table of contents
  1. working as a full-stack developer.
  2. types of full-stack developers.
  3. salary as a full-stack developer.
  4. education and further training as a full-stack developer.
  5. positions as a full-stack developer.
  6. positions for career changers as full-stack developers.
  7. career opportunities and development potential as a full-stack developer.
  8. competencies as a full-stack developer.
  9. benefits of working as a full-stack developer at randstad.
  10. application tips for full-stack developer at randstad.
  11. frequently asked questions.

what is a full-stack developer?

In the frontend area, your role as a full-stack developer is to create websites and ensure a great user experience (UX). You design the layout and add visual elements to enhance the website’s usability. Of course, you not only focus on the visual appearance but also make sure the website is compatible with various devices and delivers optimal speed for users.

As a full-stack developer, you are also responsible for creating the backend, which enables users to interact with the website's frontend. Specifically, you develop and optimise the code that communicates with servers, databases, and application programming interfaces (APIs). Therefore, you need to be familiar with backend programming languages and database management.

Most companies also employ you as a full-stack developer to troubleshoot issues in both the front-end and back-end areas. Your versatility and flexibility are crucial for integrating new technologies into web development. Because you can demonstrate how a change impacts the technical aspects of the website as well as explain its implications for web design.

full-stack developer jobs
1

working as a full-stack developer.

If you enjoy programming, you'll find the job as a full-stack developer very enjoyable. Let's take a closer look at what your work will involve.

  • your area of responsibility

    Your specific area of responsibility does depend on your employer. However, typical tasks include:

    • Developing software components and applications: As a full-stack developer, you work with other team members to create a concept for the features of the website or web application. Once you have an idea of how the website should look, you start the programming work. Your job is to structure the system logic and to design the architecture and framework for the development of the website.
    • Integrate new features: As a full-stack developer, you constantly review websites and applications for bugs in the code. Your job also involves integrating new features to enhance the website's functionality. Additionally, you oversee the user interface and optimise response times and user-friendliness.
    • Integrating databases and servers: Websites require databases and servers to process and store data. As a full-stack developer, you are responsible for integrating databases and other components that ensure the website's functionality.
    • Adapting websites to new technologies: As a full-stack developer, you need to keep up with emerging technologies to ensure that both front-end and back-end applications meet the current needs of users. You should also regularly test websites to ensure compatibility across different platforms and compliance with responsive design standards.
    • Inform decision-makers about new technologies and features: Management needs to know when the right time is to adapt the company's website to meet economic requirements. Your task is to prepare relevant proposals and inform management on how to improve the security and performance of the website.

  • who are your colleagues?

    Depending on the company you work for, you collaborate with software engineers, backend developers, and frontend developers. Sometimes, you might also be dealing with web developers, UX designers cloud engineers, project managers, application programmers, and other IT specialists.

2

types of full-stack developers.

As a full-stack developer, you work in these two areas of web development:

  • Frontend development: If you're a full-stack developer responsible for the frontend design, you'll be working on enhancing the website's visual appeal and user experience. Your focus is on the client side, where you apply your creative skills to improve both the look and functionality of the site. Additionally, you'll optimise the website's speed.
  • Backend development: Your role in the backend area of a website involves developing the server-side code responsible for delivering the website and supporting the frontend functions. Specifically, you connect the website to the necessary databases to ensure smooth data exchange between the frontend and backend.
male smiling while sitting behind his desk, computer screens displaying programming code.
male smiling while sitting behind his desk, computer screens displaying programming code.
3

salary as a full-stack developer.

Your salary as a full-stack developer primarily depends on your employer and your expertise. You don't necessarily need a specialised qualification. Even as a career changer, you have good earning potential if you master various programming languages and have programming experience. However, with a degree in computer science or a completed apprenticeship in IT, you can generally expect a higher starting salary. As your experience grows, your pay increases quickly. By continuing your professional development and obtaining certifications throughout your career, you can further improve your earnings.

  • how much do I earn as a full-stack developer in a permanent position?

