Full Stack Web Developer Salaries in 2024: What to Expect

If you‘ve used any websites or web apps today, you can thank a full stack developer. As the demand for engaging and functional web experiences continues to grow, so does the need for skilled full stack web developers who can build complete web applications from front to back.

But how much can you really expect to earn as a full stack web developer? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into the current salary data and trends for full stack developers in 2024. Whether you‘re just starting your career or you‘re a seasoned pro, read on to discover insights about full stack developer salaries and how to maximize your earning potential in this exciting field.

What is a Full Stack Web Developer?

Before we get into the salary specifics, let‘s define what a full stack developer actually does. A full stack web developer is a programmer who can handle all the work of databases, servers, systems engineering, and clients. They are responsible for the entire development process of a web application, from the front end (client-side) to the back end (server-side).

Typical responsibilities of a full stack developer include:

• Developing front end website architecture
• Designing user interactions on web pages
• Developing back end website applications
• Creating servers and databases for functionality
• Ensuring cross-platform optimization for mobile phones
• Working alongside graphic designers for web design features
• Seeing through a project from conception to finished product
• Designing and developing APIs
• Meeting both technical and consumer needs
• Staying abreast of developments in web applications and programming languages

To be successful in this role, full stack developers need to have a diverse skill set that spans both front end and back end development. Some of the most common programming languages and technologies used by full stack developers include:

• HTML/CSS
• JavaScript
• Back end languages like Python, Ruby, Java, PHP
• Database technologies like MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle
• Web frameworks like Express, Ruby on Rails, Laravel
• Version control systems like Git
• Web servers like Apache, Nginx
• Cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, Azure

Factors That Impact Full Stack Developer Salaries

Now that we have a better understanding of the role, let‘s look at some of the key factors that influence how much full stack developers can expect to earn.

Location

Where you work can have a big impact on your salary as a full stack developer. In general, salaries tend to be highest in major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, Seattle, and Boston where the cost of living is higher and there is a concentration of tech companies competing for talent.

However, with the rise of remote work, location is becoming less of a factor. Many companies are now open to hiring full stack developers regardless of where they are based, which can open up opportunities to earn a good salary while living in a lower cost of living area.

Experience Level

As with most jobs, your level of experience is a major factor in determining your salary as a full stack developer. Entry-level full stack developers can expect to earn less than those with several years of experience under their belt.

According to data from PayScale, the average salary for an entry-level full stack developer in the United States is $64,548 per year. With 1-4 years of experience, that rises to $77,649 per year. For those with 5-9 years of experience, the average salary jumps to $97,160 per year.

Company Size and Type

The size and type of company you work for can also affect your salary as a full stack developer. In general, larger companies tend to pay higher salaries than smaller ones.

According to data from ZipRecruiter, full stack developers working at companies with over 5000 employees earn an average salary of $110,542 per year. For those at companies with 1-10 employees, the average drops to $70,190 per year.

The type of industry and company you work in matters as well. Tech companies and startups tend to pay higher salaries to attract top talent, while more traditional industries like finance or healthcare may pay slightly less on average.

Skills and Specialization

Having in-demand skills and specializations can also boost your salary as a full stack developer. For example, developers with expertise in popular frameworks like React, Angular, Vue.js or Node.js tend to command higher salaries.

The same is true for those with experience in hot areas like cloud development, machine learning, AI, blockchain, or data science. Staying on top of the latest technologies and trends can make you a more valuable and higher paid developer.

Entry-Level Full Stack Developer Salaries in 2024

So what can entry-level full stack developers realistically expect to earn in 2024? Let‘s take a look at some of the latest salary data from reliable sources.

According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for an entry-level full stack developer is $62,550 per year, based on 332 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Entry Level Full Stack Developer employees. The estimated total pay is $71,557 per year, with an average additional pay of $9,007 per year for bonuses, commissions and more.

