Table of content
- Introduction
- What is a full-stack engineer?
- Demand & future outlook
- What does a full-stack engineer do?
- Average salary for full-stack engineers
- Full-stack engineer job example
- Key skills for full-stack engineers
- Helpful certifications
- Career paths for full-stack engineers
- How to become a full-stack engineer
- Is full-stack engineering right for you?
- Pros & cons
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Explore full-stack engineer positions
You’ve probably seen the term “full-stack engineer” pop up in job listings or tech conversations. But what does it actually mean? In this article, we’ll break down what a full-stack engineer does, the skills you’ll need, typical responsibilities, salary expectations, and where this career path can take you.
What is a full-stack engineer?
A full-stack engineer is a developer capable of handling both frontend (the user-facing side) and backend (server-side operations) tasks. This broad skill set allows them to work across the entire technology stack, from designing intuitive user interfaces to building the underlying server infrastructure. While many companies have specialized roles for frontend and backend developers, full-stack engineers can manage all these responsibilities, making them especially valuable in smaller teams or startups.
Whether they’re working solo on small projects or collaborating with others on larger initiatives, full-stack engineers are adaptable and able to work in multiple areas of development.
Full-stack engineer vs. system engineer
While both full-stack and system engineers play important roles in software development, their focus areas differ. System engineers are typically responsible for the higher-level design, planning, and management of systems but don't always work directly on coding. Their role is more about overseeing the project and ensuring everything works smoothly.
In contrast, full-stack engineers are deeply involved in both the frontend and backend development process. They might not focus on project management but are hands-on with creating, testing, and deploying applications, making them the backbone of development teams.
Demand & future outlook
With an increasing shortage of IT professionals, full-stack engineers are in high demand. Their ability to manage both frontend and backend processes makes them especially valuable in startups and small companies, where resources are limited, and efficiency is crucial.
As technology evolves, full-stack engineers will be expected to specialize in specific areas. However, the need for versatile engineers who can manage multiple roles will continue to rise. In fact, the more specialized skills a full-stack engineer acquires, the more competitive they become in the job market.
What does a full-stack engineer do?
Full-stack engineers manage a wide range of tasks, including:
1. Frontend development
This is the part of the website or app that users interact with directly. Full-stack engineers use languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create interfaces that are both functional and user-friendly.
2. Backend development
On the backend, full-stack engineers work with databases, servers, and application logic. They ensure that user inputs are processed correctly, data is stored securely, and the system runs smoothly.
3. App development
Full-stack engineers also develop web and mobile applications. Depending on the platform, they may use languages like JavaScript for web apps or Swift and Kotlin for mobile applications.
4. Infrastructure & maintenance
They also handle the infrastructure behind the application, managing servers and cloud resources to ensure everything runs smoothly. This often includes deploying applications to production environments and maintaining security and performance.
Average salary for full-stack engineers
Check the latest salaries on Salary Guide
Full-stack engineers are well-compensated for their broad skill set. According to Robert Half data, full-stack engineers in Japan typically earn between ¥6.5M–¥10.5M annually. Salaries can vary based on experience, skills, and certifications.
Here’s a comparison with other tech roles:
Role
| Entry level
| Mid level
| Senior level
|
Backend engineer
| ¥5.3M
| ¥8.3M
| ¥12.5M
|
Cloud engineer
| ¥6.3M
| ¥8.3M
| ¥12.5M
|
DevOps engineer
| ¥7.5M
| ¥9.5M
| ¥12.5M
|
Engineering manager
| ¥9.5M
| ¥12.5M
| ¥14.5M
|
Frontend engineer
| ¥6.5M
| ¥8.5M
| ¥10.5M
|
Position
| Software Engineer
|
Salary
| ¥8M–¥11M
|
Responsibilities
| Design and develop both frontend and backend architecture
Build functional applications and manage databases
Perform testing and debugging
Ensure software security and performance
|
Requirements
| - 3+ years of experience, JLPT N2 or higher
Tech stack:
Languages: Java, Kotlin, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, C#
Frameworks: Spring, Vue/Nuxt.js, .NET
Cloud: AWS, GCP, Azure
|
Location
| Tokyo
|
Key skills for full-stack engineers
Full-stack engineers must be proficient in a wide range of programming languages and frameworks. Here are some of the key skills required:
Programming & frameworks
Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (React, Vue.js)
Backend: Java, Python, Ruby (Django, Spring Boot)
App development: Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), JavaScript (Web apps)
Middleware & OS knowledge
A solid understanding of operating systems (Linux, Windows) and middleware (like MySQL or Apache) is crucial for handling the infrastructure that supports applications.
Cloud infrastructure
Familiarity with cloud services such as AWS, GCP, and Azure is important for managing virtual servers, storage, and databases.
Helpful certifications
Some certifications that can boost a full-stack engineer’s career include:
IT strategist: A national exam in Japan focused on IT strategy and business alignment.
System architect: Focuses on high-level system design and planning.
Database specialist: Useful for engineers who work with databases, covering everything from design to management.
These certifications are valuable for engineers looking to advance to roles such as IT consultants or CTOs.
Career paths for full-stack engineers
With their broad skill set, full-stack engineers have many career options:
Technical roles: Cloud engineer, IT specialist
Management roles: Project leader, product manager
Executive roles: CTO, IT architect
Freelance/consultant: Offering full-stack services independently
The flexibility of their skill set allows full-stack engineers to explore a variety of career paths in tech.
How to become a full-stack engineer
Becoming a full-stack engineer requires a combination of education, practical experience, and continuous learning. Here's a roadmap:
Start with the basics: Learn programming languages and essential IT concepts.
Gain practical experience: Work on real-world projects to build your skills.
Expand your knowledge: Master both frontend and backend technologies.
Specialize: Once you’re comfortable, focus on a specific area (e.g., cloud infrastructure, security, etc.).
Is full-stack engineering right for you?
Full-stack engineering is ideal for individuals who:
Are interested in multiple areas of development
Enjoy continuous learning and problem-solving
Are self-motivated and able to work independently
It’s a dynamic and challenging role, perfect for those who love tackling a variety of tasks and adapting to new technologies.
Pros & cons
Like any career path, being a full-stack engineer comes with both advantages and challenges. Understanding these can help you decide if this role aligns with your goals and working style.
Pros:
High demand in the job market
Ability to work on a wide range of projects
Flexibility and autonomy in your work
Cons:
Can be overwhelming due to the wide range of skills required
Specialization may be harder to achieve
Continuous learning is a must
FAQs
How long does it take to become a full-stack engineer?
It typically takes 3–5 years, depending on your prior experience and learning pace.
Why do some say full-stack engineers are "not needed"?
Some argue that full-stack engineers may lack deep expertise in any one area. However, their versatility is an asset, especially in smaller teams or startups.
Conclusion
Submit your resume
Full-stack engineers are essential in today’s tech industry, providing the versatility and adaptability needed for both frontend and backend development. With strong job prospects and potential for career growth, becoming a full-stack engineer can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Interested in a tech career? Robert Half specializes in placing IT professionals in global companies. Submit your resume today and start your journey toward a new career.
