What Is the Average Salary of a Full-Stack Developer?

Updated July 22, 2022

Software development is an increasingly popular profession, and full-stack developers have extensive knowledge about software development on the front end and back end. Full-stack developers have a stack of programming languages they know how to write or code. Because of their specialty, full-stack developers typically have well-paying yearly salaries. If you are interested in becoming a full-stack developer, it may be helpful to know their average salary in the U.S. before you choose this career path.

In this article, we discuss what a full-stack developer is, their average salary and how to increase your salary as a full-stack developer.

What is a full-stack developer?

Full-stack web developers are technology professionals who have exceptional skills in front-end and back-end technology development. They understand a wide range of coding languages that affect user experience, business logic and all other aspects of software development. This means they are well-equipped in web design and guiding or consulting on strategy.

Full-stack developers are responsible for the design and development of front-end web construction, performing tests, fixing bugs and other coding problems, writing code that is functional and clean on the front end and back end and working with design teams to make sure software applications are easy to navigate and visually appealing. They may also work with data scientists to make improvements to software over time.

Average salary of a full-stack developer

Full-stack developers may be self-employed and freelance for a variety of clients, or they may work for one company on a cross-functional team. The average salary of a full-stack developer in the U.S. is $113,349 per year, according to the average salaries listed on Indeed where you can find updated average salary information. Some salaries range from $85,000 to $139,000 per year. The annual salary of a full-stack developer depends on the programming languages they know, the skills they have and their overall level of expertise.

Many full-stack developers work for companies that provide comprehensive benefits packages, bonuses and other incentives for you to consider if you are interested in becoming a full-stack developer.

Full-stack developer salaries by state

Salaries for full-stack developers can vary by state. For the most up-to-date salary information, refer to the average salaries frequently updated on Indeed, from which this list of average salaries was gathered:

Alabama: $76,333 per year
Alaska: $100,229 per year
Arizona: $95,529 per year
Arkansas: $125,949 per year
California: $131,289 per year
Colorado: $105,336 per year
Connecticut: $105,480 per year
Delaware: $124,682 per year
Florida: $91,821 per year
Georgia: $113,088 per year
Hawaii: $96,059 per year
Idaho: $91,307 per year
Illinois: $108,112 per year
Indiana: $116,463 per year
Iowa: $85,852 per year
Kansas: $92,603 per year
Kentucky: $98,601 per year
Louisiana: $91,728 per year
Maine: $92,884 per year
Maryland: $112,685 per year
Massachusetts: $125,933 per year
Michigan: $89,028 per year
Minnesota: $99,249 per year
Mississippi: $88,145 per year
Missouri: $113,459 per year
Montana: $88,746 per year
Nebraska: $76,852 per year
Nevada: $84,066 per year
New Hampshire: $98,583 per year
New Jersey: $107,674 per year
New Mexico: $74,301 per year
New York: $121,910 per year
North Carolina: $103,104 per year
North Dakota: $95,228 per year
Ohio: $93,035 per year
Oklahoma: $102,070 per year
Oregon: $103,396 per year
Pennsylvania: $94,934 per year
Rhode Island: $107,206 per year
South Carolina: $80,123 per year
South Dakota: $91,075 per year
Tennessee: $90,835 per year
Texas: $105,204 per year
Utah: $103,871 per year
Vermont: $73,448 per year
Virginia: $122,529 per year
Washington: $122,867 per year
West Virginia: $89,509 per year
Wisconsin: $90,122 per year
Wyoming: $92,345 per year

Related: Jobs That Pay Over $50K

How to increase your salary as a full-stack developer

Here are some steps you can take to increase your salary as a full-stack developer:

1, Gain experience.

Create your own website.
Become a generalist and specialize.
Develop your connections.

1. Gain experience

You need to have extensive experience in a variety of tech roles to become a full-stack developer. It is important to gain experience applying various coding languages to the front-end and back-end development of software. The more experience you have, the more likely you are to develop a wide range of useful tech skills that companies want. This helps put you in a position to negotiate your salary offers with potential employers.

You can gain relevant experience by completing freelance or volunteer work that enhances your web development and design skills.

2. Create your own website

When you create your own website, you show employers how serious you are about your work and provide them with a brief introduction to your development work and personality. You may also link software programs that you have completed on your landing page for employers to see. This is especially helpful if you are a freelance developer. Your potential clients may be more willing to increase your pay when they see a clear demonstration of your development skills.

3. Become a generalist and specialize

Generalists understand how to complete a variety of full-stack development tasks related to the technology they use. For example, if you know how to complete smart forms, workflows, exits, reports and other functionalities, it may help you to establish yourself as a general problem solver.

You can also specialize in one or two new and emerging technologies. The idea is to develop niche skills in these technologies that other professionals in your field don't have yet. You may request a higher salary and become invaluable to your employer if you are the only specialist in your area.

4. Develop your connections

It's important to have more than skills and experience as a full-stack developer. Build connections with online coding groups, peer developers and contractors to open discussions about tech problems and test your coding skills. Joining coding groups and taking part in local competitions may be a fun way to develop your skills and connect with others who have the same interests as you.

When you apply for jobs, broadening your network may help you to stand out to potential employers. This may increase your chances of getting a higher salary, since the employer may see the value in the activities you do and the connections you make outside of work.