The Full Cost of Hiring a Dedicated Full Stack Developer in 2024
Published On April 26th, 2024 Engineering
If you’re in the tech industry, then chances are you already know the significance of full stack developers.
Data says there are 28.7 million software developers globally as of 2024.
In reality, the USA alone is home to more than four million software developers.
And, full stack developers represent a huge bite of this developer population — a commonplace assumption says at least 25% of all developers are full stack developers.
But, why are they so essential?
What makes them very precious in the IT industry?
What are the blessings of hiring a full stack developer?
Should you hire full stack builders?
If yes, at what cost?
How much does it cost to hire full stack developers?
Let’s find solutions to these kinds of questions within the next few minutes.
Table of Contents
Who is a Full Stack Developer?
A full stack developer is someone who knows how to work in both front-end and back-end development. They have experience in all aspects of application development. They have extensive experience with languages, frameworks, and data centers on the front-end and back-end.
This knowledge helps them build both client-side and server-side components. For example, a full stack designer might use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end development. However, it can choose to use technologies like Node.js, Express.js, and MongoDB for some jobs in the backend. This means that they can build full stack web apps, like e-commerce platforms, SaaS products, social media platforms, and so on.
Key Benefits of Hiring Full Stack Developers
Hiring full stack developers offers multiple benefits to companies, especially to those companies that are short on resources. Let’s see what are the benefits they bring to the table.
1. Versatility in Skillset
Full stack builders possess capabilities across both front-end and back-end development. It allows them to work on various factors of a venture without counting on one developer or specialist. This versatility allows for greater flexibility in task assignments and adaptation to converting project requirements, ultimately leading to faster improvement cycles and smoother assignment execution.
2. Better Efficiency
By having a complete understanding of the complete stack, full stack developers can streamline the development process. They can seamlessly transition between special tasks and technology, putting off bottlenecks and reducing dependencies on other team members. This performance translates to faster project delivery and optimized aid usage. It means maximized productivity and minimized time-to-market.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
Hiring a full stack developer can be cost-effective. It is especially so when compared to assembling a team of specialists for front-end and back-end development. Because, in full stack you only need a single developer who can handle multiple roles, acquire, train, and add companies to maintain separate teams. Additionally, the ability to perform end-to-end development reduces the need for external resources or contractors, further reducing project costs.
4. Improved Communication
Full stack developers have a holistic approach to the development process that makes way for better communication and coordination within the team. Gaps between front-end and back-end teams are effectively bridged from time to time. It ensures the alignment of objectives, priorities, and technical resources. This collaborative, all-encompassing workflow leads to greater efficiency, fewer misunderstandings, and faster problem-solving, increasing project-wide coherence and teamwork.
5. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
Full stack developers are usually good at tackling challenges across the entire development spectrum — right from user interface design to database optimization. They can approach problems from multiple angles and devise innovative solutions while also taking both front-end and back-end needs into consideration. This holistic problem-solving approach resolves issues quickly and involves continuous learning and skill development.
6. Easier Maintenance and Scalability
Full-stack developers manage both front-end and back-end components. It optimizes both application maintenance and scaling. They understand the complexity of the entire codebase, making it easier to quickly identify and address issues. Additionally, their knowledge of architecture and design options ensures that scalability considerations are incorporated into the development process from the beginning. It greatly reduces future complexities and enables seamless expansion as the application grows further.
7. Extensive Knowledge
Full-stack developers have a very broad understanding of various programming languages, frameworks, and technologies. This deep knowledge is what is needed for informed decisions about technology stack choices, architecture, and implementation strategies. Moreover, participatory tools and processes provide rich insights. So they can build high-quality, robust solutions that meet both functional and non-functional needs.
8. Faster Project Deployment
By combining front-end and back-end development skills, full stack developers can provide for faster deployment of web applications. They can independently handle the entire development lifecycle, from prototyping and coding to testing and deployment, without waiting for handover between teams. This streamlined approach reduces development iterations and deployment latency, and provides fast time to market and ensures that the product reaches users quickly.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Hiring a Full-Stack Developer
The cost of hiring full stack developers depends on various factors and it differs from region to region. Let’s discuss them here.
1. Experience and Skills of Software Developers
The cost of hiring a full-stack developer varies depending on the experience and skill set they possess. Highly skilled full stack command developers with more than 8 years of experience obviously command higher wages or hourly rates. Because they have the depth of knowledge and ability to handle complex tasks with minimal supervision. The value of inexperienced developers may be difficult as they may require additional training and supervision.
2. Depending on Location
Developer rates can vary significantly depending on their geographical location. Developers in big technology hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City obviously demand hefty salaries due to the higher cost of living and massive demand for their skills. On the other hand, hiring developers from lower-cost-of-living regions like the Indian subcontinent or Latin America or outsourcing offshore development teams can give you big cost savings while also maintaining quality.
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3. Complexity and Scope of the Project
The complexity and scope of the project directly and obviously will affect the overall cost of hiring a dedicated full stack developer. For example, more complex projects need advanced technical skills or the integration of multiple systems. This will need a full stack with specialized skills, resulting in higher costs. But apart from that, larger projects with broader products and higher development timelines need a big investment into full stack developer resources.
