Full Stack Developer vs Data Scientist: Which is better?

Full Stack Developer vs Data Scientist: Which is better? - Artoon solutions
13 min read

Introduction

Are you trying to decide between becoming a Full Stack Developer vs Data Scientist? Both roles are in high demand, but each offers unique opportunities, skill sets, and career growth paths. 

The tech industry is booming, and professionals in these fields enjoy rewarding careers. But how do you choose between Data Science or Full Stack development? This article will break down the key differences in skills, job responsibilities, and salaries to help you make an informed decision.

With tech jobs growing by 11% between 2021 and 2031, the demand for skilled professionals in both Full Stack data science continues to rise.

Let’s dive into what sets these two roles apart and which career might be the better fit for you!

Who is a Full Stack Developer?

A Full Stack Developer is a skilled programmer who handles both the front end and back end of web applications. They manage everything from designing the user interface (UI) to handling databases and server configurations. A full-stack developer must know multiple programming languages and frameworks to work across the entire development cycle.

Full-stack developers are highly proficient in developing end-to-end applications. Their diverse skill set is crucial for handling web development, mobile app creation, and even some aspects of system administration.

Skills Required:

  • Front-end Technologies: CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and frameworks including Angular or React js development.
  • Back-end Technologies: Node.js, Python, Ruby, PHP, or Java.
  • Database Management: SQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL.
  • DevOps and Cloud Technologies: AWS, Docker, Kubernetes.

When deciding between full stack vs frontend vs backend developer, it’s essential to understand the unique roles and skill sets each position requires in the software development process.


Read more: Top 10 Tools and Frameworks for Full Stack Development

Who is a Data Scientist?

Data Scientists, on the other hand, focus on extracting insights from large data sets. They apply statistical techniques, machine learning algorithms, and data analysis methods to help businesses make data-driven decisions. Data scientists often work closely with business analysts, data engineers, and software developers.

Skills Required:

  • Programming Languages: Python, R, and sometimes Java or Scala.
  • Statistical Analysis: Proficiency in statistics, probability, and data mining.
  • Machine Learning: It includes algorithms such as decision trees, clustering methods and neural networks.
  • Big Data Technologies: Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases.

Full Stack Developer vs Data Scientist: Top Skill Required

Skill Required Full Stack Developer Data Scientist
Programming Languages HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, PHP Python, R, Java, Scala
Front-End Development React, Angular, Vue.js Not required
Back-End Development Node.js, Django, Flask, Spring Not required
Database Management SQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL SQL, NoSQL, Hadoop
DevOps & Cloud Technologies AWS, Docker, Kubernetes Not a primary skill
Machine Learning Not required Decision Trees, Neural Networks, Clustering, Regression
Big Data Technologies Not required Hadoop, Spark, NoSQL Databases
Statistical Analysis Not required Probability, Data Mining, Statistical Models
Data Visualization Basic (for front-end work) Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau
Core Focus Building full-stack web and mobile applications Analyzing large data sets and applying machine learning
Mathematical & Analytical Skills Basic understanding of algorithms and data structures Strong mathematical, statistical, and analytical skills
End-to-End Development Full responsibility for UI, business logic, and databases Focuses on data insights and building models

Confused between Full-Stack Developer vs. Software Engineer? Check out the complete information to make an informed decision.

Full Stack Developer vs Data Scientist: Key Differences and Career Growth

Career Growth:

Full Stack Developer Roles Data Science Roles
Full-Stack Developer Senior Data Analyst
Junior Developer Data Analyst
Front-End Developer Junior Data Scientist
Back-End Developer Data Scientist
iOS Developer Senior Data Scientist
UI Developer Data Systems Developer
Data Engineer DataOps Engineer
Database Analyst Business Intelligence Developer
UX Developer Machine Learning Engineer
DevOps Engineer Data Systems Analyst
Technical Product Manager

Let’s compare Full Stack Developer vs Data Scientist in detail

1. Data Scientist vs Full Stack Developer: Certification

Certifications can play a crucial role in advancing careers for Data Scientists and Full-Stack Developers. While formal education remains important, many professionals rely on certifications to enhance their knowledge and stand out in the job market.

