Whether you are just starting a development career or already on the journey, every software developer has had to navigate the stack selection dilemma: Frontend or Backend.
Expectedly, salary plays a major role in making the decision. Developers are always on the lookout for the highest rewarding specialization.
If you are contemplating which stack has the higher salary, here is a guide on Frontend and Backend Developer salaries across Africa.
What is Frontend development?
Frontend web development is also known as client-side development. It is the part of a webpage or application that users see and interact with. It comprises visual interfaces, graphics, pictures, links, formatting, and the entire User Experience.
Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Javascript is a core requirement for Frontend Developers. However, complex effects and interactions require skills such as React and Angular, which are highly valued in the industry.
What is Backend development?
Backend Development is also referred to as server-side development. It is the part of web development that drives behind-the-scene activities that users see and interact with. It comprises databases, scripting, and web architecture.
Backend Developer skills include PHP, Java, Python, .NET framework, MySQL, Oracle, Nginx, Apache, to mention a few.
Average Frontend Developer salary across Africa
Nigeria/ source: Payscale
Egypt/ source: Payscale
Kenya/ source: Payscale
South Africa/ source: Payscale
As you know, a Frontend Developer’s salary also depends on the level of experience. In South Africa for example:
- An entry-level Developer salary is around R178,000 per year;
- An early-career Frontend Developer salary is around R256,000 per year;
- A mid-career Developer (5-9 years of experience) receives around $366,000;
- And an experienced Frontend Developer (10-19 years) earns around $413,000 annually on average.
Average Backend Developer salary across Africa
Nigeria/ source: Payscale
Egypt/ source: Payscale
Kenya/ source: Payscale
South Africa/ source: Payscale
Backend Developer salaries depend on the level of experience as well. In Kenya:
- An entry-level Backend Developer salary is around KES472,000 per year;
- An early-career Backend Developer salary is around KES570,000 per year;
- A mid-career Backend Developer (5-9 years of experience) receives around KES551,000 per year.
Summary
To conclude, the question when comparing Frontend and Backend Developer salaries is if Backend Development pays more.
According to the data, Backend engineers earn slightly more than their Frontend counterparts in South Africa and Egypt while there is a significant gap in Nigeria. However, the reverse is the case in Kenya.
It is safe to assume that a pattern suggests that Backend software developers earn a bit more.
Ustacky offers both Frontend Developer and Backend Developer Microdegree programs that set you on the journey towards a lucrative Software Engineering career.