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Discussion on: How would you define a Full Stack Developer and what role do they play in the company?

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lewismenelaws profile image
Lewis Menelaws

If you don't mind me asking, what's the pay like in comparison to more focused dev work? Not looking for specifics just an idea of comparison.

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jfrankcarr profile image
Frank Carr

In general, it's about the same so far as the corporate IT market goes. (I'm too old and uncool to be allowed to work for an actual tech company.)

Some specializations do command higher compensation due to their rarity in the market. This is usually a temporary situation since often the expertise becomes more common (for example: Angular, React) or that particular language/tool falls out of favor (Delphi, Powerbuilder). The specializations I've seen with longevity are ones with limited access to training and usage and that have a tight lock on corporate IT and finance organizations, such a SAP or IBM Websphere.

Listings for higher than average pay full stack positions may indicate a company looking for someone to dump a huge, probably impractical, workload onto. The position may be open because the previous developer burned out. They may also be looking for someone who can fulfill more of an architect or team lead role than an actual hands-on developer.

The best full stack jobs are those where you can be a utility player, bringing value across the board by being able to work well in any role. While you may not be the expert, you are able to get up to speed quickly and either augment the expert or fill the role sufficiently.