Full Stack Developer salary VS. UX/UI Designer Salary (Entry-Level)

In the world of software engineering, Full Stack Developers are the jack of all trades. They handle aspects of both front-end and back-end development. Similar to User Experience (UX) Design, Front-End Development encompasses most of what the user sees including visual designs and context. Back-End Developers do the work behind the scenes to build the databases and servers. 

If you are considering becoming a Full Stack Developer, you should know what salary range to expect. It’s worth exploring all of your options under the wide Web Development umbrella before making a decision.

What is Full Stack Development?

Full Stack Developers know every aspect of building a website. This doesn't mean they're single-handedly coding, designing, and building a website or app. Full Stack Developers have enough insight into both front and back-end coding to where they can oversee the process. Almost like an account manager who oversees multiple aspects of a project. 

Full Stack Developers typically work on a team with other developers, UX and UI designers, and IT professionals. They maintain websites, keep users engaged, create code for servers, and create designs.

 The tasks of a Full Stack Developer can include tasks:

• Front-End Code - Full Stack Developers will often work with designers to create front-end code. This includes coding languages like JavaScript, CSS, and  HTML.
• Ensuring webpages are mobile-optimized 
• Back-End Code - I.E creating and maintaining databases and servers using coding languages such as Java, Python, and Ruby
• Coding designs from UX/UI designers - Full Stack Developers work with Design teams to bring their designs to life via code.
• Communicating with analysts -  It's no secret Full Stack Developers regularly work with lots of different people. One of these groups is data analysts. Developers need to be up to date on what's working and what is not working. They get this information from data analysts.
• Staying up-to-date on new technologies - Tech is an ever-growing child that needs to be kept up with by developers. 
  
  

What is User Experience (UX) Design?

UX Design focuses on forming solutions to everyday problems, researching, and testing these solutions. It is concerned with the user-product relationship and creating easy-to-use designs. 

This is one aspect that a Full stack developer would know of, but not be an expert in. UX and UI designers solely focus on the user experience and aesthetic of the website. Then they hand off their designs so that developers can create the code for them.

Check out this article to learn more about the role of User Experience Designers.

Does UX Design or Full Stack Development Have a Better Salary? (entry-level)

Wages depend on the level of experience, location, and company size.  

Entry-level Full Stack Developers have an average salary of $76,287/per yr. 

Entry-level UX Designers have an average salary of $93,913/per yr.

Graduates from Avocademy’s Bootcamp are making an average salary of $85k, ranging from $56k to $155k.

How Does Full Stack Development Compare to UX Design?

Similarities

Full Stack Developers have similar overarching job descriptions if you ignore the technical stuff. Assessing clients' needs to create efficient designs and products is a large part of both these professions. Each of these groups also collaborates with multiple groups and analyzes data to make the best decisions possible. They also share the goal of finding new tech trends.

Differences
Coding is the main difference between the two jobs, but can also be a commonality. Full Stack Developer's job revolves around a lot of coding. As we mentioned earlier, they need to know front and back-end coding. It is beneficial for UX Designers to have basic Front-End coding knowledge such as HTML and CSS, but not a necessity.

Another big difference is the focus UX Designers have on the human experience. UX Design is a profession focused on a human-centered approach to web development. Full Stack Developers focus mostly on building and reviewing websites and apps while holding a slight focus on user experience. 

Which career is right for you depends on your interests, goals, and skills. You deserve to find the perfect career match whether you want to be the decision maker on esthetics or code the base of a website. Avocademy can lead you to develop your skills and find your perfect fit.

Do You Want a Career in Tech?

Our mentors at Avocademy can guide you through the process. Schedule a free mentoring session with a UX designer today!

Author:

Brynn is an aspiring UX designer who loves the beach, cooking, and meeting new people. She loves her avocados on a big salad or in a breakfast burrito.