Full-Stack Developer Salary Guide
National median: $124,200/yr · Range: $94,392–$156,492 · Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Last updated: 2026-04-22
National Full-Stack Developer Salary Overview
Data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024 OEWS. O*NET code: 15-1252.00.
Full-Stack Developer Salary by City — Top 20 Metros
| Metro Area | 25th Pct | Median | 75th Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,356 | $182,773 | $221,248 |
| San Jose, CA | $129,495 | $178,082 | $222,099 |
| New York, NY | $123,781 | $165,895 | $207,331 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $125,727 | $161,494 | $196,907 |
| Seattle, WA | $114,168 | $154,968 | $191,199 |
| San Diego, CA | $117,792 | $153,121 | $191,947 |
| Chicago, IL | $107,992 | $140,979 | $167,625 |
| Denver, CO | $109,508 | $140,390 | $173,364 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $105,318 | $134,695 | $160,696 |
| Austin, TX | $98,513 | $133,989 | $162,723 |
| Nashville, TN | $96,827 | $124,841 | $155,655 |
| Dallas, TX | $91,200 | $123,028 | $150,464 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $94,182 | $122,338 | $149,747 |
| Charlotte, NC | $88,865 | $121,902 | $144,509 |
| Houston, TX | $88,336 | $120,704 | $146,488 |
| Columbus, OH | $88,779 | $120,628 | $146,850 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $91,938 | $120,361 | $145,186 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $86,181 | $117,487 | $142,743 |
| San Antonio, TX | $86,158 | $117,087 | $142,791 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $90,758 | $114,957 | $145,077 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 estimates. Click any city for detailed local salary data.
Full-Stack Developer Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Typical Salary | Years of Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level Full-Stack Developer | $89,424 | 0–2 years |
| Mid-level Full-Stack Developer | $114,264 | 3–5 years |
| Senior Full-Stack Developer | $146,556 | 5–8 years |
| Staff / Lead Full-Stack Developer | $176,364 | 8–12 years |
| Principal / Director | $208,656 | 12+ years |
Career path estimates derived from BLS OEWS May 2024 national benchmarks. Actual salaries vary by company, location, and skills.
Skills That Raise Full-Stack Developer Salary
Professionals with these skills typically earn 15–35% above the median:
- Advanced certification
- Leadership experience
- Domain specialization
- Data fluency
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Enterprise experience
How to Negotiate a Full-Stack Developer Offer
The most effective salary negotiation for Full-Stack Developer roles follows three steps:
- Anchor with data. Quote BLS OEWS median ($124,200) and top-metro benchmarks as your reference point. Numbers beat feelings.
- Frame with ROI. Describe a specific project outcome in dollar terms: "I reduced churn by 8%, which retained $2M ARR." This turns the conversation from cost to investment.
- Negotiate total comp. If base is firm, ask about sign-on bonus, equity refresh, additional PTO, or a 6-month review. Employers have more flexibility in these buckets.
Full-Stack Developer Salary by City — All Locations
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