August 26, 2024 
With just a few months to go before 2024 winds down, we can see the tech industry evolving at breakneck speed, and so is the job market. For recent computer science graduates (bootcamp or college), this means the advent of exciting opportunities– and perhaps, a bit of uncertainty.
Today’s blog will explore the top job roles in full-stack development in 2024. We’ll also talk about the required skills. Ultimately, we have a shared guide for coding newbies to land their first job in full-stack development!
Top 5 Jobs for Full Stack Developers in 2024
1. Full Stack Web Developer
A Full Stack Developer is one of the most versatile and in-demand roles in the tech industry. You are expected to be able to work with various programming languages and frameworks.
You’ll start as junior developers, mastering frontend technologies like React, Angular, or Vue.js and backend frameworks like Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails.
With experience, you can move into senior developer roles, lead developer positions, or transition into architecture roles designing complex systems.
In Europe, Full Stack Developers can expect to earn between €50,000 and €75,000 annually, depending on experience and location. In tech hubs like Berlin, London, and Amsterdam, salaries can reach up to €85,000. In Spain, the salary range is slightly lower, around €40,000 to €65,000 per year.
In the US, Full Stack Developers are in high demand, with a 16% projected growth rate for web-development-related jobs in this decade and average salaries between $90,000 to $120,000.
Source: CareerFoundry
2. Mobile App Developer
With the increasing reliance on mobile technology, this role is highly sought after across various industries, including e-commerce, healthcare, and finance.
As a Mobile App Developer, you will work with platforms like iOS and Android, using languages such as Swift, Kotlin, and Flutter.
You might start your career focusing on iOS or Android development, but with experience, you can become proficient in both, allowing you to develop cross-platform applications.
You’ll often work closely with UI/UX designers to create seamless, intuitive user experiences. And that’s always fun!
In Europe, mobile app developers earn between €45,000 and €70,000 annually, with top salaries in cities like London and Berlin reaching €80,000 or more. The typical salary range in Spain is €35,000 to €55,000 per year.
In the US, salaries are generally higher, with developers earning between $85,000 and $120,000 annually and senior roles reaching up to $140,000.
Sources: Glassdoor
3. DevOps Engineer
A DevOps Engineer bridges the gap between development and operations, ensuring that software is developed, tested, and released efficiently and reliably.
This role is vital in environments where continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices are essential. You’ll work with various tools and technologies, including Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, and AWS.
DevOps roles focus on automating workflows, managing infrastructure as code, and monitoring applications to ensure they run smoothly in production.
The career path for a DevOps Engineer can lead to senior engineering roles, DevOps management, or even Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), where the focus is on maintaining the reliability and performance of large-scale systems.
In Europe, DevOps Engineers can expect to earn between €55,000 and €85,000 annually, with top salaries in tech hubs like Berlin and Amsterdam reaching €95,000. In Spain, the salary range is typically €45,000 to €70,000 per year. DevOps Engineers can expect to earn salaries ranging from $100,000 to $140,000, with senior roles often earning more.
Sources: Web3.Career
4. API Developer
APIs are the backbone of modern web and mobile applications, allowing businesses to integrate services, share data, and create seamless user experiences.
As an API Developer, you will work with RESTful APIs, GraphQL, and other technologies to create robust and scalable interfaces.
You’ll often collaborate with front-end developers, mobile app developers, and third-party service providers to ensure that APIs are well-documented, secure, and efficient.
The role requires a strong understanding of backend development, with commonly used languages like Python, Node.js, and Java.
In Europe, API Developers earn between €50,000 and €80,000 annually, with top salaries in cities like London and Amsterdam reaching €90,000 or more. In Spain, the salary range is typically €40,000 to €65,000 per year. In the US, API Developers are well-compensated, with salaries ranging from $95,000 to $130,000.
Sources: Glassdoor
5. E-commerce Developer
An e-commerce developer focuses on creating and maintaining online shopping platforms, making this role crucial for any business operating in the digital retail space.
