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Freelance Data Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Solomon Page

Manager Data Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90/hr

We're looking for a Manager, Data Engineering with deep Big Data expertise to design, develop, and ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

AKQA

Freelance Senior Copywriter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$2.6K - $3.4K/wk

Collaborate closely with UX designers, product managers, strategists, and engineers to ensure copy ... We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next ...

1000heads

Freelance Insights Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$300 - $400/day

From designing mouth-watering data visualizations, keeping our clients up-to-date with the latest ... engineering social listening exercises into cultural trends, our actionable insights are at the ...

1000heads

Freelance Insights Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$300 - $400/day

From designing mouth-watering data visualizations, keeping our clients up-to-date with the latest ... engineering social listening exercises into cultural trends, our actionable insights are at the ...

1000heads

Freelance Insights Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$300 - $400/day

From designing mouth-watering data visualizations, keeping our clients up-to-date with the latest ... engineering social listening exercises into cultural trends, our actionable insights are at the ...

Solomon Page

Technical Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Ensure alignment across Data Engineering, AI/ML, Infrastructure, and Business Intelligence teams ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

New

AKQA

Freelance Senior Product Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$2.8K - $3.6K/wk

Expertise in cross-functional collaboration across design, product, strategy, and engineering ... We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next ...

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All JobsData Engineering JobsFreelance Data Engineering JobsFreelance Data Engineering Jobs in California

Freelance Data Engineering information

See California salary details

$14

$47

$130

How much do freelance data engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance data engineering in California is $47.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.94 and $60.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Freelance Data Engineering job?

A Freelance Data Engineering job involves designing, building, and maintaining data infrastructure on a contract basis. Freelancers work with businesses to develop ETL pipelines, optimize databases, and manage big data technologies. They often use tools like SQL, Python, Apache Spark, and cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on data-related projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Freelance Data Engineering position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Freelance Data Engineer, you need strong programming skills (Python, SQL), experience with data architecture, ETL processes, and a solid understanding of cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure. Familiarity with tools like Apache Spark, Hadoop, Airflow, and relevant certifications such as Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer or AWS Certified Data Analytics are highly valued. Exceptional communication, project management skills, and the ability to work independently are crucial soft skills in this freelance capacity. These competencies ensure you can efficiently deliver robust data solutions, manage client expectations, and adapt swiftly to diverse project needs.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance data engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance data engineers often face challenges such as managing multiple clients with varying needs, keeping up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies, and ensuring clear communication despite remote arrangements. To address these challenges, it's important to set clear project expectations from the start, maintain a consistent schedule for learning and skill development, and utilize collaboration tools for effective communication. Building a strong portfolio and leveraging professional networking can also yield steady work opportunities and referrals. Proactively addressing these areas helps freelance data engineers remain competitive and successful in the industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Data Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Data Engineering jobs in California? For Freelance Data Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Data Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Data Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Data Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Data Engineering job openings:
Freelance Data Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Data Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,931 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Manager Data Engineer

Solomon Page

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$90/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

We're looking for a Manager, Data Engineering with deep Big Data expertise to design, develop, and maintain scalable data pipelines and analytics solutions. In this role, you'll partner with cross-functional teams to ensure data quality, availability, and performance - while leading and mentoring a team of data engineers to drive data-driven decision-making across the organization.
  • Pay range :$80/hr on w2 to $90/hr on w2

Responsibilities:
  • Design and implement large-scale data processing systems using Big Data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, and Flink
  • Develop and optimize data pipelines, ensuring high performance, reliability, and scalability
  • Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders to understand data requirements and deliver actionable insights
  • Implement best practices for data governance, security, and compliance
  • Automate data workflows and ETL processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort
  • Troubleshoot and resolve performance issues, ensuring smooth data operations
  • Stay updated on emerging Big Data technologies and recommend innovative solutions to enhance data capabilities
  • Lead and mentor a team of data engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning

Qualifications
Required:
  • 8+ years of experience in data engineering, with a focus on Big Data technologies
  • Strong expertise in Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Flink, and related frameworks
  • Proficiency in SQL, NoSQL databases, and data warehousing solutions
  • Experience with cloud-based data platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure
  • Strong programming skills in Python, Scala, or Java
  • Hands-on experience with data modeling, ETL processes, and real-time data processing
  • Knowledge of data governance, security, and compliance best practices
  • Proven ability to lead and manage data engineering teams in an Agile environment
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Preferred (Set Yourself Apart With):
  • Experience with machine learning pipelines and AI-driven data solutions
  • Certifications in Big Data technologies (e.g., Cloudera, Databricks, AWS Big Data)
  • Knowledge of DevOps practices for data engineering and CI/CD pipelines
  • Strong understanding of data architecture and distributed computing

If you meet the required qualifications and are interested in this role, please apply today.
The Solomon Page Distinction
Solomon Page offers a comprehensive benefit program for hourly employees. We pride ourselves on offering medical, dental, 401(k), direct deposit and commuter benefits to our employees, including freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve.
About Solomon Page
Founded in 1990, Solomon Page is a specialty niche provider of staffing and executive search solutions across a wide array of functions and industries. The success of Solomon Page reflects an organic growth strategy supported by a highly entrepreneurial culture. Acting as a strategic partner to our clients and candidates, we focus on providing customized solutions and building long-term relationships based on trust, respect, and the consistent delivery of excellent results. For more information and additional opportunities, visit: solomonpage.com and connect with us on Facebook , and LinkedIn .
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