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 126 - 150 of 596

  1. 57
    Reviews
    2
    Courses

    The Grace Hopper Program at Fullstack Academy is a live online, immersive software engineering bootcamp for women and non-binary students. Students can choos... Read More

    Em

    5Graduate - Course: Full-Time Software Engineering Immersive - New York City

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: A collaborative, fun, and fullstack experience.

    My experience at the Grace Hopper Program changed my life in a myriad of ways. Their curriculum is extremely thorough and as they say, "they will not let you fa ... Read More
  2. 56
    Reviews
    3
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    Savvy Coders is an online coding boot camp offering the following classes: Full Stack Development, Data Analytics + Python, and Cyber Security. Classes are h... Read More

    Bri'Anna Tolliver

    5Graduate - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Life changing!

    I was ready to give up on pursuing a job in tech when my new landlord told me about Savvy Coders and helped me get connected.  I had already done another bootca ... Read More
  3. 56
    Reviews
    4
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    Kenzie Academy From Southern New Hampshire University is an online coding and tech school that offers certificate programs in Software Engineering (48 weeks)... Read More

    Kenneth

    5Graduate - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: 411

    Kenzie was an amazing experience, the work can be challenging, and time-consuming at times. But they give you the tools and support you need to see it through. ... Read More
  4. 56
    Reviews
    2
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    CodeCore offers an intensive, 12-week developer bootcamp in Vancouver. CodeCore is one of Western Canada's first developer schools, and is taught by seasoned... Read More

    Elise Yohm

    5Graduate - Vancouver

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Totally worth it

    I graduated the CodeCore bootcamp in August and I feel confident saying it was the best educational experience I’ve ever had. I have previously received a Bache ... Read More
  5. 55
    Reviews
    7
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    Happyer Skills offers a 15-week, full-time immersive Full Stack Web Development bootcamp and part-time bootcamps in UX Design (6 weeks), Data Science and Mac... Read More

    Jerry

    5Graduate - Course: UX Design - Hong Kong

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: HR Analyst

    In these 6 weeks, it is one of the most unexpected courses that I have ever had. Design thinking theory is not difficult to understand but the tricky part is ho ... Read More
  6. 55
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    2
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    Mate academy offers a 12-week, full-time and a self-paced, part-time Front End Development coding bootcamp. The course covers JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Git, and... Read More

    Amit Patil From India

    5Graduate - Course: Web Development - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Proud Student - Now proud IT Professional

    Like any other self-taught developer, I was learning aimlessly with YouTube videos and online resources. But then I come to know about Mate Academy and I am blo ... Read More
  7. 54
    Reviews
    2
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    Covalence provides career-changing 12-week, full-time and 6-month, part-time full stack web development educational programs online. In Covalence's Full Stac... Read More

    Eric Moran

    5Graduate - Course: Catalyst Software Development Bootcamp (Full-Time) - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Glad I went!

    I really enjoyed my time at Covalence.  The videos were very well done, and the labs did a good job of assessing my knowledge of the material.  I can’t say enou ... Read More
  8. 54
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    Launch Academy is a full-time, 18-week program with a part-time, 8-week online phase and then a full-time, 10-week course in Boston, Massachusetts. After thi... Read More

    Brian

    5Graduate - Course: Immersive Full Stack Software Engineering Program - Boston

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Apprentice Full Stack Web Developer

    My thoughts about my time at Launch Academy. I thought the experience was great overall. This course was taken during the pandemic so it was mostly done online. ... Read More
  9. 52
    Reviews
    6
    Courses

    Big Nerd Ranch is a mobile app development and design firm and training company that has led one-week intensive bootcamps since 2001. Hosted at their Atlanta... Read More

    Mike

    5Graduate - Atlanta

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Worth every penny..

    The complete immersion into the subject matter is fantastic. I attended the iOS Dev and by the end of the course, I was not only skilled but confident in those ... Read More
  10. 50
    Reviews
    7
    Courses

    Grand Circus is an online learning institute offering 14-week full-time and 28-week part-time Software Developer bootcamps and a 26-week part-time Data Engin... Read More

    Tristan Cotter

    5Student - Detroit

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: GRAND Circus

    An extremely useful and helpful bootcamp. Instructors and Career people knew what their stuff, and were always willing to help, be it with a bit of code or an i ... Read More
  11. 49
    Reviews
    4
    Courses

    CCS Learning Academy offers online bootcamps in Cybersecurity Specialist Certification (8 weeks), Data Analytics & Business Intelligence (8 weeks), Data ... Read More

    George Annobil

    5Graduate

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: So glad I found these guys when I did!

    A little over 10 years ago I joined CCS's Data science and data engineering Bootcamp. The program was extremely thorough, well-structured, and top-notch. The co ... Read More
  12. 48
    Reviews
    9
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    TechProEducation offers online bootcamps in Data Science (26 weeks), Full Stack Automation Engineer (21 weeks), Cyber Security (16 weeks), AWS & DevOps E... Read More

    Erol Işıldak

    5Student - Course: Full Stack Automation Engineer - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Advice!

    I am an engineer of electrical and electronic and after seven years in my career I decided to change the journey of my life. Like everyone can image easily it i ... Read More
  13. 47
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    5
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    Neoland offers 12-week full-time and 22 or 12-week part-time digital bootcamps in UX/UI Design, Data Science, and Full Stack Web Development, in Madrid and B... Read More

    Giulia Guglielmetti

    5 - Course: UX/UI Design Bootcamp - Madrid

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: UX/UI Bootcamp - Best experience of my life

    I can't even find an adjective to describe how much I am grateful for this course. I've attended the Full-time UX/UI Bootcamp and it's more than worth it. Raúl ... Read More
  14. 46
    Reviews
    4
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    CodingNomads offers 10-week, full-time Java and Python bootcamps in travel destinations like Bali, as well as online self-paced coding bootcamps. CodingNomad... Read More

    John Parsons

    5Graduate - Course: Java Engineering Career Track - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: More than your standard bootcamp!

