Full Stack Developer vs IT Support Specialist: 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.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Full Stack Developer earns more on average — the national median is $74,120/year (120%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Full Stack Developer vs IT Support Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Full Stack Developer | IT Support Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $198,461 | $92,808 | Full +$105,653 |
| New York, NY | $159,461 | $72,917 | Full +$86,544 |
| Seattle, WA | $190,473 | $86,967 | Full +$103,506 |
| Austin, TX | $150,833 | $69,244 | Full +$81,589 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,057 | $64,877 | Full +$81,180 |
| Boston, MA | $175,364 | $79,215 | Full +$96,149 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £47,998 | Full +$25,944 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$84,196 | Full +$41,956 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Full Stack Developer or IT Support Specialist 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 $61,860/year for a IT Support Specialist — a difference of $74,120 (120%).
Which has better career growth — Full Stack Developer or IT Support Specialist?+
Full Stack Developer roles are growing at 24% YoY while IT Support Specialist demand is growing at 5% YoY. Full Stack Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Full Stack Developer to IT Support Specialist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Full Stack Developer or IT Support Specialist?+
Full Stack Developer has a lower AI automation risk (46% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.