Full Stack Developer vs Data Scientist: 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 Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
Full Stack Developer earns more on average — the national median is $15,750/year (13%) higher than a Data Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Full Stack Developer vs Data Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Full Stack Developer | Data Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $198,461 | $176,777 | Full +$21,684 |
| New York, NY | $159,461 | $135,980 | Full +$23,481 |
| Seattle, WA | $190,473 | $173,186 | Full +$17,287 |
| Austin, TX | $150,833 | $130,733 | Full +$20,100 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,057 | $132,415 | Full +$13,642 |
| Boston, MA | $175,364 | $156,115 | Full +$19,249 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £78,216 | Full $4,274 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$134,265 | Full $8,113 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Full Stack Developer or Data Scientist 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 $120,230/year for a Data Scientist — a difference of $15,750 (13%).
Which has better career growth — Full Stack Developer or Data Scientist?+
Full Stack Developer roles are growing at 24% YoY while Data Scientist demand is growing at 36% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Full Stack Developer to Data Scientist?+
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 Scientist?+
Data Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 46%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.