PayScale reports that the average entry-level full stack developer salary is $64,548 per year, based on 321 salary profiles. The salaries submitted range from $41,000 to $90,000 per year.

Indeed provides a slightly higher estimate, with the average base salary for junior full stack developers reported as $69,440 per year based on 4,900 salaries. Indeed also notes that junior full stack developers make $4,125 per year in additional compensation on average, for a total of $73,565 per year.

While the exact numbers vary slightly, we can see that entry-level full stack developers in the U.S. can expect to earn a salary in the range of $60,000 to $75,000 per year as of 2024. Keep in mind that these are averages across the country – salaries may be higher or lower depending on your specific location, company, skills and experience.

How Full Stack Developer Salaries Compare to Other Web Developer Roles

It‘s also helpful to understand how full stack developer salaries stack up against other common web development roles. According to data from Indeed, here are the average annual salaries for related jobs in the U.S.:

• Web Developer: $79,715
• Back End Developer: $115,619
• Front End Developer: $103,981
• Software Engineer: $108,249
• UX Designer: $103,136

As you can see, full stack developers tend to earn more than standard web developers, but slightly less than more specialized roles like back end developers or software engineers. This makes sense given that full stack developers need to have a broad set of both front end and back end skills.

Full Stack Developer Career Growth and Job Outlook

The good news for aspiring full stack developers is that it‘s a high-demand and fast-growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of web developers and digital designers will grow 23 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

As companies continue to invest in their digital presence and customers demand seamless web and mobile experiences, the need for skilled full stack developers will only increase. This strong job market and growth potential can lead to exciting career opportunities and salary increases over time.

With experience, full stack developers can advance into senior roles, lead developer or engineering management positions. Some may go on to become technical architects or start their own web development agencies. There are many paths to grow your skills and salary in this dynamic field.

How to Boost Your Salary as a Full Stack Developer

Want to earn more as a full stack web developer? Here are some tips to increase your salary potential:

1. Specialize in high-demand frameworks and technologies
2. Gain experience with the latest tools and best practices
3. Build an impressive portfolio of projects to showcase your skills
4. Contribute to open source projects to build your reputation
5. Pursue additional certifications or training in areas like cloud development or security
6. Improve your soft skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving
7. Look for opportunities at well-funded tech companies or high-paying industries
8. Consider moving to a tech hub with higher salary potential
9. Negotiate your salary and benefits package when starting a new job
10. Keep your skills fresh and stay engaged in the web development community

Getting Started as a Full Stack Developer

Interested in launching a career as a full stack web developer? The first step is to learn the fundamental programming languages and technologies used for front end and back end web development.

Many aspiring developers choose to attend a coding bootcamp, which provides a focused and accelerated path to gaining job-ready full stack development skills. Bootcamps like Programming School‘s Software Engineering program cover key tools and concepts like JavaScript, React, Ruby on Rails, SQL databases and more.

Alternatively, you can pursue a computer science degree, teach yourself through online tutorials and resources, or learn on the job as an apprentice or junior developer. The most important thing is to build practical coding skills and a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your abilities.

Regardless of your path, a career as a full stack developer can be both challenging and rewarding. You‘ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, continuously learn new technologies, collaborate with other developers, and build applications that solve real-world problems.

However, it‘s important to be prepared for the demands of the job, such as long hours, tight deadlines, and constant problem-solving. Successful full stack developers need to be resilient, adaptable, and always willing to learn and grow their skills.

The Bottom Line

Full stack web development is an exciting and lucrative career path with strong job growth and salary potential. As of 2024, entry-level full stack developers in the U.S. can expect to earn an average salary of $60,000 to $75,000 per year, with the potential to increase their earnings as they gain experience and specialize their skills.

By staying current with the latest web technologies, building a strong portfolio, and continually learning and growing, full stack developers can enjoy a successful and well-compensated career at the forefront of digital innovation. If you‘re passionate about coding and eager to build complete web applications, full stack development may be the perfect fit.