Back End & Front End Developer Salary Trends In 2021 [Market Research]

According to LinkedIn’s list of the most in-demand jobs for 2021, software engineers are among the most coveted professionals this year.

So the salient question arises: Is software development a lucrative career path? With this in mind, our team has performed in-depth research designed to uncover an average front end developer salary by country. We have also collected the data on the median back end developer salary in 2021.

The geographical coverage includes such locations as the United States, Canada, and Ukraine, as well as other European hubs, Canada, and Australia.

Our data builds on both global and local job boards and employer review sites, including Glassdoor, Payscale, and Talent.com.

Back end & Front-end developer salary in the US 

The United States has always been at the forefront of the digital revolution. Therefore, the local technology sector is vast with A-list IT giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Google establishing their leadership. 

Traditionally, the United States job market boasts the highest front end web developer salary among all countries. Experience-wise, the average junior front end developer salary in the US ranges between $60,932 and $68,150 a year. However, this number differs greatly by location. For example, the front end developer salary in San Francisco can reach up to $115,766 per year. The median front end developer salary in Seattle is also high with an average of $115,766.  

The mid level front end developer salary increases with mid-level engineers earning between $84,166 and $105,000. The average senior front end web developer salary tops the list and reaches up to $130,000, according to Glassdoor. 

An average back end developer salary stays on a similar level. Thus, the US offers a median junior back end developer salary of $57,500 to $78,052. Middle back end developer salary surges up to $90,000, while the average senior back end developer salary lies in the range of $90,824 to $145,092. 

Front end vs back end developer salary also varies greatly by state. Normally, it depends on how close you are to Silicon Valley or another major tech hub.

The front end web developer salary in San Francisco is higher than average with coders getting between $113,308 and $198,153 per year. The median junior front end developer salary in San Francisco is the lowest, while experienced specialists can expect to charge a heftier wage. In 2021, in Seattle, the average front-end developer salary equals $89,720 to $130,360 a year. This is close to the median number, yet higher than in other locations.

Texas and North Carolina are among the modest-paid states in regard to a yearly front end developer salary. Thus, front end engineers can expect to make around $68,903 and $70,318, respectively. In particular, the data by Payscale suggests that a medium front end developer salary in Dallas is $68,903 per year. Front-end coders based in Raleigh can expect to get around $70,318 per year. 

If we’re talking about the average back end web developer salary nationwide, the tendency remains. California has also been crowned the most well-paid location with a median of $165,254- $179,088. Thus, a traditional back-end developer salary in San Jose ranges between $136,177 and $162,935. 

As for the other states, a standard back end developer salary is the closest to the medium of $78,808. In Charlotte, North Carolina, back-end specialists make around $89,560 per year. The Texas number is slightly higher with a median back end web developer salary of $80,047-$124,371. 

All totaled, California heads the list of the most salaried jobs both in the front – and the back-end niche. Seattle, Washington follows with its higher-than-average wages. North Carolina and Texas come in last, yet contribute to the ever-high front end vs back end developer salary compared to other locations. 

The highest paying front end developer skills in the US  

Front-end engineers come in different flavors, each having its unique tech stack. However, not all technologies are compensated equally.

According to PayScale, the average front end developer salary differs greatly based on the need for a specific skill:

• React.js programmers in the United States price their services at around $82,000 per year. This number makes them one of the most well-paid front-end developers. 
• JavaScript coders come next with $74,000 per year.   
• The median front-end developer salary of specialists majoring in CSS and HTML5 equals $70,000. 

Front-end developer salary in Europe 

Let’s now get relocated to Europe and the local front end vs back end developer salary. 

Here we analyze 14 countries in different regions to identify main front end vs back end developer salary trends. Thus, our comparison includes such tech destinations as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and France as well as Germany, Ireland, and Luxembourg. We’ll also gauge the rates in the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.

(Average front end developer salary in Europe)

(Average back end developer salary in Europe)

 Salary of a Front-End Developer in the UK 

In the United Kingdom, the average front end developer salary reaches up to $58,333. More than $74,000 is offered to back-end specialists by country. 

The median jr front end developer salary lies in the range of $33,691-$39,000. The regular mid level front end developer salary is closer to the nationwide standard and reaches $58,000 per year. On the other side, the average senior front end developer salary is above the median and equals $72,610-$78,000.

If we’re talking about server-side technologies, the average back end developer salary is substantially higher than the front-end one. Thus, UK-based engineers competent in the back end make around $72,817 to $75,388 per year. 

Benelux region 

Benelux region countries also partake in stimulating European tech progress. All of their economies are innovation-driven, hence the medium front end vs back end developer salary keeps the bar quite high.

