34 Honest Full-Stack Developer Salaries

If you've researched careers in development, you've likely heard of front-end and back-end developers. They are the professionals responsible for making sure the user side and server side of our favorite apps and websites work.

But what about developers who can do both? Those folks are called full-stack developers. They can switch seamlessly from building slick, responsive interfaces to managing databases and server logic—sometimes all in a single sprint. They’re the Swiss Army knives of the dev world, juggling multiple layers of tech to keep everything running smoothly.

They also tend to earn more, but figuring out how much they should make isn’t so straightforward. Location, skills, industry, and experience can all play a role in shaping your paycheck. So, how can you tell if your salary is in line with your peers— or if it’s time to ask for a raise?

This guide breaks it all down: what full-stack developers actually do, the average salary of a full-stack developer, and which skills and certifications can give your income a boost.

What is a Full-Stack Developer?

A full-stack developer is a software engineer who can work on both the front end (what users see) and back end (how it all works behind the scenes) of an application or website. Instead of specializing in just one area, they bridge the gap, handling everything from designing user interfaces to writing database queries and deploying applications to the cloud.

Their core responsibilities vary by company, but often include:

• Developing and maintaining both client-side and server-side code

• Designing and interacting with databases

• Building and integrating APIs

• Testing and debugging across the full tech stack

• Deploying applications and managing infrastructure (especially in smaller teams)

To do all this, full-stack developers need a solid command of multiple tools and frameworks. On the front-end, that might mean JavaScript, HTML/CSS, React, or Vue. On the back-end, you’ll often see Node.js, Python with Django or Flask, or Ruby on Rails. 

They’re also expected to know how to version code with Git, write efficient queries for SQL or NoSQL databases, and often work with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure to get their apps live.

Job titles can vary by company and tech, but generally include: 

• Full-Stack Developer (obviously) 

• Software Engineer

• Web Application Developer

• Front-End/Back-End Developer (with full-stack duties)

• Junior or Senior Full-Stack Engineer

• MEAN or MERN Stack Developer (if the tech stack is specific)

In short, full-stack developers are the go-to generalists who can build complete, functional products from end to end.

34 Honest Salaries for Full-Stack Developers

So, just how much does a full-stack developer actually make? That depends on where you live—and not just in a big-city vs. small-town way. The local tech scene, cost of living, and demand for talent all shape what companies are willing to pay.

To give you a realistic picture, we pulled salary data from job boards like ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and Indeed. Then we cross-referenced that with active job listings in 34 U.S. cities—including major tech hubs, mid-sized metros, and emerging markets.

The table below shows low-end, average, and high-end salary ranges for full-stack developers in each location:

• Low-end usually reflects junior or entry-level positions

• Average represents what mid-level developers are earning

• High-end is typically reserved for senior engineers or those with niche skills

Whether you're figuring out if your salary is competitive or thinking about relocating, this breakdown will help you see where your city stands.

So, what does this salary data tell us? 

It’s no surprise that full-stack developers earn more in tech hubs like San Jose, Seattle, and New York, with high-end salaries approaching or even exceeding $180K. These cities offer the biggest paychecks, but they also come with a higher cost of living, so that extra income doesn’t always stretch as far as you might expect. (The average one-bedroom apartment in San Jose, for example, will set you back around $2,600 a month.) 

Meanwhile, cities like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh offer strong salaries with a slightly lower cost of living, making those locations pretty appealing. Midwestern and Southern cities, like Indianapolis, Columbus, and Nashville, fall a bit lower on the pay scale but still offer solid compensation, especially for remote workers or those in more affordable regions.

A few additional trends stand out:

• Salary ranges widen in larger cities, likely reflecting everything from junior devs at startups to senior engineers at enterprise firms.

• Smaller cities (like Macon, Tallahassee, and Des Moines) offer fewer top-tier salaries but still provide competitive pay for the market.

• Even in lower-paying regions, $100K+ average salaries are still common, which shows that the demand for full-stack skills is high no matter where you call home. 

The bottom line? Your location still matters but not as much as it used to, especially in this remote-friendly industry. And if you’re trying to boost your salary, tech stack, experience, and specialization may matter more than your ZIP code.

Salary Considerations for Full-Stack Developers

So, what else other than location will impact your paycheck? Here are some of the biggest factors: 

Tech Stack Depth

Employers are willing to pay more for developers who are truly fluent across the stack. If you can jump between front-end frameworks like React or Vue and back-end tools like Node.js or Django without missing a beat, you’ll stand out—and earn more.  

Cloud Fluency

Knowing how to deploy and maintain apps on platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud can give you a significant salary edge. Companies want developers who can take a project from code to cloud, especially in remote or DevOps-friendly environments.

Framework Experience

Having hands-on experience with in-demand frameworks like Next.js, Express, or Laravel adds value to your resume. These tools can speed up development and improve performance, which means employers are willing to pay a premium for developers who know how to use them effectively.

Type of Product or Industry

The kind of software you’re building and the industry it serves matter. B2B SaaS companies, fintech platforms, and enterprise software firms often pay more than nonprofits or local agencies. Higher stakes and more complex systems typically mean higher compensation.

