Career Tracks

Full Stack Developer

101 What Is a Fullstack Developer?

Full Stack Web Developers build applications for both the visible front end that users interact with and the back end that powers the application using a server and database. The average salary of a web developer is $75,057.

Jump to a list of all Fullstack Developer Bootcamps

The Full Stack Developer

A Full Stack Developer has knowledge of both front end and back end technologies. The front end is the visible part of the application that users interact with. The back end includes the server, database, and applications that power the front end. You may think of a ‘stack,’ in the term full stack, as the layers of technology used to create a complete application. 

How to Become a Full Stack Developer

The three most popular ways of becoming a Full Stack Developer are attending a coding bootcamp, self-study, and earning a computer science degree

Coding Bootcamp

Coding Bootcamp is the fastest, most streamlined way to become a Full Stack Web Developer. Coding bootcamps typically teach both technical skills and career success skills which help more than 80% of graduates secure jobs after bootcamp. Before attending coding bootcamp, you’ll want to prepare for their admissions process by taking a prep course, self studying beforehand, and considering interview questions. Bootcamps run anywhere from 8-16 weeks and on average cost $14,780 USD. Many bootcamps now offer deferred tuition, Income Share Agreements, and financing options. 

Coding Bootcamp vs Self Study 

Some self-taught programmers have founded insanely successful startups, including Instagram and Tumblr! Learning to code on your own using online resources, books, and free or paid for resources can take anywhere from 8 weeks if you have experience or multiple years if you don’t. Self study requires discipline, putting together a curriculum for yourself, and you’ll need to weather the job search on your own. 

CS Degree vs Coding Bootcamp

Earning a Computer Science (CS) degree might be the longest route to Full Stack Developer and the most expensive. This route will provide you with theoretical knowledge, mathematics, and exposure to more low level programming than a coding bootcamp. Critics say a computer science degree will not provide as much practical experience or tailored career counseling as bootcamp. If cost is a factor, then bootcamps certainly win. While coding bootcamps cost an average of $13,584, the tuition at top CS programs can be triple or quadruple that in just one academic year. Carnegie Mellon undergraduate tuition and tuition at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is about $60,000-70,000 per year. In the past, most jobs required a CS degree. Now that they do not, the return on investment of a degree is not as high as a bootcamp.

How to Choose a Coding Bootcamp

The best coding bootcamp for you depends on your own learning style, career goals, availability, etc. Here's our advice for choosing the best web  developer bootcamp:

  1. Narrow down your options – you can rule out some bootcamps based on location, cost, and time commitment.
  2. Examine the curriculum – the exact programming language you learn at a bootcamp isn't as important as you might think. Most bootcamps teach full stack JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, Java, Python, or C#/.NET. If the particular language is a deal-breaker for you, be sure the bootcamp includes it in their curriculum.
  3. Ask About Projects – at a quality full stack developer bootcamp, you'll build at least 2-3 projects to add to your portfolio. These should include front-end and back-end technologies to show that you can handle programming across the full stack.
  4. Meet the Instructors – do the bootcamp instructors have real-world coding experience? Did they work for reputable companies before teaching? Pro-Tip: Take an intro course or free workshop hosted by the bootcamp to really understand the teaching style.
  5. Ask About Outcomes – do past bootcamp graduates get jobs in web development? Ask the school directly for their CIRR report or job outcomes report, read bootcamp reviews, and even reach out to alumni on LinkedIn to ask questions.

Red Flags – instructors don't have real-world developer experience, the school can't tell you about past student career success, the school doesn't have dedicated career services, or the full-stack curriculum focuses too heavily on front-end languages.

Full Stack Developer Salary

Sales Job Average Salary
Coding Bootcamp Graduate $66,964
Full Stack Developer $75,057
Software Engineer $97,950

 

Full Stack Developer Jobs

From big tech companies to small startups, Full Stack Developer jobs are abundant and demand is growing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for software developers is expected to grow by 17%, “much faster than average” by 2024, which is about 200,000 more roles. The possibility to work in an office, work remotely, or freelance as a Full Stack Developer provides some of the most flexible and plentiful opportunities globally. But with so many different coding languages out there, it makes sense that each job description and job title is going to be unique. Common job responsibilities of Full Stack Developers include back end development, data engineering, mobile development, machine learning engineering, and/or front end web development. 

