Data Analyst
$94,206
avg. annual salary
Full Stack Developer
pays more on average
Full Stack Developer
$101,486
avg. annual salary
Choosing between a career as a Data Analyst or a Full Stack Developer can be challenging, especially when evaluating potential salaries and benefits. Both roles are in high demand and offer competitive pay, but they cater to different skill sets and interests. Data Analysts focus on interpreting data to help organizations make informed decisions, while Full Stack Developers create entire web applications from scratch, working on both the front-end and back-end. Understanding the salary landscape, benefits, and career progression for these roles can help you make a more informed decision about your future. In this article, we will provide an in-depth comparison of the salaries for Data Analysts and Full Stack Developers, along with insights into their respective career paths and opportunities for growth.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (8%)
Salary Overview
As of 2025, the average salary for a Data Analyst is approximately $82,000 per year, while a Full Stack Developer earns around $95,000 annually. The salary range for Data Analysts typically falls between $60,000 and $110,000, depending on experience and location.
In contrast, Full Stack Developers see a range from $70,000 to $130,000. Factors influencing these salaries include educational background, industry, and technical proficiency.
Benefits Comparison
Both Data Analysts and Full Stack Developers enjoy attractive benefits. Common perks include health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible working hours.
Data Analysts may receive additional benefits focusing on professional development, such as access to data analysis tools and training courses. Full Stack Developers often get benefits related to tech bonuses and project incentives, reflecting their contributions to project success.
Career Paths
Data Analysts can progress to roles like Senior Data Analyst, Data Scientist, or Data Engineer, where they interpret increasingly complex data. In contrast, Full Stack Developers have career advancement opportunities such as Lead Developer, Software Architect, or Technical Project Manager, allowing them to manage larger projects and teams.
Job Market Demand
Both Data Analysts and Full Stack Developers are experiencing strong job market demand. According to recent statistics, the demand for Data Analysts is projected to grow by 25% in the next decade, while Full Stack Developers are anticipated to see a 22% increase in job openings.
This high demand contributes to the competitive salaries seen in both positions.
Skills Needed for Each Role
Data Analysts typically need strong analytical skills, proficiency in statistical software, and an understanding of data visualization tools. Full Stack Developers, on the other hand, require knowledge of both front-end and back-end technologies, strong programming skills, and familiarity with databases.
Continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies are crucial for both careers.
Detailed Comparison: Salaries, Skills, and Real-World Examples (2025)
### Salary bands and real examples
- •Early career (0–2 yrs): Data Analyst $55k–$75k; Full Stack Developer $70k–$95k. Example: a junior analyst in Boston = $68k; a junior full stack in Austin = $85k.
- •Mid-career (3–7 yrs): Data Analyst $80k–$110k; Full Stack $100k–$140k. Example: product analytics role at a fintech = $105k; mid full stack at a SaaS startup = $125k.
- •Senior (7+ yrs): Data Analyst $110k–$150k; Full Stack $140k–$200k. Enterprise roles and equity push totals higher.
### Contract/market rates
- •Contractors: Data analysts $50–$120/hr; Full stack devs $60–$150/hr. Demand spikes 10–30% in Q4 for e-commerce and finance.
### Skills that move the needle
- •Data Analyst: SQL + Python + Tableau = typical +10–15% raise; add ML basics = additional 8–12%.
- •Full Stack: React/Node + cloud (AWS/GCP) = typical +15–25% raise.
### Industry effects
- •Finance and healthcare often pay 10–25% above national averages for both roles.
Actionable takeaways:
- •If you want higher base pay, target full stack in tech/finance.
- •To boost analyst pay 12% in 6–9 months: master SQL, Python, and one BI tool.
- •To boost full stack pay 6–9 months: add cloud certification (AWS Associate) and advanced JavaScript.