Full Stack Developer vs Systems Administrator: 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.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
Full Stack Developer earns more on average — the national median is $36,850/year (37%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Full Stack Developer vs Systems Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Full Stack Developer | Systems Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $198,461 | $146,173 | Full +$52,288 |
| New York, NY | $159,461 | $120,157 | Full +$39,304 |
| Seattle, WA | $190,473 | $143,912 | Full +$46,561 |
| Austin, TX | $150,833 | $108,712 | Full +$42,121 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,057 | $104,809 | Full +$41,248 |
| Boston, MA | $175,364 | $127,175 | Full +$48,189 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £76,827 | Full $2,885 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$130,867 | Full $4,715 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Full Stack Developer or Systems Administrator 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 $99,130/year for a Systems Administrator — a difference of $36,850 (37%).
Which has better career growth — Full Stack Developer or Systems Administrator?+
Full Stack Developer roles are growing at 24% YoY while Systems Administrator demand is growing at 4% YoY. Full Stack Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Full Stack Developer to Systems Administrator?+
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 Systems Administrator?+
Full Stack Developer has a lower AI automation risk (46% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.