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Full Stack Developer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Full Stack Developer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Full Stack Developer I in the United States is $74,055 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, a Full Stack Developer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $85,210
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $70,012 to $79,894
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $66,331
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Full Stack Developer I Salaries

A Full Stack Developer 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.

How Experience Level Affects Full Stack Developer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Full Stack Developer 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:

  • Full Stack Developer I (0-2 years): $74,055
  • Full Stack Developer II (2-4 years): $105,754
  • Full Stack Developer III (4-7 years): $128,409
  • Full Stack Developer IV (7+ years): $145,423
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Full Stack Developer I0-2 years$74,055
Full Stack Developer II2-4 years$105,754
Full Stack Developer III4-7 years$128,409
Full Stack Developer IV7+ years$145,423
View as Graph

How Do Full Stack Developer I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Developer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $81,994.
  • California: $81,683.
  • Massachusetts: $80,594.

Top Paying Cities for Full Stack Developer Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $93,406
  • San Francisco: $92,383
  • Oakland: $90,436

Full Stack Developer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Full Stack Developer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,760. While startup companies pay approximate $70,006.

Full Stack Developer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $70,006
Growth Stage 51~500 $74,039
Established 501~5000 $79,915
Enterprise 5000+ $82,760

Full Stack Developer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Full Stack Developer 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 Developer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Full Stack Developer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Full Stack Developer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$133,299$64.080%

Full Stack Developer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Full Stack Developer 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 September 01, 2026
$70,012
Average $74,055/year
$79,894
$5,834
Average $6,171/month
$6,658
$1,346
Average $1,424/week
$1,536
$34
Average $36/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,894 $6,658 $1,536 $38
Average $74,055 $6,171 $1,424 $36
25th Percentile $70,012 $5,834 $1,346 $34

Full Stack Developer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Full Stack Developer I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Full Stack Developer 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
Applications Programmer II $95,204 29%
Software Architect II $94,413 27%
Backend Developer II $104,785 41%
Full Stack Developer II $105,754 43%

Most common benefits for Full Stack Developer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Full Stack Developer I

Here are companies hiring for Full Stack Developer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Full Stack Developer I

1. Where can a Full Stack Developer I earn the most?

A Full Stack Developer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Full Stack Developer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Full Stack Developer I is $93,406.

2. What is the highest pay for Full Stack Developer I?

The highest pay for Full Stack Developer I is $85,210.

3. What is the lowest pay for Full Stack Developer I?

The lowest pay for Full Stack Developer I is $66,331.

4. What are the responsibilities of Full Stack Developer I?

Develops, integrates, and delivers applications using front-end, back-end, database and hosting tools. Delivers software products independently using functional specifications. Utilizes all layers of the stack to complete coding, UI/UX, database integrations, and deployment activities. Provides test plans. Experienced with AWS, API integration and cloud based architecture. Is proficient in the utilization of a variety of development programming languages such as C#, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, PHP, SQL, SQLServer, Oracle, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis, and HTML/CSS. Uses version control tools such as GIT, SVN, Mercurial and /or frameworks such as MEAN, Django, LAMP, or Ruby on Rails. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science , information technology, or engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Full Stack Developer I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Full Stack Developer I roles, with salaries approximately 80% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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