Data Scientist Certifications 

Data science certifications are highly valued in the tech world, especially for professionals transitioning from other domains. Suppose you’re looking to deepen your expertise in machine learning and data analytics. In that case, the data scientist profession can be perfect for you. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

  • IBM Data Science Professional Certificate – One of the most popular programs, completed by over 100,000 learners. This course covers Python, SQL, and machine learning techniques.
  • Google Professional Data Engineer – Known for helping professionals deploy machine learning models and manage scalable data pipelines. Professionals with this certification earn an average of $132,000 annually.
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) – Focuses on analytics processes and is highly regarded for mid-career professionals. According to a study, CAP-certified professionals see up to a 20% salary increase.

Full Stack Developer Certifications

For Full Stack Developers, certification programs help in mastering various front-end and back-end technologies. These certifications ensure a solid understanding of web development, databases, and frameworks:

  • Full Stack Web Developer by Udacity – This course teaches both front-end (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and back-end (Node.js, Flask) skills. Graduates report an average starting salary of $95,000.
  • AWS Certified Developer – Associate – Focuses on cloud computing, a valuable skill for full-stack developers. Certified professionals earn between $110,000 and $130,000 annually.
  • Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE – Aimed at developers looking to strengthen their Java skills, essential for back-end development.

Both full stack developer data scientists benefit from certifications, but in general, Data Scientists often seek certifications focused on analytics, machine learning, and statistical models, while Full Stack Developers target web technologies and cloud platforms.

2. Full Stack Developer vs Data Scientist: Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for becoming a Full Stack Developer vs Data Scientist can vary based on education, experience, and skill set.

Data Scientist Eligibility

  • Educational Background: Most data scientists hold at least a bachelor’s degree in fields like Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering. According to a survey by Burtch Works, 88% of Data Scientists have a master’s degree, and 46% hold a Ph.D.
  • Work Experience: Data Scientists typically need 2-4 years of experience in roles related to data analytics, machine learning, or software development.
  • Technical Skills: Strong programming skills in Python or R, proficiency in SQL, and knowledge of statistical methods are essential. Familiarity with machine learning libraries like TensorFlow and Scikit-learn is also critical.

Full Stack Developer Eligibility

  • Educational Background: While many full-stack developers have a degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering, a formal degree isn’t always required. Coding boot camps have become a popular alternative, with many developers learning through programs like General Assembly or Flatiron School.
  • Work Experience: Full Stack Developers typically need 1-3 years of experience, especially in web development roles.
  • Technical Skills: A diverse skill set is crucial, covering both front-end and back-end technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, and databases such as SQL or MongoDB.

In terms of eligibility, Data Scientists often have a more specialized academic background, while Full-Stack Developers can enter the workforce with more flexible learning paths, including coding boot camps.

3. Full Stack or Data Science: Industries

Although their focus areas differ, Data Engineer vs Full Stack developer can get roles across various industries.

Industries for Data Scientists

  • Technology and IT: With the rise of big data, AI, and machine learning, tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook actively hire data scientists to build predictive models and improve user experience.
  • Healthcare: The healthcare industry has seen a 33% increase in demand for data scientists to manage patient data and improve health outcomes through analytics.
  • Finance: Financial institutions use data scientists to build fraud detection systems and predictive analytics models. According to LinkedIn, finance-related roles account for 16% of data scientist job postings.
  • Retail and E-commerce: Companies like Walmart and Amazon use data science to personalize shopping experiences. The retail sector is expected to increase data scientist roles by 20% by 2025.

Industries for Full Stack Developers

  • Technology and StartupsFull stack development company in USA  often need versatile developers who can handle both front-end and back-end tasks, making full-stack developers invaluable.
  • E-commerce: The global e-commerce market is expected to reach $5.55 trillion by 2027, so full-stack developers are needed to build seamless shopping platforms.
  • Finance: Banks and financial institutions hire full-stack developers to build secure online platforms for transactions and customer management.
  • Media and Entertainment: Full-stack developers build dynamic websites and apps for streaming services, news platforms, and social media companies.

While both roles are in demand across several industries, Data Scientists tend to dominate fields driven by data analytics. At the same time, Full Stack Developers thrive in web and app development.

4. Data Scientist vs Full Stack Developer: Career Prospects

Both Data Scientists and Full Stack Developers enjoy strong career prospects, but their paths may lead to different types of roles.

Career Growth for Data Scientists:

  • Junior Data Scientist: Entry-level position that focuses on fundamental data analysis and reporting. The average salary is around $90,000.
  • Mid-Level Data Scientist: More experience and responsibilities in machine learning, data modeling, and business strategy. Salaries range from $110,000 to $135,000.
  • Senior Data Scientist: They Lead complex projects, manage teams, and drive business decisions with data. Senior-level data scientists can earn up to $160,000 annually.
  • Chief Data Officer (CDO): Responsible for an organization’s entire data strategy, with salaries reaching over $200,000.