    According to various Swiss job portals, as a full-stack developer, you can expect an entry-level salary of around CHF 80,000 per year. As a senior full-stack developer, your annual earnings are approximately CHF 125,000. Some companies offer additional benefits to their employees. For instance, many employers make supplementary contributions to the second pillar of pension provision. Others cover the costs of a Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) general subscription (GA) or provide a company car. It is also common to receive bonuses or other financial incentives.

  • in which industry do I earn the most as a full-stack developer?

    You can earn particularly well in the banking and insurance sectors, in IT and telecommunications, and at consulting firms. The size of the company also plays a significant role in determining your income. Larger organisations typically have a more complex online presence than small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Consequently, they are willing to pay their IT specialists more. Thanks to their generally better financial resources, they can afford to do so.

4

education and further training as a full-stack developer.

There are various ways to become a full-stack developer:

  • University or higher technical school: Most full-stack developers have completed a degree in computer science at ETH Zurich, (EPFL) in Lausanne, a university, a university of applied sciences (UAS), or a higher technical school (HTL). The course not only provides you with fundamental programming skills but also the theoretical foundation you need to successfully handle your tasks.
  • Apprenticeship in IT: An alternative to university is an IT apprenticeship specialising in Application Development, which concludes with the Swiss Federal VET Diploma (EFZ). Some cantons in German-speaking Switzerland offer, alongside the traditional vocational training, a full-time school-based programme to become an IT specialist EFZ. After completing the apprenticeship, you have the opportunity to enhance your qualifications by obtaining the Swiss Federal Specialist Certificate (EFA) as an Application Developer. The apprenticeship also provides a solid foundation for further studies at a higher technical college or university of applied sciences.
  • Continuing professional development: As an IT professional or someone switching careers, you can further your training to become a full-stack developer. There are several options available. For instance, you could attend a full-stack developer Bootcamp. This is an intensive course where you learn all the essential fundamentals of both front-end and back-end development. Part-time study is also an option, such as a programme at the Fernfachhochschule (FFHS). They offer a postgraduate course for full-stack developers, which concludes with a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS). Additionally, other postgraduate programmes at universities, universities of applied sciences, or higher technical colleges can enhance your career prospects as a full-stack developer. The same applies to certifications that demonstrate your expertise in specific areas of software development.
5

positions as a full-stack developer.

Jobs as a full-stack developer are mainly found in web development – but not exclusively. As a full-stack developer, you are a generalist. You master all common programming languages and are familiar with both backend and frontend technologies. This makes you highly versatile. For example, you can also develop application programmes, computer games, or smartphone apps. This versatility makes you a sought-after professional. Almost no industry is without companies hiring full-stack developers. You are particularly in demand as a full-stack developer in IT firms, banks, insurance companies, and generally larger organisations that maintain their own IT departments.

But the best way is to see for yourself the wide range of job opportunities for full-stack developers. Just take a look at our current vacancies.

Fingerzeig auf ein digitales Tablet
Fingerzeig auf ein digitales Tablet
6

positions for career changers as full-stack developers.

As a full-stack developer, you need comprehensive IT knowledge and programming skills in all major programming languages. Good job prospects are available with a degree in a computer science-related field such as electrical engineering, engineering, mathematics, or physics. Extensive programming experience also serves as a strong foundation when seeking a career change into a full-stack developer role. It helps if you can showcase a portfolio of your own software projects. Without a solid background in IT, it’s even more important to regularly update your skills in software development and programming techniques.

7

career opportunities and development potential as a full-stack developer.

As a full-stack developer, you possess skills across various areas of web development. This broad expertise enhances your career prospects. For example, you can specialise as a Frontend or Backend Developer. By gaining additional qualifications, you could also become a Software Engineer or lead a development team. Since you are familiar with both frontend and backend work, you have the opportunity to become a project manager for different types of software development projects. Additionally, you could transition into other IT roles, such as a Systems Analyst, System Administrator, or IT Consultant.

8

competencies as a full-stack developer.

