Software Engineer vs Full Stack Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
Full Stack Developer
Build both frontend and backend of web applications.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Full Stack Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Full Stack Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Full Stack Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $198,461 | Software $3,511 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $159,461 | Software +$7,369 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $190,473 | Software $1,005 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $150,833 | Software $1,999 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $146,057 | Software +$3,909 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $175,364 | Software +$1,178 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £73,942 | Software +$0 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$126,152 | Software +$0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Full Stack Developer earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $135,980/year for a Full Stack Developer — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Full Stack Developer?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Full Stack Developer demand is growing at 24% YoY. Software Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to Full Stack Developer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: SQL.
Which is harder to automate — Software Engineer or Full Stack Developer?+
Full Stack Developer has a lower AI automation risk (46% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.