As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Full Stack Software Engineer I in the United States is $74,060 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Full Stack Software Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Full Stack Software Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Full Stack Software Engineer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Full Stack Software Engineer I | 0-2 years | $74,054 |
| Full Stack Engineer Intermediate | 2-4 years | $105,753 |
| Full Stack Engineer Senior | 4-7 years | $128,406 |
| Full Stack Engineer Specialist | 7+ years | $145,416 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Full Stack Software Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Full Stack Software Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,906. While startup companies pay approximate $70,136.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $70,136 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $74,178 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $80,060 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $82,906 |
For Full Stack Software Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 80% above the average. In contrast, Full Stack Software Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Full Stack Software Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $133,308 | $64.0 | 80% |
Understanding how a Full Stack Software Engineer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Full Stack Software Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Application Programmer Analyst II | $95,300 | 29% |
| Software Research and Design Architect II | $94,500 | 28% |
| Backend Applications Developer II | $104,800 | 42% |
| Full Stack Engineer Intermediate | $105,800 | 43% |
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Full Stack Software Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Full Stack Software Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 80% above the market median.
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