Full Stack Developer Salary Singapore And
6 Things To Jumpstart Your Career

In this digital age where consumers and businesses alike rely on Information Technology (IT), an IT career is becoming more and more lucrative.

 

Many career opportunities are opening by the minute. The demand for full stack developers in Singapore and worldwide is simply growing.

 

The full stack developer salary in Singapore is one of the most competitive jobs in the market, with a person poised to earn an average of 7,630 SGD monthly.

 

If you've long been dreaming of a career as a full stack developer, this is your chance to strike while the iron is hot.

 

In this guide, we'll cover a full stack developer's salary and what it takes for you to get hired in your dream role. Let's get started.

 

1. Full Stack Developer Salary In Singapore

 

Before we get down to the nitty-gritty of a full stack developer, let's first start discussing finances.

 

A full stack developer in Singapore earns an average of 91,600 SGD yearly, at a monthly average of 7,630 SGD. The highest average salary is 11,900 SGD, while the lowest is 3,740 SGD.

 

Full stack developers earn their keep depending on experience and location. The monthly salary average in Singapore also already includes housing, transport, and other benefits.

 

2. Full Stack Developer Salary Comparison By Experience

 

Experience level is critical in determining a full stack developer's salary. Generally, the longer you've been in the industry, the higher pay you can expect to receive.

 

But there's no shame in starting anew. Even with less than two years of experience, there's still quite a handful of junior full stack developer positions ripe for the taking. Entry-level full stack developers can live comfortably, even with a low salary range.

 

Here's a quick breakdown of how much a full stack developer in Singapore earns, depending on years of experience:

 

  • Less than 2 years - Around 3,740 SGD monthly
  • 2 to 5 years - Around 4,862 SGD or 30% more than someone with less than 2 years of experience
  • 5 to 10 years - Around 6,806 SGD or 40% more than someone with 2 to 5 years of experience
  • 10 to 15 years - Around 8,507.5 SGD or 25% more than someone with 5 to 10 years of experience
  • 15 to 20 years - 9,187.5 SGD, or 8% more than someone with 10 to 15 years of experience
  • 20 years and above - 9,922.5 SGD, or 8% more than someone with 15 to 20 years of experience

 

*Note: These values were collated from Salary Explorer, which is a salary comparison and career resources portal.

 

3. Full Stack Developer Vs Other Careers

 

Want to know how the salary of a full stack developer compares to other jobs? A full stack developer generally earns 1% less than programmers on average. Full stack developers also make 9% less compared to the other careers in the IT industry.

 

However, remember these figures are meant to give you an overall picture of a career as a developer. They do not reflect individual salary packages offered by other organizations.

 

Ultimately, your salary as a full stack developer depends on factors such as:

 

  • Employer
  • Job description
  • Performance
  • Credentials
  • Experience
  • Skills
  • Location

 

4. What Is A Full Stack Developer?

 

As a newcomer in the full stack developer job market, understanding the basics of the role is crucial. Full stack developers are IT-savvy professionals who are pretty much the jack of all trades.

 

Full stack developers assist in the different stages of development for both front end and back end technologies. The back end refers to databases, servers, and internal systems that allow an application to run. Consumers or end-users never interact with the back end directly.

 

Back end developers are essentially programmers that create and refine a company's internal architecture. Architecture can cover databases, servers, proprietary software, etc. Back end developers see that users can receive and deliver information as users interact with the front end.

 

Meanwhile, front end development refers to everything the consumer visualizes, touches, and interacts with. For example, front end development ensures a website has a friendly User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI).

 

Front end developers are responsible for optimizing and developing what the users see on a website. They ensure it's responsive on different platforms, like desktops, smartphones, and tablets. These developers specialize in client-side programming languages like JavaScript, HTML, Python, PHP, and CSS.

 

With these definitions, it's clear why full stack developers are versatile. They are well versed in both disciplines and can handle all aspects of website or app building and designing.

 

5. What Does A Full Stack Developer Do?

 

Full stack developers need to be proficient and knowledgeable in various coding languages. Organizations tend to hire teams of developers to run network equipment, manage large databases, and even work with virtual machines.

