[gary__]

I think there's often a leeway given to the full stack dev that they have strengths and limitations. I haven't got to the point where I could compete with the true / good front end dev with my skills.

Even at the backend you have the application backend (c# or whatever) and then sql/rdbms. If you are that good perhaps you deserve thrice the pay by this logic ;).

Jokes aside, at the last good company I worked for where I knew other people's pay, I was compensated for the entirety of my skills compared to the good front end dev. We earned the same, and I was quite happy with that.

Jack of all trades...

[wolco]

I've been a backend developer for years and at times a frontend developer.

I've applied to a few full stack positions and the amount of specific knowledge in various topics they require seems much greater than either role separately.

[crucialfelix]

When hiring or interviewing we tend to build up a big list of skills so the job looks impressive and attracts talent. Don't take the requirements too seriously.

Ideally the person doing the hiring is just measuring your knowledge. But I know many interviewers just try to eliminate candidates.