Luxembourg

On average, the front-end web developer salary in Luxemburg falls within the range of $50,680-$58,582. The median entry level front end web developer salary starts at $40,832 per year for junior programmers, while the local senior front end web developer salary reaches $81,327. Mid-level specialists are ranked in the middle with the annual wage of $62,207.

As for the back-end skills, Salary Explorer claims that the average back end developer salary in Luxemburg is around $76,419 per year. On the contrary, Salary Expert reports a much higher number of $107,097 per year. Payscale demonstrates the lowest number with the national average of $53,950 per year.

 Belgium 

A person working as a front end developer in Belgium usually makes up to $77,541 per year. Salaries range from $34,172 (junior front end developer salary) to $60,133 (senior front end developer salary). Mid-level specialists’ income goes in between with a median of $46,449.

The national back end web developer salary is close to the numbers mentioned above. Thus, a back-end programmer can price one’s services up to $87,813.

 The Netherlands

The Netherlands completes the list of Benelux countries. The nationwide standard in salaries keeps up with nearby IT hubs. An average salary of a junior-level front-end developer in the Netherlands is $35,684. But if you have extensive experience, you can charge $57,763-$84,000 for yearly services. Mid level front end developer salary traditionally takes the middle position with a medium of $62,845.

 Backend development is priced higher with a minimum of $63,525 for entry level and a maximum of $85,189 for established specialists.

Technology evolves quickly and in-demand IT skills rotate as well. Here’s how some of the most coveted skills for front end development are paid in the region:

• CSS development skills are evaluated at $55,000 in 2021.
• Profound knowledge of HTML5 yields around $54,000 a year.
• The median salary of a JS expert equals $59,000 per year.
• React.js developers make slightly less and are paid around $57,000 annually.

Nordic Region

In 2021, Nordic tech companies are chipping into the bustling tech ecosystem. Prompted by their financially supportive governments and forward-thinking societies, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are also the breeding ground for front-end and backend development.

Denmark

Out of the three, Denmark has the highest front end developer salary with a median of $65,986. The front end developer salary on entry level is modest with the annual numbers of $35,000-$58,018. The mid-level experience is valued at $66,000, while senior engineers earn around $85,621 per year.

The seniority level impacts the amount of back end remuneration as well. The highest back end web developer salary belongs to senior specialists with a median of $104,617. Entry-level engineers get the lowest wage of $87,168. 

 Finland 

Compared to other Nordic regions, Finland occupies a middle position with a median front-end web developer salary of $51,834. In particular, the nationwide jr front end developer salary equals the maximum of $50,682, whereas the average front-end developer salary for mid-level grows up to $56,576. The highest wage is set for the most experienced coders and reaches the maximum of $77,000.

Surprisingly, the average back end developer salary appears to be lower than that of the front-end specialists. Thus, the typical back-end developer salary in 2021 is $52,258. The amount of skills and knowledge is also the main deciding factor for the size of a yearly remuneration. 

For example, the average junior back end developer salary in Finland is $39,656, while mid-level coders raise their rates to $44,546 per year. 

 Sweden

A person providing front-end services in Sweden typically earns around $51,834 per year. Salaries vary from $46,051 (lowest) to $59,667 (highest). Junior front end developer salary starts from $37,299 and reaches the peak of $50,682. The average mid- and senior front end developer salaries are traditionally higher with the medium of $56,576 and $69,065 respectively.

If we compare the average front end vs back end developer salary, the former compares favorably to the server-side niche. The regular back-end developer salary is set at $52,258, whereas the average entry level back end developer salary starts at $39,097.

DACH Region

For the DACH region, the tech sector is also deemed an income generator for the local economy. Hence, German-speaking Europe is also considered to be a hotbed of digital transformation.

Switzerland

The local front-end web developer salary is akin to that of the United States. The typical yearly wage for a front-end programmer reaches a staggering $109,033 with the ever-high minimum of $93,667. Even the median entry level front end developer salary matches the performance of industry leaders – $64,648. The nationwide standard for the senior front end developer salary ranges from $127,000 to $138,695.

At the same time, the difference between front end vs back end developer salary is quite significant. The medium entry level back end developer salary starts at $72,859, whereas senior-level coders make around $129,304 per year.

Austria

According to Glassdoor, the average front end developer salary in Austria amounts to $60,703. As usual, the seniority factor is the main difference-maker. The median front end web developer salary by country lies in the range of $33,950-$49,068. The local front end developer salary for middle level increases to $52,000, while the lead front end developer salary grows up to $69,000 per year.

Germany

The national average front-end developer salary is $61,574 per year in Germany. Therefore, the local salary standards comply with the regional paying tendency. If grouped by experience, the medium junior front end developer salary is $51,375, while the front-end web developer salary for mid experts equals $60,646. The established size of the senior front end web developer salary amounts to the maximum of $79,054.