E-com devs typically work with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento and custom-built solutions using languages like PHP, JavaScript, and Ruby.
Career progression for an E-commerce Developer can lead to roles such as E-commerce Manager, where you oversee the entire online sales operation, or specialised positions in areas like conversion rate optimization and digital marketing.
In Europe, E-commerce Developers can expect to earn between €45,000 and €75,000 annually, with higher salaries in major e-commerce hubs like London, Paris, and Berlin reaching €85,000. The typical salary range in Spain is €35,000 to €60,000 per year. The demand for E-commerce Developers is strong in the US, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $115,000.
What Employers Are Looking For in 2024: The Full Stack Skill Set
Let me quickly run you through the full-stack skill set to better understand the basic requirements for common full-stack job roles. The beauty (and challenge) of full-stack development is its breadth.
Employers mostly seek those with a broad understanding of the entire development stack. That, coupled with a few specialisations or deep expertise in certain areas, could make you REALLY stand out.
1. Frontend Skills
The “frontend” is the UI of your web page. Start with the basics – HTML5, CSS3- and learn design principles (UI/UX). Move to responsive design and learn to work with media queries, flexbox and CSS grids.
- HTML5, CSS3 (along with frameworks like tailwind and bootstrap)
- JavaScript (ES6+)
- At least one modern framework– React, Vue, or Angular.
- Responsive Design
- Accessible Development (Compliance with the Web Accessibility Policy)
2. Backend Skills
The objective for a backend developer is to maximise performance to ensure a smooth user experience. You need a good knowledge of server-side languages and experience working with databases.
3. Database Management
Here, you need good experience with relational and non-relational databases:
- MySQL
- PostgreSQL
- MongoDB
- Cassandra
4. API Development and Version Control
You need to be able to create and integrate RESTful/GraphQL APIs and web services and maintain proper documentation using Swagger or Postman.
Git is essential for tracking changes in an active project. Proficiency in Git and understanding of collaborative development workflows is a must for full-stack developers.
How to land your first full-stack developer job in 2024?
If you’re a fresher graduate, landing your first developer job can feel daunting. Don’t worry– I have got you covered.
1. Build a strong portfolio.
In practical careers like this one, showing is often more powerful than only telling. Create a portfolio to showcase your diverse skill set across the full stack.
You MUST include open-source contributions, personal projects, internship experiences, and any freelance work you may have done.
Contributing to open-source projects is a great way to gain real-world experience, and companies are well aware of this.
That said, take care of your GitHub profile, like your resume. Keep it organised, contribute often, and showcase the best of your work.
2. Network, network, network.
This might be cliché, but that doesn’t make it less important. Some simple ways to network include attending tech meetups (virtual or in-person) and participating in events such as hackathons.
3. Prepare for the interviews.
To prepare for technical interviews, practice coding challenges over common platforms like Leetcode and HackerRank. You should be ready to explain your thought process as you solve those problems.
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas easily and clearly. Also, show enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new technologies.
FAQs Our Students often Ask
1. Will AI & Automation impact full-stack developer roles in 2024?
AI & Automation are going to impact full-stack developer roles in the coming years, but it might not be in the way you think. These tools are enhancing developers’ capabilities, not replacing them (as of yet!).
You should be expecting to see the integration of AI in various development processes– assisted coding, automated testing & intelligent debugging are some examples.
2. How long does it take to learn full-stack development?
If you’re starting from scratch, it can take 6 months to 2 years to gain the skills needed to land an entry-level full-stack developer role. The time to learn full-stack developments can vary widely depending on your background and how intensively you can study.
3. Is freelancing a viable option for Full Stack Developers?
Freelancing is an excellent option for full-stack developers, especially in 2024. The rise of remote work has opened up a global market for freelance developers. As a Full Stack Developer, you have the advantage of being able to take on entire projects single-handedly, which can be very attractive to clients.
MIN READ