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Contract Programmer Side Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

ROLE OVERVIEW The Project Manager supports Pivot Energy's owner-side project delivery function from formal handoff out of preconstruction and contract readiness through engineering, procurement ...

ROLE OVERVIEW The Project Manager supports Pivot Energy's owner-side project delivery function from formal handoff out of preconstruction and contract readiness through engineering, procurement ...

Iron Systems, Inc is seeking a Desktop Engineer L1 to manage and support desktop devices for their ... side issues per contract and be point of contact at the site for all IT-related issues if no other ...

... side. Candidates that have only worked on solutions that were out-of-the-box will also not do well ... Contract: 1099 or W2 Rate: DOE Visa: H1, GC or USC only! Travel Covered: No Apply today!

As a Construction Scheduling Intern at Ryan, you'll work side by side with our scheduling team and ... Along the way you'll build real skills in CPM scheduling, scheduling software, contracts and the ...

As a Construction Scheduling Intern at Ryan, you'll work side by side with our scheduling team and ... Along the way you'll build real skills in CPM scheduling, scheduling software, contracts and the ...

As a Construction Scheduling Intern at Ryan, you'll work side by side with our scheduling team and ... Along the way you'll build real skills in CPM scheduling, scheduling software, contracts and the ...

IOS Developer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

... side language is a plus. HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript experience, a plus. Knowledge of Swift UI What ... W2 or Contract 1099 (full time - 40 hours) Salary: $60k to $90k or $30/hr to $45/hr (Commensurate ...

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Contract Programmer Side information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$40

$70

How much do contract programmer side jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract programmer side in Chicago, IL is $40.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.49 and $52.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract programmer side?

Contract programmer side jobs are freelance or part-time programming roles that individuals take on in addition to their primary employment. These jobs involve working on a contract basis, often for short-term projects or specific tasks, and offer flexibility in hours and workload. Many programmers pursue such side gigs to earn extra income, gain experience with new technologies, or expand their professional network. Typical responsibilities might include writing code, debugging software, or developing applications for clients. These roles can be remote, on-site, or a mix of both depending on the employer's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract programmer side?

To thrive as a Contract Programmer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C#), software development methodologies, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with code repositories (like Git), project management tools, and sometimes certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate or AWS Certified Developer are valuable. Excellent problem-solving, time management, and clear communication skills help you stand out in delivering client-driven solutions. These competencies enable contract programmers to efficiently deliver high-quality software on time while meeting client expectations and adapting to varied project requirements.

What are some common challenges contract programmers face when working on the client side, and how can they overcome them?

Contract programmers working on the client side often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to new codebases, aligning with the client's project management tools, and maintaining clear communication with remote teams. To overcome these, it's helpful to invest time in understanding the existing architecture early on, actively participate in team meetings, and frequently check in with project stakeholders to clarify requirements. Building strong documentation habits and leveraging collaboration tools can also ease integration and ensure project milestones are met efficiently.

What is the difference between Contract Programmer Side vs Contract Software Developer?

AspectContract Programmer SideContract Software Developer
CredentialsTypically requires programming certifications or relevant experienceSimilar credentials, often with additional specialization
Work EnvironmentFreelance or project-based, often remoteContract roles within companies or agencies, often remote or onsite
Industry UsageCommon across tech, finance, healthcare sectorsWidely used in software and IT industries
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for by freelancers or clients seeking project-based workCompared for similar contract roles in software development

Both roles involve contract-based programming work, but Contract Programmer Side typically refers to freelancers working independently on various projects, while Contract Software Developer often indicates a role within a company or agency. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and employers find the right fit for project needs and work preferences.

What are the most commonly searched types of Programmer Side jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Programmer Side jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Programmer Side jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Contract Programmer Side jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Programmer Side jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Programmer Side jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Mechanical Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Human Resources

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Are you passionate about the design/build construction process? Do you enjoy working closely with internal and external clients to ensure construction projects start off on the right foot? Do you love value engineering problems away before a project even breaks ground? If the answer is, “Yes!”, we have an opportunity for you. Who are we? We are ARCO, a Family of Construction Companies. 

AME Engineering is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern to join our Mechanical Engineering team based in Downers Grove, IL.  You will work side-by-side with project managers and other MEP design engineers to deliver projects.  The Mechanical Engineering Intern will assist the team in all MEP-related design, estimating, and coordination functions in support of industrial, life sciences, food & beverage, and/or manufacturing facility projects. This role will not focus exclusively on design/production work but will require detailed understanding of mechanical system design principles to complete required day-to-day activities. 


We are dedicated to the well-being of our associates and are proud to be consistently recognized as a Best Place to Work.

  • Competitive hourly rate (with overtime possible)
  • One-on-one mentorship
  • Structured training program
  • Opportunity to travel
  • Opportunity for term-end discretionary bonus
  • Housing assistance provided for non-local interns
  • A $5,000 bonus should you join AME fulltime after graduation

  • Perform design of Mechanical Systems for large scale buildings in the controlled agriculture, industrial, process/manufacturing, and commercial sectors. 
  • Review construction drawings and specifications for MEP systems from schematic through the construction document phases. 
  • Assist in the development of construction documents. 
  • Work with senior engineers to determine project mechanical systems/requirements to meet their specific project needs and comply with safety codes.
  • Review shop drawings for compliance of specifications and contract documents.
  • Perform energy models for permit and for master energy studies. 
  • Interface effectively with members of the project team both internally and externally. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 

  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Mechanical Engineering program or related field of study 

  • Prior industry internship experience is a plus 

  • Extracurricular involvement is a plus 

At ARCO, our first core value is to treat people fairly and do the right thing. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. 

From recruiting, training, and hiring practices to selecting our subcontractors, we understand that diversity of all those involved in the construction process enhances our ability to deliver the best solutions to our customers. We hire the best and the brightest from across the country – constructing a team of experts in architecture, design, engineering, project management, and business services. 


We are proud to be one of the fastest-growing, privately-owned companies in America, celebrating over 30 years of experience as design-build experts. We have completed over 5,500 design-build projects across 48 states and 38 major cities nationwide. We ranked #3 on the ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms list, and #17 on the ENR Top 400 Contractors list in 2023. Most importantly, our clients like us, trust us and want to do business with us. We are looking for people with the same enthusiasm, passion, and respect for the hard work that brought us to where we are today. Are you a person that can make a difference at ARCO? If the answer is, “Yes!” we look forward to meeting you. 

ARCO does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies without pre-approval from ARCO’s Human Resource team. Pre-approval is required before any external candidate can be submitted. ARCO will not be responsible for fees related to unsolicited resumes and for candidates who are sent directly to our hiring managers. 

ARCO does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies without pre-approval from ARCO’s Human Resource team. Pre-approval is required before any external candidate can be submitted. ARCO will not be responsible for fees related to unsolicited resumes and for candidates who are sent directly to our hiring managers.

#LI-JH1 #LI-Onsite


EOE, including disability/vets