Frontend Developer vs Full-Stack Developer: What's the Difference?

A detailed comparison of frontend developer and full-stack developer freelancers — key differences, rates, and when to hire each for your project in Canada.

Choosing between a frontend developer and a full-stack developer is one of the most common decisions Canadian businesses face when building web applications. A frontend developer focuses exclusively on the user-facing side of your application — the interfaces, interactions, and visual experience. A full-stack developer, on the other hand, works across both the frontend and backend, handling everything from UI components to server logic and databases. While both can build what users see, their depth of expertise and project fit differ significantly. This guide breaks down exactly when you need a specialist versus a generalist, how their rates compare in Canada, and how to make the right hire for your project.

Role Overview

Frontend Developer

A frontend developer specializes in building the user interface and experience of web applications. They are experts in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks like React, Vue.js, or Angular. Their focus is on performance, accessibility, responsive design, and creating pixel-perfect implementations of designs. Canadian frontend developers often work closely with UI/UX designers to bring mockups to life, implementing complex animations, state management, and ensuring cross-browser compatibility. They excel at optimizing Core Web Vitals and delivering fast, smooth user experiences.

Full-Stack Developer

A full-stack developer works across the entire web application stack — from frontend interfaces to backend APIs, databases, and deployment. They're proficient in both client-side frameworks (React, Vue) and server-side technologies (Node.js, Python, PHP, Ruby). In the Canadian freelance market, full-stack developers are prized for their versatility, especially by startups and small teams who need one person to handle end-to-end development. While they cover more ground, their frontend work may not match the depth and polish of a dedicated frontend specialist.

Key Differences

Scope of Work
Frontend Developer: Focuses exclusively on the client-side: UI components, styling, state management, browser APIs, and user interactions.
Full-Stack Developer: Covers the entire stack: frontend UI, backend APIs, database design, authentication, and deployment infrastructure.
Core Technologies
Frontend Developer: React, Vue, Angular, TypeScript, CSS/Tailwind, accessibility tools, performance profiling, browser dev tools.
Full-Stack Developer: Frontend frameworks plus Node.js/Python/PHP, SQL/NoSQL databases, REST/GraphQL APIs, Docker, cloud services (AWS, GCP).
Depth vs. Breadth
Frontend Developer: Deep expertise in UI patterns, animations, responsive design, and frontend architecture. Knows the nuances of browser rendering.
Full-Stack Developer: Broad knowledge across the stack. Good at connecting systems together but may not go as deep on any single layer.
Best For
Frontend Developer: Complex UIs, design-heavy applications, component libraries, performance-critical frontends, accessibility compliance.
Full-Stack Developer: MVPs, startups, internal tools, projects with tight budgets that need one person to handle everything end-to-end.
Team Fit
Frontend Developer: Works best alongside backend developers, designers, and product managers. Part of a specialized team.
Full-Stack Developer: Can work independently or as the sole developer. Ideal for small teams or when you need maximum flexibility.
Career Trajectory
Frontend Developer: Often deepens into design systems, frontend architecture, or transitions into UI/UX engineering roles.
Full-Stack Developer: May specialize into backend or frontend over time, or move into technical leadership and CTO roles.

Rate Comparison

In the Canadian freelance market, frontend developers and full-stack developers command similar but distinct rate ranges. Mid-level frontend developers typically charge between $68 and $115 per hour, while senior frontend specialists can earn up to $180/hr — especially those with expertise in React or performance optimization. Full-stack developers, given their broader skill set, typically charge between $70 and $125/hr at the mid level, with seniors reaching $195/hr. Full-stack rates can be slightly higher due to the breadth of work they handle, though specialized frontend developers with niche expertise can command premium rates.

Frontend Developer Rates (CAD/hr)

Junior$42–$68/hr
Mid-level$68–$115/hr
Senior$115–$180/hr

Full-Stack Developer Rates (CAD/hr)

Junior$45–$70/hr
Mid-level$70–$125/hr
Senior$125–$195/hr

When to Hire Each

Hire a frontend developer when your project demands a polished, high-performance user interface. If you're building a complex web application with intricate UI interactions, animations, or strict accessibility requirements, a frontend specialist will deliver better results. They're also the right choice when you already have a backend team and need someone to focus entirely on the user experience.

Choose a full-stack developer when you need one person to build the complete application — frontend and backend. This is common for MVPs, prototypes, internal tools, or when budget constraints favor a single versatile developer over a specialized team. For larger projects, consider hiring both: a full-stack developer for the backend and core architecture, with a frontend developer handling the UI polish.

Sample Freelancers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a frontend developer and a full-stack developer?

A frontend developer specializes exclusively in the user interface — HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React. A full-stack developer works across both frontend and backend, including server logic, databases, and APIs. The frontend developer goes deeper on UI/UX, while the full-stack developer covers more ground.

Can a full-stack developer replace a frontend developer?

For simpler projects, yes — a full-stack developer can handle frontend work. However, for complex, design-heavy applications requiring pixel-perfect implementation, advanced animations, or strict accessibility compliance, a dedicated frontend developer will typically deliver higher quality results in their domain.

Should I hire a frontend or full-stack developer for my startup?

For early-stage startups building an MVP, a full-stack developer is usually the more cost-effective choice since they can build the entire application. As your product matures and the UI becomes more complex, bringing on a frontend specialist to refine the user experience is a smart next step.

Who earns more in Canada: frontend developers or full-stack developers?

Full-stack developers often command slightly higher rates due to their broader skill set. However, senior frontend developers with niche expertise (e.g., React performance optimization, design systems) can match or exceed full-stack rates. Both roles are well-compensated in the Canadian freelance market.

Do I need both a frontend developer and a full-stack developer?

For large projects, combining both can be effective: the full-stack developer handles backend architecture and API design while the frontend developer focuses on UI quality. For smaller projects, one full-stack developer can usually cover everything.

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Hire a Frontend Developer in TorontoHire a Full-Stack Developer in TorontoFrontend Developer Freelance RatesFull-Stack Developer Freelance RatesBecome a Freelance Frontend DeveloperBecome a Freelance Full-Stack Developer

Ready to Hire?

Browse verified freelancer profiles on freel.ca and find the right expert for your project.

Browse Freelancers