Full Stack Developer Salary in Essen (2026)
Full stack developers in Essen earn €44,000–€83,000 per year, with a median of €60,000. Full stack roles are common at smaller industrial IoT companies, logistics tech, and energy sector startups where engineers need to work across the entire stack. At larger companies like ThyssenKrupp, frontend and backend are typically separated but some teams hire full stack.
Key Facts
- Full stack developers earn €44K–€83K/year in Essen, median €60K
- Industrial IoT companies value full stack for end-to-end feature ownership
- Logistics tech and energy startups offer full stack opportunities
- React + TypeScript + Java/Node.js is the standard stack
- Industrial domain knowledge and IoT protocols (MQTT, OPC-UA) add value
Salary by Experience Level
- Junior (0–2 years): €34,000–€44,000
- Mid-level (3–5 years): €48,000–€66,000
- Senior (6+ years): €66,000–€83,000
Where Full Stack Thrives in Essen
Industrial IoT companies employ full stack developers for connected equipment features, predictive maintenance platforms, and industrial dashboards. Smaller teams value engineers who can own features end-to-end. Stack: React + TypeScript (frontend), Node.js or Java (backend), PostgreSQL, MQTT/OPC-UA. Mid-level full stack earn €48K–€63K.
Logistics tech companies hire full stack developers for warehouse management features and supply chain visibility tools.
Energy sector startups hire full stack for renewable integration tools and distributed energy platforms.
University of Duisburg-Essen spin-offs hire full stack for research commercialization.
The Essen Full Stack Stack
React + TypeScript (frontend) with Java or Node.js (backend) is most common. PostgreSQL or TimescaleDB (time-series data). AWS or Azure (cloud). Industrial protocols (MQTT, OPC-UA) for IoT roles. Full stack developers at large companies lean toward Java backend for consistency.
Full Stack vs. Specialized
In Essen, specialized backend engineers with industrial IoT expertise often earn slightly more than full stack at large companies. At smaller companies and startups, full stack versatility is more valued. Industrial domain knowledge is critical regardless.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
Build depth in both frontend and backend. React + TypeScript are essential. For backend, Java opens more doors in Essen industrial companies than Node.js. Add industrial IoT skills (MQTT, OPC-UA) if targeting ThyssenKrupp or GEA. Full stack is ideal for startups, smaller industrial IoT companies, and energy sector innovators. Consider specializing (backend + IoT or frontend + data viz) if targeting large industrial employers for long-term career depth.
Full Stack Developer Insights — Essen
Full Stack Developer salaries in Essen range from €44,000 to €83,000, a 65% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of €60,000 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
Essen's cost of living index of 68/100 represents moderate living costs. At a median salary of €60,000, full stack developer professionals here enjoy solid purchasing power relative to higher-cost tech hubs.
The hiring landscape for full stack developer in Essen is anchored by employers like ThyssenKrupp, RWE, and E.ON, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for full stack developer in Essen centers around expertise in React, Node.js, TypeScript, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the €83,000 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Software Engineer or Frontend Developer.
Related Roles in Essen
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | Essen | €48,000 - €88,000 | €65,000 |
| Senior DevOps Engineer | Essen | €66,000 - €98,000 | €77,000 |
| Data Scientist | Essen | €46,000 - €95,000 | €64,000 |
| Data Analyst | Essen | €36,000 - €66,000 | €48,000 |
| Senior Data Analyst | Essen | €56,000 - €80,000 | €64,000 |
| Backend Developer |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average full stack developer salary in Essen?
Full stack developers earn €44,000–€83,000 per year, with median around €60,000. Junior roles start at €34,000–€44,000, mid-level pays €48,000–€66,000, and senior full stack developers earn €66,000–€83,000.
What tech stack should I learn for full stack roles in Essen?
React + TypeScript (frontend) with Java or Node.js (backend) is most versatile. Add PostgreSQL (database), AWS or Azure (cloud), and industrial protocols (MQTT, OPC-UA) for IoT roles. Java backend opens more doors at ThyssenKrupp, RWE, and large industrial companies. Node.js is more common at startups and smaller tech companies. Data visualization skills (D3.js) valuable for industrial dashboards.
How does industrial IoT full stack differ from typical startup full stack?
Industrial IoT operates at operational scale (thousands of industrial facilities worldwide) with business-critical importance (production never stops). More structure, testing rigor, industrial safety requirements, and integration complexity (OT systems, industrial protocols) than early-stage startups. Better work-life balance and stability, but more constraints. Understanding industrial environments required.
Should I specialize or stay full stack in Essen?
Depends on company size and career goals. Large companies (ThyssenKrupp, RWE) separate frontend/backend and value specialization (especially backend + industrial IoT). Smaller companies, startups, and spin-offs value full stack versatility. Specializing in backend with industrial IoT opens higher-paying roles. Full stack is better for flexibility and smaller companies. Industrial domain knowledge critical either way.
What is the career path for full stack developers in Essen?
Junior (€34K–€44K) → Mid (€48K–€66K) → Senior (€66K–€83K) → Lead Full Stack / Tech Lead (€73K–€92K) → Engineering Manager (€78K–€102K). Alternative: specialize in industrial backend (€44K–€83K) or frontend with data viz (€41K–€80K) for deeper expertise. Moving companies every 2-3 years adds 15-20%. Can also target Düsseldorf (30 min) for more variety.
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