    I write this after having accepted a job offer, shortly after graduating! CodingNomads Java Career Track has allowed me to switch careers in an enjoyable and ch ... Read More
  15. 46
    Reviews
    3
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    Burlington Code Academy offers online full-time and part-time web development and UX design bootcamps. In the web development bootcamp, students will learn l... Read More

    Cortney Logan

    5Graduate - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Amazing Experience

    I had always been interested in programming and had been trying to break into the industry on my own without success. I had heard about BCA from a friend and wi ... Read More
  16. 46
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    10
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    JUMP by Cognixia offers 6–10 week technical training bootcamp with campuses in New Jersey, Texas, North Carolina, Colorado, Illinois, Washington, and Online.... Read More

    Andrew Smith

    5Graduate

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Informative, Friendly, Progress driven

    I have nothing but positive things to say about the JUMP experience! When I got my bachelors, it was more of a focus on the core fundamentals of Computer Scienc ... Read More
  17. 44
    Reviews
    6
    Courses

    UC Irvine Boot Camps offer 12- and 24-week web development programs and 24-week, part-time data analytics, UX/UI, and cybersecurity programs, and an 18-week,... Read More

    Brian Wang

    5Student - Course: Full Stack Flex - Full-Time - Irvine

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Great Project Based Learning Environment

    The bootcamp is definitely tough and fast pasted, but I think it is a good learning environment. The class is designed so that you learn the basics and then pra ... Read More
  18. 43
    Reviews
    4
    Courses

    CoderSchool is a full stack and machine learning coding bootcamp in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. CoderSchool aims to offer everyone fair access to education th... Read More

    Giang Vu

    5Graduate - Course: Online Machine Learning - Ho Chi Minh City

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: A good destination to learn machine learning

    Overall, the course is quite good, it give a fundamental knowledge of machine learning, data analytics in a clear, logic and easy-to-understand way. In the end ... Read More
  19. 43
    Reviews
    6
    Courses

    UNC Charlotte Boot Camps offer 12-week, full-time and 24-week, part-time courses in web development, 24-week, part-time courses in data analytics, cybersecur... Read More

    Erica Osborne

    5Graduate - Course: Cybersecurity - Part-Time - Charlotte

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Building an analytical mindset in a positive collaborative environment

    I am a career changer transitioning from 22 years in healthcare to cybersecurity. For the past 3 years cybersecurity has sparked my interest, so I decided to ta ... Read More
  20. 43
    Reviews
    10
    Courses

    Nashville Software School (NSS) is a nonprofit vocational school in Nashville that prepares adults for careers in technical fields like software development,... Read More

    Jennifer Whitson

    5Graduate - Course: Full-Time Data Analytics Bootcamp - Nashville

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Life Changer

    I don’t think I could overstate the value of my time at NSS. I was a paralegal for 10 years and had no coding background or exposure to the tech world. I left t ... Read More
  21. 43
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    6
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    MIT xPRO offers a 32-week, online Professional Certificate in Coding: Full Stack Development with MERN bootcamp. The bootcamp requires a time commitment of 1... Read More

    Ping F

    5Applicant - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: It is an excellent practical hands-on bootcamp!

    I recently completed a data science bootcamp program and I must say, it was an incredible experience. The course design was well-structured and the practical, h ... Read More
  22. 42
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    4
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    UC Davis Boot Camps are 24-week, part-time web development, data analytics, UX/UI, and cybersecurity courses, and an 18-week digital marketing course. The fu... Read More

    MOHAMMAD IQBAL AHMADI

    5Graduate - Course: Full Stack Flex - Part-Time - Sacramento

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Fantastic place to start learning

    Couldn't ask for more. Study materials and Instructional teams are fantastic. I was very hesitate on starting bootcamp but after research I found out that UC Da ... Read More
  23. 42
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    4
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    DevLeague offers full-time and part-time courses in full-stack web development and cybersecurity in Honolulu, Hawaii. DevLeague aims to provide mentorship an... Read More

    Jenn Ahuna

    5Graduate - Course: Full Stack Javascript Full Time Session - Honolulu

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Bootcamp like no other

    Hello review seeker, I just finished DevLeague a couple weeks ago… be prepared for a long but genuine review of Hawaii’s only coding bootcamp. Let me also prefa ... Read More
  24. 41
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    2
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    UCR Extension Boot Camps offer 24-week, part-time web development and cybersecurity courses. The full stack curriculum includes HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery... Read More

    Cesar Infante

    5Applicant - Course: Full Stack Flex - Part-Time - Riverside

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: My Journey

    Hello to everyone reading this! 👋 I came into this bootcamp with very minimal experience in programming I come from being a warehouse lead. I wanted a career ch ... Read More
  25. co.lab-logo

    Co.Lab

    4.73
    41
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    3
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    Co.Lab is an 8-week hands-on, team-based tech training program with individual tracks for Product Managers, Designers, and Developers. Co.Lab students are pl... Read More

    Olamide Williams

    5Graduate - Course: Co.Lab Product Design Bootcamp - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Skill-building Experience

    The three months I spent with my team at Co.Lab as a Product Designer had a significant impact on my career. We worked on a project from start to finish, and I ... Read More

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