The following skills will give your career as a full-stack developer a real boost:

  • Programming skills: As a full-stack developer, you need to have good knowledge of frontend programming languages such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, as well as backend programming languages like Java, PHP, Python, and Ruby.
  • Web architecture: As a full-stack developer, you should have expertise in web architecture and understand the code structure of web applications.
  • Accuracy and diligence: When developing the program code, you must pay attention to every detail. Otherwise, errors will occur and fixing them will take up a lot of your time.
  • Creative thinking: Creativity helps you, among other things, to develop visually appealing websites.
  • Problem-solving skills: Problem-solving skills are essential for debugging. They also help you to overcome unexpected difficulties during the programming phase.
Male looking at a computer screen sitting at a desk
Male looking at a computer screen sitting at a desk
9

benefits of working as a full-stack developer at randstad.

There are many good reasons to work at Randstad as a full-stack developer:

✓ exciting jobs with well-known companies
✓ a reliable point of contact whenever you need one, personalised advice matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ further education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myrandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed-term contract? Often, there’s the opportunity to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many well-known companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.

your training budget as a full-stack developer at randstad.

If you work as a full-stack developer for Randstad, you have access to training courses. As part of the TempTraining programme from swissstaffing, you can attend various training sessions. You will be reimbursed for the course fees later, provided you pass the course exam. Your consultant from Randstad is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can also gain additional language skills or job-specific knowledge—all during your working hours as a full-stack developer.

10

application tips for full-stack developer at randstad.

Have you found your dream job as a full-stack developer? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error-free, and personalised documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to optimise your chances:

  • 1. find a position as a full-stack developer

    Search through Randstad job vacancies. If you can't find a position that’s a perfect fit, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation, or you can create a Randstad profile.

  • 2. applying as a full-stack developer

    The job advert continues: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.  
    Make sure your documents are complete:

    ✓ CV with photo 
    ✓ employment references & diplomas

    You don't have a CV yet, or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a Online Free Template.

  • 3. preparing for a job interview as a full-stack developer

    A good preparation helps you stay calm during the interview for a full-stack developer position. Here are some tips for your interview.

11

frequently asked questions.

Here you will find frequently asked questions and the answers regarding the role of a full-stack developer.

  • what does a full-stack developer do?

    As a full-stack developer, you work in web development. You utilise your expertise in both front-end and back-end to create a seamless user experience.

    Interested? Find out more about working as a full-stack developer.

  • how much do I earn as a full-stack developer?

    The starting salary is 80,000 Swiss francs per year. As a senior full-stack developer, you typically earn around 125,000 Swiss francs. In addition to your salary, you often receive fringe benefits such as bonuses or extra contributions to the second pillar pension scheme.

    Are you looking for a good job as a full-stack developer with a decent salary? Then take a look at our job vacancies.

  • is a full-stack developer a good profession?

    Yes. Your work as a full-stack developer is exciting and you earn well. Aside from that, this profession offers you a wide range of career prospects. Because you are a versatile all-rounder, you can be employed in various areas of software development.

    Are you looking to kickstart your career as a full-stack developer? You’ll find the right position in our job listings.

  • is being a full-stack developer difficult?

    A full-stack developer is a demanding profession. After all, it’s your job to build a website from the ground up. Whether it’s programming or troubleshooting, you’re constantly faced with challenges that push you to your limits. But that’s exactly what makes your work so exciting.

    Would you like to take on the challenge? Set up a job alert here, and we'll notify you as soon as a full-stack developer position becomes available near you.

  • do I need experience to become a full-stack developer?

    Not necessarily. What you mainly need is a broad knowledge of computer science, web architecture, and programming. You can gain this, for example, through a computer science degree at a university or a technical college, or at a higher education college. An apprenticeship in IT with a focus on application development is also a good foundation for a job as a full-stack developer. Additionally, you can improve your career prospects by furthering your education in the field of full-stack development.

    Would you like to gain some experience? You can find the right job as a full-stack developer in our job listings.

  • what requirements do I need to meet to become a full-stack developer?

    As a full-stack developer, you need excellent programming skills, solid expertise in web development and web design, and a strong understanding of computer science. Additionally, precision and a high level of problem-solving ability will help you tackle challenging tasks.

    Would you like to learn more about the requirements for working as a full-stack developer? Then read on here.

  • how do I apply for a vacancy as a full-stack developer?

    Applying for a job as a full-stack developer is quite straightforward: simply create a Randstad profile and browse our job listings for available positions nearby. Then, send us your CV and a cover letter.

    Need help with your application? Then take a look at our application tips.

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