4. Company Size and Reputation
An established full stack development company with a strong reputation in the industry will likely attract top talent. But they will also have to give competitive salaries to woo and retain skilled full stack developers. Startups or small businesses may have to offer equity or other incentives in addition to salary to attract talent, potentially affecting overall recruitment costs.
Additionally, companies with a reputation for good quality work environments and companies that give growth opportunities can also attract low-cost full stack web developer hires.
5. Desired Features
The specific features and functions required for a project can affect the cost of hiring a full-service developer. Projects that require advanced features or special integrations will require developers with niche skills or experience, resulting in higher costs. Conversely, projects with simple requirements and straightforward requirements can be completed more efficiently — because they can be handled by normal full stack developers with a generalist skill set.
6. Assistance and Social Security Nets
In addition to the salaries paid to the full stack developer, assistance and social security may incur additional costs — benefits, insurance, and legal protection. Offering some other competitive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities can help businesses attract and retain the top full stack talents. But, it will also increase overall recruitment costs. Furthermore, companies may have to incur additional costs — intellectual property protection, confidentiality agreements, and liability insurance to protect their interests during the development process.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Full-stack Developers in 2024?
In 2024, the cost of hiring full stack developers greatly differs and it depends on so many factors. For instance, there’s a difference between hiring a full stack developer from New York (which may cost you at least $141,049) and Boston — where hiring a full stacker can cost you $115,000 per year. We can understand this premium is mainly because of the high cost of living in NYC compared to Boston.
Years of experience is another factor that massively influences the cost to hire dedicated full stack developers in 2024.
For example, a full stack engineer with 6 years of experience can expect an average salary of about $120,000 per year. On the other hand, someone with less than a year of experience might be asking at least $81,910 on average.
Furthermore, gender differences also play their parts in salary disparities. An average female Full Stack developer earns $140,403 per year in the United States. However, their male counterparts earn about $137,793 ($3000 less than females).
So, we have summarized the average cost of hiring full stack developers across different countries in the table below. (All data sourced from Glassdoor).
Furthermore, gender differences also play their part in salary disparities. An average female Full Stack developer earns $140,403 per year in the United States. However, their male counterparts earn about $137,793 ($3000 less than females).
So, we have summarized the average cost of hiring full stack developers across different countries in the table below. (All data sourced from Glassdoor).
| Country | Average Cost of Hiring Full Stack Developer (Per Year) | |
| Minimum ($) | Maximum ($) | |
| United States | $73K | $100K |
| United Kingdom (London) | £30K | £70K |
| Australia | AUD 89K | AUD 125K |
| Brazil | BRL 10K | BRL 29K |
| Europe | €117K | €129K |
| Canada | $80K | $120K |
| UAE | AED 9.5K /Month | AED 39K/Month |
| India | $5,800 (480K INR) | $12,900 (1100K INR) |
As you can see, the cost of hiring full stack developers can vary greatly based on a variety of factors — geography, years of experience, gender, in-house expertise, and, of course, the demands of the project.
Why Choose CONTUS Tech to Hire Full Stack Developers For Your Project?
You see, hiring the best company for full stack developers can be tricky. It is fiercely competitive and demanding given the peak demand for these professionals in the job market.
However, with CONTUS Tech, it doesn’t have to be.
At CONTUS Tech, over the past decade-plus, we have always, almost, consistently delivered mission-critical and time-sensitive full stack projects to hundreds of businesses. We have an elite, closely-knit team of 300+ full stack developers (from the top 1%) and outsourced them to businesses in40+ countries across 5 continents.
Our clientele includes some of the big names in the industry including numerous Fortune 500 firms like ICICI Bank, Hyundai, Tata, Daimler Trucks, Coca-Cola, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and many others (you can check our case studies to learn more about the same).
We take pride in our ability to uphold the same values and deliver the same level of excellence for your project too.
Reach Out to Us to Hire Experienced, Time Zone-matched Full Stack Developers Within the Next 48 hours. We Have an Amazing Sales Team Who are Operating Across Major Time Zones.
Lokesh Kumar is a seasoned professional with a decade of experience in SaaS product development. Passionate about innovation and technology trends, Lokesh thrives on bringing cutting-edge solutions to market.
Great blog!!! Its a super helpful content if you’re thinking about hiring a full stack developer. It breaks down all the costs involved so you know what to expect. Really saved me some headache!
I had no idea about the differences between hiring a dedicated full stack developer and a freelancer until I read this blog. Now I see why having a dedicated person can be worth the extra cost in the long run.
I’m so glad this blog talked about negotiating with full stack developers. It’s something I’ve been nervous about, but now I feel more confident going into those conversations.
The case studies were a nice touch. Seeing how other businesses benefited from hiring full stack developers helped me understand the real value they bring to a project.
I’m in the middle of hiring a full stack developer, and you gave me a clear idea of what to consider through this blog. Loved how they explained different pricing options and how to negotiate. Super practical!
The cost-benefit analysis section was super helpful. It made me think about the bigger picture and how hiring a full stack developer could impact my project in the long term.