 

Full stack developers must be ready to assist whenever they're needed and can have the following responsibilities:

 

Below is a brief roadmap as you start your Java developer career:

 

  • Debug and test software
  • Optimize software
  • Write code for the back end and front end
  • Build servers and databases for the back end
  • Assist in software development and design
  • Collaborate with web graphic designers to create new features
  • Ensure security and scalability when developing apps and software
  • Create user interactions on web applications
  • Develop API (Application Programming Interface) and REST (Representational State Transfer) API services

 

6. Educational Background Of A Full Stack Developer

 

It's recommended for aspiring full stack developers to finish four-year degree programs. Stack Overflow's 2020 Developers Study reported approximately 75% of worldwide professional developers had at least a bachelor's degree.

 

In the same survey, 62% of professional full stack developers that studied at the university level have a degree in:

 

  • Computer Science
  • Computer Engineering
  • Software Engineering

 

Less than 10% of those who write code and work professionally as full stack developers said they took up another engineering degree. Some of them also finished with a degree in business, humanities, fine arts, or the social sciences.

 

Here are the other undergraduate majors of full stack developer professionals:

 

  • Civil, mechanical, electrical engineering, etc - 9.3%
  • Information technology, information systems, systems administration - 8%
  • Natural sciences (biology, physics, chemistry, etc.) - 4.3%
  • Mathematics or statistics - 3.6%
  • Web development or web design - 3.5%
  • Health sciences (pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, physical therapist, etc.) - 0.5%

 

7. Key Skills Required To Become A Full Stack Developer

 

Much of a full stack developer's job roles and responsibilities rely on their technical knowledge and expertise. It's crucial to hone these specialized skills to beef up your resume and become more employable:

 

  • Front end programming languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Swift, Angular, jQuery, ReactJS, LESS, etc.)
  • Back end programming languages (C#, Golang, Java, PHP, SQL, Ruby, etc.)
  • Version control systems such as Git and GitHub
  • APIs (REST, RPC, SOAP)
  • Web graphic design
  • Visual communication
  • Database language (MySQL, SQLite, JSON, NoSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, MongoDB)
  • Background in handling Linux, Apache, or nginx servers

 

Other Skills For A Full Stack Developer

 

  • Can write unit tests. A full stack developer must be able to validate each unit of code to ensure they work as expected.
  • Must have a proficient understanding of processes for building, testing, documenting, and deploying large scale
  • Knowledge of data structures and algorithms

 

8. How To Become A Full Stack Developer

 

While it is possible to work as a full stack developer without formal knowledge, many employers prefer candidates who are qualified in programming and software development.

 

Aside from completing a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, full stack developers must be consistently learning. You can learn various full stack development skills by reading books, watching online tutorials, attending workshops, and consuming related media.

 

But if you want to formalize your skills and get hired by the top IT service providers, it's advisable to do the following:

 

  • Secure the relevant certification
  • Consider an internship
  • Enhance your skill set
  • Build your portfolio

 

Secure The Relevant Certification

 

There are a variety of free and paid full stack developer courses you can take to bolster your skills. Make sure you earn your certification from reputable institutions. There are tons of companies offering courses online. You need only find the ones which fit your preferences.

 

You can earn a full stack developer certifications from courses like:

 

 

Consider An Internship

 

As you're studying, you'll also want to consider an internship. Many companies offer full stack developer internships that can help you learn different skills and trades.

 

You can work on live projects alongside other junior and senior full stack web developers. Be part of the entire development stage for both front end and back-end aspects.

 

During an internship, you'll also get to work with qualified mentors who can provide helpful advice to improve your skills. Your mentor will also be guiding you throughout the entire live project.

 

Aim for three or more months of the internship. Within this time, you'll be exposed to a range of assignments that challenge you as a full stack developer. This is your chance to put your skills to the test.

 

We recommend you secure a certificate from the organization where you earned your internship. Include this certificate of completion in your resume and attract the attention of the top hiring recruiters in full stack development.

 

Enhance Your Skills Set

 

Web development is an ever-changing industry. As an aspiring full stack developer, you must constantly invest in learning and improvement.

 

Staying ahead of the race is key. If you genuinely want to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack, enhance your skills as a full stack developer. Here are a couple of tips to get you started:

 

Practice Coding

 

Make a habit of writing code every day or whenever you can. Practice makes perfect, and you essentially become a better full stack developer by writing code.

