How to Become a Full Stack Developer in Minnesota

Full stack development is the new frontier in the website coding world. In the past, coders commonly specialized in one of two things: development of front-end (client-side) software or development of back-end (server-side) software. However, today’s full stack developers combine these two critical skill sets into one coding repertoire.

Coders who can tackle both client- and server-side tasks can enhance the web development process in numerous ways. For example, these versatile specialists make it easier for development teams to work together cohesively. In turn, a cohesive coding environment can lead to more efficient project turnaround times. All of this adds up to higher productivity and reduced overall costs.

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If you live in Minnesota, you can take full advantage of the full stack developer trend. That’s true if you already have some coding skills and want to increase your abilities. It’s also true if you’re coming from another industry and have never coded before. All you need is efficient, effective training in the areas crucial to full stack developer success.

Do You Need to Follow Licensing or Training Guidelines?

There are no federal guidelines for who can become a web software developer. In addition, there are no statewide standards that apply in Minnesota. However, you do need demonstrable abilities to get a job as a full stack developer.

Many software developers are college graduates who hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees in their chosen field. If you don’t have these kinds of credentials, you still have options for building up your coding skill set. In fact, many successful coders are non-degree-holders who sought professional training and certification.

Full stack developers have a higher minimum training standard that most other software development professionals. Why? Server-side developers only need to learn programming languages such as Python, ASP, C++ and PHP. Similarly, client-side developers only need to learn languages such as JSON, HTML, JavaScript and Bootstrap. In stark contrast, full stack developers need to learn both client-
and server-side programming languages.

The easiest way to develop the required skills is to find training programs aimed specifically at prospective full stack developers. In the past, such programs were rare. However, today, most states have multiple convenient options available for local residents.

Training Programs for Minnesota Full Stack Developers

In Minnesota, you can find several in-depth training programs that focus on full stack development. Available options include:

  • The University of Minnesota Coding Boot Camp – This program is offered at the University’s St. Paul campus. It covers all of the material needed to develop competency as a full stack developer. In addition, the program offers extensive career services. Full-time attendees can get their completion certificates in 12 weeks. It takes 24 weeks to complete the program while attending part-time.
  • The Prime Academy Full Stack Engineering Program – This intensive, 20-week program specifically markets itself to people who have no current coding skills. It features three tiers of instruction, each covering a new aspect of full stack development. Prime Academy places a heavy emphasis on a collaborative student environment.
  • The Minnesota West Community & Technical College Full Stack Software Developer Program – This is an online full stack developer program offered in collaboration with ed2go. Over a span of 18 months, participants receive 600 hours of training in client- and server-side coding. Graduates leave with a ready-made portfolio that demonstrates their abilities.

Salary Expectations for Minnesota Full Stack Developers

Full stack development is a relatively new area of specialization. This means that official salary expectations for the field don’t yet exist. However, several private companies have researched this topic in detail. Data surveyors at ZipRecruiter report that the average full stack developer in Minnesota makes almost $97,000 a year. While this level of salary is impressive, it’s about $6,000 below the national average. Indeed.com reports that the typical full stack developer working in Minneapolis makes just over $102,000 a year.

Outlook for the Job Market

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has made job market projections for software developers as a whole, it has not made projections for full stack developers. Still, the BLS data offers some clues about the future market for full stack specialists. In the 10 years between 2018 and 2028, America will see a roughly 21 percent increase in the software developer field. It’s likely that this projection means good things for Minnesota’s full stack developers.