Full-stack software engineer salary (2024)

The average salary for a full-stack software engineer is $116,833.

The average salary for a Full-Stack Engineer in Technology startups in May 2024 is $116,833, which is 22.1% higher than the average salary of $95,700 in Technology startups.

Full-stack engineers across varying years of experience and locations around the country make an average salary of $116,833 annually. The average full-stack engineer salary can fluctuate based on experience and location.

Entry-level full-stack engineers on average can make nearly $70,000 per year whereas senior-level workers can make on average  $100,000.

These averages are based on salary alone, not including equity or other compensation.

For a more in-depth look at salaries based on Wellfound job data, check out our unique, dynamic salary tool which allows you to customize your salary estimate based on your role, location, skills, and market.

How much do full-stack engineers make?

Full-stack engineer pay by experience level

While pay can be influenced by education and location, the amount of time you have worked in the field is one of the top determinants of salary.

Whether you’ve just entered the job market or you’re an experienced professional, it’s expected to see fluctuations in salary based on this criteria.

• Entry-level full-stack engineers can make an average salary of 65,000 annually.
• Mid-level full-stack engineers can make an average salary of $100,000 annually.
• Senior-level full-stack engineers can make an average salary of $120,000 annually.

The highest average salary a Full-Stack Engineer in Technology can get with 10+ years of experience, that is $162,000. This pay is 69.3% higher than the average salary in Technology startups, which is $95,667. The salary range varies with years of experience and depends on other factors such as skill set, size of company, and industry.

Job outlook

Web developers, including full-stack engineers, are projected to have job growth that will increase by 13% from 2020 to 2030. Full-stack developers make up 55% of all software developers.

In addition to being the most common role for engineers, full-stack developers are the most in-demand positions in the tech sector.

The demand for full-stack developers is rooted in their flexibility and adaptability when it comes to programming the back, middle and front-ends of web and mobile applications. They simply do it all.

Remote full-stack engineer salary and trends

As many positions in tech can be done entirely remotely, it comes as no surprise that 2,902 of the 6,305 full-stack engineer positions on Wellfound offer remote options — a staggering 46%.

The benefits of being remote include flexible scheduling, saving time and money commuting and a greater pool of potential jobs, as you can apply to remote jobs all over the world.

What are the best-paying cities for full-stack engineers?

Trying to decide where to pursue your next role? Look no further: Below are the top cities that pay the highest average salaries according to Wellfound data.

• Chicago, IL - Average salary: $135,000 - 15.5% higher than national average
• Boston, MA - Average salary: $125,000 - 7.2% higher than national average
• Los Angeles, CA - Average salary: $120,000 - 4% higher than national average

Top full-stack engineer skills

Full-stack developers are some of the most versatile software developers as they operate the front end of web and mobile applications as well as the server code in the back end. Not only this, but they will often write the API code in the middle of front- and back-end operations.

This is why they have such a robust skill set, and of the top skills needed to succeed in the role, knowledge of programming languages is by far the most important.

• HTML/CSS
• JavaScript
• Git and Github
• Back-end languages
• Web architecture
• HTTP and REST
• Database storage
• Basic design skills
• AI skills

If this is a career you’re looking to pursue, check out Wellfound’s open roles.

Frequently asked questions

What do full-stack engineers do?

Full-stack engineers operate the front end of web and mobile applications as well as the server code in the back end. Not only this, but they write the API code that is in the middle of front- and back-end operations.

Are full-stack developers paid more?

Full-stack developers are paid more than front-end or back-end developers since they typically work both back- and front-end development.

What is the career path of a full-stack engineer?

The career path of full-stack engineers usually begins with one of the three main categories of coding: front-end, back-end or full-stack engineering. Once they have mastered front- and back-end, they can work as full-stack engineers and progress along that career path which is detailed below.

1. Full-stack engineer
2. Senior full-stack engineer
3. Lead full-stack engineer
4. Principal full-stack engineer
5. Vice president of full-stack engineering
6. Director of full-stack engineering
7. Chief technical officer (CTO)

Related job salaries

Looking to pivot in your career? Check out these related jobs and their salaries to see how they measure up.

• Frontend engineer: The average salary for a frontend engineer is $97,000.
• Backend engineer: The average salary for a backend engineer is $106,000.
• Software engineer: The average salary for a software engineer is $108,000.

Are you a recruiter?

If you’re a recruiter, startup founder or hiring manager, learn the tips and tricks to hiring on your team with our developer guides. Get started with Wellfound’s hiring guide for full-stack developers today.