Here is a list of the most frequent full stack development job titles for bootcampers: 

  • Full Stack Engineer
  • Full Stack Web Developer
  • Full Stack Software Engineer
  • Full Stack Architect
  • Front End Developer
  • Back End Developer
  • Mobile Developer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Junior Developer
  • Associate Developer
  • Senior Developer
  • Web Development Apprentice
  • Web Development Instructor
  • Teacher Assistant

Full Stack Developer vs Software Engineer

Depending on the employer, Software Engineer and Full Stack Developer could mean exactly the same thing or two entirely different things. Some believe that Software Engineers are more concerned with back end development while Full Stack Developers work with every layer of a program. Others believe that Software Engineers work with computer programs that are not web applications or websites. Still, others believe that Software Engineers only do coding while Full Stack Developers are expected to do user experience research, front end design, and deployment in addition to writing code. 

Full Stack Developer Resume

The Full Stack Developer is a generalist. A Full Stack Developer’s resume should show knowledge of both front end and back end technologies as well as an understanding of the user experience and user interface design process. Developers should also demonstrate transferable skills from their experiences before bootcamp. Full Stack Developers will need to learn multiple languages to be successful. 

Here are some of the skills and technologies often taught in combination at Full Stack Web Development bootcamps: 

  • HTML - HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. It is a standardized markup language used for creating a webpage. These pages can include writing, links, pictures, sound, and video. HTML is used to denote these elements so that the web browser can display them correctly. 
  • CSS - CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. CSS is used alongside HTML and JavaScript to control the layout and presentation of a website.
  • JavaScript - JavaScript is the most popular language on the web. It is a scripting language used to enhance and manipulate web pages by adding interactivity.
  • NodeJS - Node was created to run JavaScript outside of the browser. This framework creates a bridge between the front end and the back end and the knowledge needed to execute code on a computer. 
  • Ruby on Rails - Ruby is a programming language. Rails is an open source web app framework written in Ruby. Ruby on Rails (RoR) is built for speed and adaptation.
  • Python - Python is a programming language with a cleaner syntax that is built with data manipulation, analytics, system administration, and scientific programming in mind. 
  • Django - Django is an open-source web app framework written in Python. It is a highly customizable option.
  • Java - Java is a general-purpose programming language and platform used for web development, Android development, and enterprise apps.
  • C# - C# is a general-purpose, multi-paradigm programming language developed by Microsoft that is used for developing desktop applications. 
  • .Net - .Net is a back end language.
  • Git - Git is a version control system that keeps track of changes made to projects over time.   
  • Object-Oriented Programming - Object orientation is a way to organize and structure code. Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, Java, and C# are all object-oriented languages.
  • HTTP - HTTP is the protocol that allows servers to communicate with the front end. 
  • REST API - REST is the interface that allows the back end to understand the front end.
  • Soft Skills - Recruiters are looking for good communicators, team players, and critical thinkers. Most recruiters agree technical skills can be taught but soft skills cannot. 

A Full Stack Developer’s resume is not the only thing you’ll need to get a job. Fullstack Academy’s former Head of Career Success Ceren Depree says, “Anyone can build their own LinkedIn, resume, and Github.” Those three profiles are the most important things when it comes to the job hunt! For your LinkedIn profile, you’ll want to write a clear personal summary, feature any projects you’ve done at bootcamp, and dial in keywords to sprinkle throughout your profile. Your Github should feature all of your projects and you should follow any repositories you’re interested in.

Full Stack Developer Portfolio

Full Stack Developers must build and maintain an online portfolio. Showcase the projects you’ve built during bootcamp in your portfolio as well as on your resume. Here are some projects Developers built during bootcamp and added to their portfolios:

FEATURED SCHOOLS

 

Showing 1 - 25 of 595

  1. 2765
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    14
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    Le Wagon is a global tech training provider that offers full-time, in-person and online bootcamps in Web Development, Data Science, and Data Analytics. Le Wa... Read More

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    5Graduate - Course: Web Development Bootcamp - Full-time - Barcelona

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  2. nucamp-logo

    Nucamp

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    Nucamp is a coding bootcamp that offers part-time, online programs, including Back End, SQL, DevOps with Python (16 weeks); Front End Web & Mobile Develo... Read More

    Farhad Kurbanov

    5Student - New York City

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    BrainStation offers full-time and part-time courses in data science, design, development, marketing, cyber security and product in New York City, Miami, Lond... Read More

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    5Student - Course: Digital Marketing - Toronto

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    Springboard is an online learning platform that prepares students for the tech industry’s most in-demand careers with comprehensive, mentor-led online progra... Read More

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    5Graduate - Course: UI / UX Design Career Track - Online

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    CareerFoundry is an online bootcamp that offers flexibly paced programs for career changers in web development, UX design, UI design, data analytics, digital... Read More

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    Founded in 2012, App Academy is a global coding bootcamp with a focus on software engineering. App Academy offers programs that fit every learning style, inc... Read More

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    Ironhack offers full-time and part-time bootcamps in Web Development, UX/UI design, Data Analytics and Cyber Security in Miami (Florida), Madrid and Barcelon... Read More

