Full Stack Developer vs Data Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Full Stack Developer
Build both frontend and backend of web applications.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
Full Stack Developer earns more on average — the national median is $47,040/year (53%) higher than a Data Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Full Stack Developer vs Data Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Full Stack Developer | Data Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $198,461 | $129,659 | Full +$68,802 |
| New York, NY | $159,461 | $108,724 | Full +$50,737 |
| Seattle, WA | $190,473 | $102,930 | Full +$87,543 |
| Austin, TX | $150,833 | $101,065 | Full +$49,768 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,057 | $92,625 | Full +$53,432 |
| Boston, MA | $175,364 | $113,607 | Full +$61,757 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £71,596 | Full +$2,346 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$116,846 | Full +$9,306 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Full Stack Developer or Data Analyst earn more?+
A Full Stack Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Full Stack Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $88,940/year for a Data Analyst — a difference of $47,040 (53%).
Which has better career growth — Full Stack Developer or Data Analyst?+
Full Stack Developer roles are growing at 24% YoY while Data Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Full Stack Developer to Data Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: SQL.
Which is harder to automate — Full Stack Developer or Data Analyst?+
Full Stack Developer has a lower AI automation risk (46% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.