The local entry level back end developer salary is higher and grows up to $64,846 per year. At the same time, the average senior back end developer salary is the highest and equals $80,353.

Salary of a Front-End Developer in Ireland

The estimated front-end developer salary in Ireland is reported to be as much as $48,466, according to Payscale. Entry level positions start at $31,319 per year while most seasoned professionals make up to $75,762. Programmers with more than two years of experience can earn up to $56,725 per year.

Numbers grow when it comes to the average back end developer salary. Fledgling back-end coders can expect to make up to $58,143, whereas senior services are valued at an annual of $101,188. 

 Salary of a Front-End Developer in Ukraine

In Ukraine, an early career front end developer earns an average total compensation of $9,012 to $27,000. The medium front end web developer salary for a more experienced candidate is raised up to $36,000. Established developers price their services at $66,000 per year. In toto, we get a medium number of $27,666 as the average front-end web developer salary by country.

Comparing front end vs back end developer salary, the cleft is quite small. Thus, the average offered salary for back-end developers is $25,800. Yearly wages also vary drastically based on the number of years. An entry level coder makes from $8,400 to $22,560, while a lead back-end specialist gets a raise up to $67,920. 

Front-end developer salary in Australia 

In Australia, the overall tendency for compensation resembles European regions. In total, the average front-end web developer salary varies from $57,455 to $89,544 based on the seniority level and location. 

Hence, the estimated entry level front end developer salary is below average and ranges from $44,224 to $48,502. Mid-level developer salaries in Australia are around average for the eyed locations and equal $67,620-$67,934. The calculated senior front end developer salary is commonly higher and reaches the number of $97,006.

As for the location factor, it directly influences the payment amount. Melbourne and Sydney prove to be the most well-paid tech hubs with the medium front end web developer salary of $85,728 and $86,666, respectively. According to the researched resources, Perth shows wide variations in the amount of pay. Thus, the average front-end developer salary in the region starts at $45,610 and can reach $109,000. Brisbane offers the golden mean of $61,065 to $83,000.

The average back end web developer salary by country is higher as usual and lies in the range of $67,735 to $89,571. Sydney and Melbourne are high up the list with the median back end web developer salary of $84,138 and $99,104, respectively.  

Front-end developer salary in Canada

The average front-end developer salary in Canada, according to Glassdoor, Payscale, and Talent.com ranges between $49,336 and $66,120 a year. The jr front end developer salary has the lowest number and reaches the maximum of $40,381. The most experienced workers make up to $80,024 per year, while mid-level workers earn an average of $58,719.

According to Glassdoor, Ottawa heads the list and offers the medium front end developer salary of $61,828. Toronto comes next with a bit lower amount of $57,751. Kitchener-Waterloo and Vancouver are also close to the average and pay $54,117 and $51,812 to local developers. Montreal closes the list with its $49,525 per year.

The nationwide back end developer salary is up to the global mark. Thus, back-end coders can expect to get an average of $99,944 per year. As for the geographical factor, all locations are at similar levels with Ottawa paying the maximum of $61,828. 

Front-end developer salary in Israel

The average salary in Israel’s high-tech sector stands at five figures. There, front-end engineers get the annual remuneration of $58,761 to $74,139. Seasoned developers are valued higher with a median salary of $101,095, whereas entry-level specialists can expect to make the maximum of $44,114.

The average back end developer salary is typically larger and grows up to $91,663. Thereby, if you have 5+ years of experience, you can earn as much as $111,206 per year. 

High-paying developer skills

Overall, front-end programmers with expertise in JavaScript are the best-paid in their field, according to PayScale. The main reason for a big paycheck is JavaScript’s compatibility with Node.js for back-end. Since the JS runtime environment comes with APIs fit for server-side software development, it makes the whole development process more seamless.  

Besides Node.js, such back-end technologies as PHP, Python, and Git also increase the prospects of higher back-end developer salaries. 

Summary

Over the last few years, front- and back-end technologies have demonstrated resilient popularity. Therefore, the demand for programmers skilled in both fields is ever-growing in 2021. 

According to our research, the US, Canada, and the UK have the highest salary among studied locations. The DACH and Benelux regions as well as Israeli come next, yet still setting the bar high. Similarly, the Netherlands and Australia also prove to be among the well-paid tech locations. 

Ukraine presents cost-effective hiring opportunities with the most affordable annual compensation. However, the average number can vary greatly depending on experience and local regions. 

We realize how hard it is to find the optimum price-value ratio. That is why our dedicated team of developers compile comprehensive front-end and back-end solutions matched with your industry and budget.