Certifications and Project Portfolio

A strong GitHub portfolio or live project demo can go a long way. Certifications also help, especially if you're self-taught or transitioning into full-stack development from another role. The more proof you have of your skills, the easier it is to justify a higher salary.

How Experience Impacts Salary

Like most tech roles, experience plays a major role in determining how much you earn as a full-stack developer. But it’s not just about time on the job—it’s about how much ownership you take, the complexity of the projects you handle, and your ability to work across the entire stack. Here’s how experience tends to impact your salary. 

Entry-Level (0–2 Years)

Full-stack developers just starting out usually earn between $75,000 and $95,000, depending on location and company size. At this point, you’re likely focused on smaller projects or assisting senior devs with front-end tasks, bug fixes, and simple API work. Many entry-level roles lean slightly more front-end, easing you into full-stack responsibilities over time.

Mid-Level (3–5 Years)

With a few years under your belt, your salary can climb into the $110,000–$130,000 range. At this stage, you’re often responsible for building and maintaining full features end-to-end, including UI components, back-end logic, database connections, and deployment workflows. You may also be mentoring junior developers and contributing to architectural discussions.

Senior-Level (6+ Years)

Senior full-stack developers typically earn $135,000 or more, especially if they’ve specialized in areas like performance tuning, security, or cloud architecture. You’ll likely own major systems, lead projects, and make key technical decisions that impact the business. At this level, communication and leadership skills matter just as much as technical ability.

Must-Know Tools for Full-Stack Developers

To do the job well, full-stack developers need a solid mix of front-end, back-end, and infrastructure tools. Here are the main categories to focus on.

Languages and Frameworks

On the front end, JavaScript remains essential, often paired with libraries like React or Vue. For back-end development, Python (with Django or Flask), Node.js, and Ruby on Rails are all popular choices. The more flexible you are across stacks, the better.

Version Control and Collaboration

Git and GitHub are industry standards for code tracking, branching, and pull requests. Tools like Jira and Confluence help teams stay aligned on tasks, bugs, and documentation, especially in Agile environments.

Databases

Full-stack developers commonly work with relational databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL, and noSQL options like MongoDB. Understanding how to model and optimize data for different types of applications will help you achieve success.

DevOps and CI/CD

Tools like Docker, Jenkins, and GitHub Actions help automate testing, building, and deployment. Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines makes moving fast without breaking things easier, especially in production environments.

Cloud Services

AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Azure, Firebase, and Heroku are common platforms full-stack developers use to host back ends, store assets, run APIs, and manage databases. Knowing how to set up and maintain services in the cloud is a major plus on your resume.

Must-Have Certifications for Full-Stack Developers

While not always required, certifications can boost your credibility, especially if you're self-taught or transitioning into full-stack development. They show employers you’ve mastered key tools, platforms, or concepts. Here are some worth considering.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

This cert validates your ability to develop and deploy cloud-based applications using Microsoft Azure. It’s a solid pick if you work in a Microsoft-heavy environment or want to expand your cloud skills.

AWS Certified Developer – Associate

A go-to certification for developers working on the AWS platform. It proves you understand core AWS services and can build, deploy, and debug cloud applications.

Google Cloud Professional Cloud Developer

This cert is great for developers using the Google Cloud Platform. It covers everything from building scalable apps to integrating GCP services and managing CI/CD pipelines.

Certified JavaScript Developer

Offered by third-party organizations like CIW, this cert focuses on your JavaScript proficiency. It’s useful for front-end developers looking to prove their JS fundamentals.

FreeCodeCamp, Codecademy, or Udemy Certificates

While not formal industry certifications, these course-based certificates can still help build your portfolio, especially if you’re early in your career or switching from another field.

How to Increase Your Salary as a Full-Stack Developer

Technical skill is just part of the equation if you're looking to move up the pay scale. Here are some proven ways to increase your earning potential as a full-stack developer:

• Build and Showcase a Complete Portfolio: Publish real-world projects on GitHub or your own site to prove your skills across the stack.

• Specialize in Scalable Architecture: Knowing how to design apps that handle growth and traffic spikes can make you more valuable to employers.

• Learn Modern JavaScript Libraries And Frameworks: Staying current with tools like Next.js or Svelte can give you an edge in competitive markets.

• Get Comfortable With Cloud Deployment: Companies love developers who can code and ship to AWS, Azure, or GCP without needing help from a separate DevOps team.

• Take on Mentorship or Technical Lead Roles: Guiding junior devs or owning projects shows leadership and increases your value to the business.

• Earn Certifications: Formal training in cloud platforms, DevOps tools, or secure development practices can tip the scale in salary negotiations.

• Move Into Senior Or Adjacent Roles: Roles like lead developer, software architect, or solutions engineer often come with a pay bump and expanded responsibilities.

Ready to Earn More as a Full-Stack Dev? 

Full-stack development continues to be one of the most versatile and in-demand roles in tech, and the salary data reflects that. Commanding the highest salaries is about the tools you know, the projects you’ve built, the certifications you’ve earned, and the value you bring to the table. 

Staying current with in-demand frameworks, cloud platforms, and deployment practices can help you land better offers and advance your career faster.

If you're ready to level up your skills and take on more responsibility (and better pay), CBT Nuggets has the training to help you get there. From coding and development to DevOps best practices, you’ll find everything you need to move forward with confidence.