 

You don't need to have breakthroughs every single day, nor do you have to build new projects all the time. The idea is to refine your skills through repetition.

 

Contribute To Open Source Projects

 

Contributing to open source projects is incredibly rewarding and can give you a sense of fulfilment. Additionally, open source projects are a way for you to establish your name in the industry. Take this chance to build professional connections and advance your career.

 

You can work on an existing project and create your own version. Or, you can be instrumental in the project's success through debugging and fixing errors.

 

Whichever you choose, both are great options that help you understand the ins and outs of coding. You'll also learn new strategies you can use as a full stack web developer in the future.

 

Learn A New Skill

 

With a plethora of full stack development tutorials on the internet, you won't run out of opportunities to learn new skills. As we've established, web development and coding are ever-changing. You must always be on the go.

 

Learn something new every day by taking a course on a new programming language. Or you could experiment with new strategies.

 

For instance, you could try developing a new mobile app for private use. Watch tutorials or practice tips offered by your fellow web developers. Expose yourself to new technologies, languages, and APIs.

 

Build Your Portfolio

 

How else can you showcase your work than through a portfolio? Go beyond updating your LinkedIn profile. Try your hand out at developing a personal website from the ground up.

 

Coding an intuitive and equally impressive website represents your full stack developer skills. It's a culmination of your technical skills and everything you've learned.

 

The adage goes: "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." This is precisely why your portfolio should be striking from the get-go.

 

Use a catchy landing page that clearly states who you are and what you do. Discuss your working process, mention any setbacks, challenges, and how you resolve them.

 

Did you know most employers spend just six seconds reading your resume? That's not a lot of time, but it is enough for you to strut your stuff as a full stack web developer.

 

Be selective with the work you display on your website. Your work must reflect your expertise in web development. It also won't hurt to add a personal touch.

 

9. Full Stack Developer Interview Questions

 

So you've submitted your resume and received a response from a recruiter. The ball is in your hands. All that's left to do is prepare yourself for the multiple interviews awaiting you.

 

Here are a few frequently asked questions in a full stack developer job interview. Set aside time to answer them and practice as if it's the real deal:

 

  • How do you learn about new industry trends?
  • What technologies and languages do you need to build a project from scratch?
  • What is Pair Programming
  • What is multithreading?
  • What is the difference between GraphQL and REST?
  • What are the differences between abstract and interface?
  • What is RESTful API?
  • What is resetting and normalizing CSS?
  • List the differences between server-side and client-side scripting.
  • Provide strategies for improving website loading time and performance.

 

Apply Now And Become A Full Stack Developer With Luxoft!

 

Working as a full stack developer can be incredibly rewarding as it is challenging. It's no wonder many job seekers are looking to cash in on the billion-dollar web development industry.

 

What are you waiting for? Now's the time to start your career as a full stack developer with Luxoft! Be part of the world's leading software development services and IT solutions provider.

 

Click here to view our career openings or get in touch with us now via email (luxoftcareers-sg@dxc.com) for more information.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Java Developer Job Description

 

How Much Does A Senior Full Stack Developer Make?

 

The national average in Singapore for a senior full stack developer is 7,000 SGD per month or around 94,000 SGD annually.

 

What Is An Entry Level Full Stack Developer Salary In Singapore?

 

An entry-level full stack developer (1-3 years of experience) can earn roughly between 3,740 and 6,330 SGD.

 

How Long Will It Take To Be A Full Stack Developer?

 

As long as you're motivated and take the time to learn and build your skills, you can become a full stack web developer in 3 to 6 months.

 

Is It Difficult To Become A Full Stack Web Developer?

 

All professions take time and dedication to master. Becoming a full stack web developer is equally challenging. It involves learning back end and front end technologies and other complex languages.

 

Should I Become A Full Stack Developer Or A Data Scientist?

 

Full stack web developer and data scientist skills may intersect, but the professional strengths are vastly different.

 

Data scientists tend to work for short periods to get results. Meanwhile, full stack developers need more time to launch websites, as it may involve complex rewriting, recoding, debugging, etc.