salary.
4. Does Industry Still Affect The Salaries Of A Full Stack Developer?
Yes, that’s quite true for industries such as finance, IT, and healthcare, where the salaries of full stack developers are generally higher because projects may involve much more complexity and regulation.
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