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    5Graduate - Course: UX/UI Design Bootcamp (Full-Time) - Paris

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    Thinkful, a Chegg service, provides every adult learner with a pathway to a rewarding career. This online bootcamp offers fast-paced, career-focused programs... Read More

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    5Student - Course: Engineering Immersion - Online

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  9. 759
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    Simplilearn’s Masters Programs are intensive, online bootcamps for Full Stack Web Development, Data Science and Analytics, AI and Machine Learning, Big Data ... Read More

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    Says: Course Name: Tableau Certification Training (Simplilearn)

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    5Graduate - Course: Software Engineering Immersive Bootcamp (Flex) - New York City

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    Says: A Life-Changing Experience: Full Stack Engineering Boot Camp

    General Assembly's Full Stack Engineering Boot Camp has been an absolute game-changer for me. The program not only helped me establish a strong online presence ... Read More
  11. 624
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    Udacity offers Nanodegrees which are online immersive full-time and part-time programs, ranging from 12-24 weeks in length for students worldwide. Nanodegree... Read More

    Eslam Mustafa

    5Graduate - Course: Full Stack Web Developer - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: very nice program

    It's a very nice program, but also challenging 🌹There are useful references and professors who explain well, when I submit the projects I catch what I've been ... Read More
  12. 621
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    Edureka offers instructor-led, live online bootcamps in Full Stack Web Development (8 weeks) and AI & Machine Learning (44 weeks). The Full Stack Web Dev... Read More

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    5Graduate - Online

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    Says: Edureka live online classes (Java J2E SOA)

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    Founded in 2012, Coding Dojo is a global technology education company that offers programs in Software Development, Data Science, and Cybersecurity. Students... Read More

    Lee DeJonge

    5Graduate - Course: Software Development Online Full-Time - Online

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    As an individual coming from NO computer background what-so-ever, I want to  share my experiences.First of all, I have a great support system at home that allow ... Read More
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    Flatiron School offers immersive on-campus and online programs in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and product design (UX/UI design). Flati... Read More

    Mackoy Staloch

    5Graduate - Course: Data Science - Online

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    Says: Thorough, expensive, and fast-paced.

    I started the Flatiron program back in August of 2022. I was a Mortgage Loan Officer who was looking to pivot my business experience into a more technical role ... Read More
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    Codesmith is a coding school redefining the way software engineering is taught. Codesmith offers full-time (13-week) and part-time (38-week) remote software ... Read More

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    5Graduate

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    5Graduate - Course: Web Development - Online

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    Tech Elevator offers both full-time and part-time coding bootcamps that prepare students for a career as a software developer, starting with an Aptitude Test... Read More

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    5Graduate - Course: Full-Time Java Coding Bootcamp - In-person - Columbus

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    Skillcrush is a woman-owned, independent, online coding & design school founded in 2012. Skillcrush offers both free and paid programs, including the sel... Read More

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    5Student - Course: (1) Break Into Tech Program + Job Guarantee: Front End Developer Track - Online

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    Says: Skillcrush is everything that it claims!

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  19. 397
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    Makers Academy is a highly selective, 16-week, full-time program which teaches web development online and in hybrid cohorts at their campus in London, Englan... Read More

    Joe B

    5Graduate - Course: Web Development - London

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Great bootcamp, solid career support, tough job market at the moment

    I found the course to be a great way to learn the foundations of Software Engineering. I think it's important to note that a lot of success depends on your own ... Read More
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    Tina Morlock

    5Graduate - Course: Online Software Developer Boot Camp (full-time) - Online

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    Fullstack Academy is a tech bootcamp that offers immersive online programs for web development, cybersecurity, data analytics, DevOps, and product management... Read More

    Volodymyr Maselskyi

    5Graduate

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Cool and profi peoples

    Hello! I graduated from GoIT Academy a few weeks before the end of 2022. I studied the FullStack developer course, which included HTML, CSS, JS, React, and Node ... Read More
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    Clarusway is an IT training school based in Virginia, offering a variety of specialized programs in fields such as Cloud Engineering, DevOps Engineering, Dat... Read More

    mehmet T.

    5Student - Course: Full Stack Development - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: my best desicion "CLARUSWAY"

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  23. 350
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    Devmountain is a coding bootcamp that offers short, full-time in-person programs designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the tech industry.... Read More

    John Hiatt Brooksby

    5Graduate - Lehi

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    5Graduate

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    Hack Reactor by Galvanize is an educator for rapid career transformation, offering software engineering bootcamps designed so that anyone with motivation can... Read More

    Himmat Khalsa

    5Graduate - Course: 12-Week Software Engineering Immersive - Austin

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    Says: Great Experience

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