Career Growth for Full Stack Developers:

  • Junior Full Stack Developer: The Company hire Full Stack developers to handle both front-end and back-end tasks, focusing on learning diverse technologies. Salaries typically start at $75,000.
  • Mid-Level Full Stack Developer: Full Stack developer companies hire Developers with 3-5 years of experience who build complex web and mobile apps. Salaries range from $100,000 to $125,000.
  • Senior Full Stack Developer: Leads full development teams and handles architecture design, earning around $145,000.
  • CTO (Chief Technology Officer): Leads the technology strategy of an organization, with potential earnings of $180,000 or more.

5. Data Scientist vs Full Stack Developer: Job Market Overview

The job market for Data Scientists and Full-Stack Developers remains robust, and each role is projected to grow rapidly over the coming years.

  • Data Science Job Market: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 36% growth in data science roles by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing demand for machine learning and AI applications across industries fuels this rise.
  • Full Stack Developer Job Market: Software development jobs are expected to grow by 23% by 2031. The need for full-stack developers is particularly strong in startups, tech companies, and enterprises that require versatile development expertise.

6. Data Scientist vs Full Stack Developer: Salary Range

Salaries are an important consideration when choosing between becoming a Data Scientist or Full Stack Developer. Both roles offer competitive compensation, but Data Scientists typically earn slightly more.

Role Average Salary (2024) Top Earners Salary (2024)
Full Stack Developer $108,000 $145,000
Data Scientist $120,000 $160,000

While full stack developer and data science can earn similar starting salaries, Data Scientists often have a higher earning ceiling due to the specialized nature of their work. 

Additionally, as data science continues to grow in importance, companies are willing to invest heavily in skilled professionals, particularly in industries like finance, healthcare, and AI.

Are you confused about choosing between Full Stack developer vs Web Developer? Check out our detailed blog post for complete information.

Full Stack Developer vs Data Scientist: Which Is the Better Career Option?

Deciding between a career as a Full Stack Developer or a Data Scientist depends on your skills and interests:

  • Full Stack Developer 

Full-stack development is ideal for those who enjoy building websites and applications. They work with both front-end and back-end technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and databases. With growing demand across industries, full-stack developers earn between $75,000 and $145,000 annually, depending on experience.

  • Data Scientist

It is best suited for those who excel in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling. Data scientists work with large datasets and predictive models, earning between $90,000 and $160,000 annually, with high demand in sectors like finance, healthcare, and AI.

Both careers offer strong job prospects, but the right choice depends on whether you prefer versatile web development or deep data analytics.

Final words

Ultimately, whether you choose to become a Full Stack Developer or a Data Scientist depends on your interests and strengths. Full Stack Developers are in high demand for web and mobile app development. At the same time, data scientists are essential to data-driven decision-making. Both roles offer competitive salaries, strong job prospects, and plenty of opportunities for growth!

Visit the website of Artoon Solution to read such informative blog posts and stay updated!

FAQs

1. Who earns more, Full Stack Developer or Data Scientist?

Data Scientists generally earn more, with salaries ranging from $90,000 to $160,000, while Full Stack Developers earn between $75,000 and $145,000.

2. Should I go for Full Stack or data science?

Choose based on your interests! Full Stack Development is ideal if you enjoy building web applications. At the same time, Data Science suits those interested in data analytics and machine learning.

3. Is a Developer better than a Data Scientist?

Both are in-demand careers with different skill sets. Full Stack Developers focus on web/app development, while Data Scientists specialize in data-driven insights.

4. Can I switch from Full Stack Developer to Data Scientist?

Yes, it’s possible with the right skills. To make the transition, you’ll need to learn data science fundamentals like machine learning, statistics, and data analytics.

5. Can I become a Full Stack Data Scientist?

Yes, hybrid roles like “Full Stack Data Scientist” are emerging, combining skills from both fields.

 

artoon-solutions-logo

Artoon Solutions

Artoon Solutions is a technology company that specializes in providing a wide range of IT services, including web and mobile app development, game development, and web application development. They offer custom software solutions to clients across various industries and are known for their expertise in technologies such as React.js, Angular, Node.js, and others. The company focuses on delivering high-quality, innovative solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of their clients.

arrow-img WhatsApp Icon