Full Stack Developer Salary: Your 2024 Guide

Some web developers work on the front end, also referred to as the user experience (UX). The salaries of full-stack software developers vary based on experience, job title, lcoation, and experience. Full-stack developers have the skills and experience to work on both a website’s front and back end. The article below explains how much you can make as a full-stack developer.

What's the difference between a front-end, back-end, and full-stack developer?

Some developers specialize in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) development as front-end developers. The front-end of an application is everything you see as a user. Others focus on an application's server-side as back-end developers. The server side or back-end includes everything users can't see or access. Full-stack developers have both front-end and back-end development skills.

What is the average full-stack developer salary?

According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for a full-stack developer in Canada is $78,489 [1]. Earnings can vary depending on years of experience and employee benefits, such as bonuses and profit sharing. 

Full stack developer salaries by location 

Larger cities often present a higher cost of living, so full-stack developers in these areas typically get paid more. Some of the highest-paying cities, along with the average annual salary, are [2]:

• Toronto, ON: C$96,259

• Calgary, AB: $92,660

• Vancouver, BC: $91,256

• Waterloo, ON: $91,152

• Montreal, QC: $89,646

Full-stack developer titles and salaries

A full-stack developer’s salary in Canada may depend on the amount of professional experience. As you gain more experience, you’ll likely get promoted, which leads to higher earnings. The following list includes the average salaries of full-stack developers, job titles, and years of experience [3]:

• Full stack developer (0–1 year of experience): $72,000–$105,000

• Senior full stack engineer (2 years of experience): $107,000–$141,000

• Lead full stack engineer (5–7 years of experience) $88,000–$132,000

• Vice-president of full stack engineering (8+ years of experience): $142,000–$237,000 

What does a full-stack developer do? 

Full-stack developers create and maintain a website's front and back ends. They often work on a team with dedicated UI and UX designers and other web developers. Some duties of a full-stack developer may include:

• Developing web applications, websites, or computer programs

• Creating executable code for the functionality of web design elements

• Coding server-side elements

• Testing and maintaining web-based projects

• Overseeing projects to stay within budget and optimize speed, functionality, and reliability

• Collaborating with designers, web developers, and clients

• Staying current with technological trends within the industry

Technical skills

As a full-stack developer, you’ll have complex tasks that require interpersonal and technical skills. Communication skills and creativity are important because you’ll collaborate with project team members and clients to help solve problems and create front-end designs. Qualified full-stack developers should also have mastery of web development coding languages such as:

• JavaScript

• SQL Server

• Flash

• CI/CD

• DevOps

• Angular

• Azure

• CSS

• C#

• Back End

• .NET

• Restful APIS

• Frameworks

• Node.js

Where do full-stack developers work?

Full stack developers work at small and large companies that often focus on computer systems design, publishing, technical or managerial consultation, and advertising or public relations. Employers typically need professionals who can program a server, browser, and database—as well as design an engaging user experience. They also work independently on a freelance basis or as an entrepreneur.

Some large corporations in Canada that hire full-stack developers include:

• RBC Royal Bank

• Air Canada

• Freshworks Studio

• Bell Canada

• Serind Labs

• Manulife

• Dalhousie University

How do I qualify to become a full-stack developer?

A full-stack developer is a senior computer programmer with experience in all areas of web development. These professionals have mastered client software for developing the front end and server software for the functionality of the back end. They also have a working knowledge of popular stacks, a combination of computer programming tools for specific functions and parameters. These include:

• LAMP stack

• LEMP stack

• MEAN stack

• Django stack

• Ruby on Rails

You'll be on your way to a successful full stack developer career by learning each stack level and how they function interdependently. While many full stack developers hold a bachelor’s degree in computer programming or a related field, many learn through online courses. 

Professional development 

A good way to increase earning potential as a full-stack developer is to master new computer languages or brush up on popular programming tools like JavaScript. Employers will often quiz candidates on their knowledge, so professional development can help instil additional confidence during important interviews.  

Professional development may take the form of experiments, creating a video game design, or taking a design course. On Coursera, CalArts offers a Graphic Design Specialization that teaches the fundamentals of graphic communication. The more knowledge you have about website front and back ends, the more valuable you’ll be as an employee, which will likely grant you a more lucrative full-stack developer career.

First steps

To start a career in full-stack development, you must first learn the skills you need to be qualified for the best jobs in the field. Aspiring web developers can start by enrolling in Introduction to Front-End Development, offered by Meta on Coursera.