ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Data Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Aitopics

Featured Feat. Data Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

$80 - $157/hr

Data Science | Fine Tuning | Hybrid search | Information Retrieval | Knowledge graphs * Dash | Data ... Flexible schedule | Freelance opportunities | Part-time hours | Project based work * Part-time ...

PreciseTarget

Managing Editor

Bethesda, MD · On-site

... • Manage a freelance roster of 8-12 contributors • Partner with data and product teams to ... PreciseTarget is a data science company providing apparel and fashion brands for retailers, brands ...

NWF

Associate Editor, Ranger Rick Outreach

Reston, VA · On-site +1

Keep current on news and scientific discoveries relating to each category, coming up with original ... Edit or rewrite freelance manuscripts for style, accuracy, and readability. * Review all copy ...

Psychiatry

Senior Editor, Books

Washington, DC · On-site

$76 - $87/hr

Manages, reviews, and oversees the work of freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers ... Verifies scientific nomenclature for accuracy and consistency. Resolves discrepancies and errors in ...

All JobsData Scientist JobsFreelance Data Scientist JobsFreelance Data Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

Freelance Data Scientist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$39.1K

$127.9K

$204.8K

How much do freelance data scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance data scientist in Reston, VA is $127,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,700.00 and $141,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance data scientist?

A freelance data scientist is an independent professional who offers data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling services to various clients on a contract or project basis. Unlike in-house data scientists, freelancers have the flexibility to work with multiple organizations, often remotely, and handle diverse projects. Their responsibilities typically include collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data, building predictive models, and providing actionable insights to help clients make data-driven decisions. Freelance data scientists may work with startups, corporations, or individuals across different industries.

What does a freelance data scientist do?

A freelance data scientist provides data-analytics services to corporate clients or government agencies as an independent contractor. As a freelance data scientist, you may work onsite at client locations or remotely. Your job duties as a freelance data scientist include analyzing big data using statistics and database management software tools. You must identify the correct data sets and variables, validate the data to ensure accuracy, use various forms of data modeling to identify patterns and trends, and finally interpret the data to convey actionable insights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance data scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Data Scientist, you need strong analytical abilities, a solid background in statistics and programming (often with a degree in a related field), and proven experience with data modeling and machine learning. Familiarity with tools like Python, R, SQL, and platforms such as TensorFlow, as well as knowledge of data visualization software, are typically required, along with certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist or Google Professional Data Engineer. Excellent communication, self-motivation, and project management skills help freelancers effectively collaborate with clients and deliver results independently. These skills are essential for turning complex data into actionable insights and maintaining successful client relationships in a competitive, project-based environment.

How do freelance data scientists typically manage communication and collaboration with clients and remote teams?

Freelance Data Scientists often work with clients and project stakeholders across different locations and time zones, making clear and proactive communication essential. They usually rely on collaboration tools such as Slack, Zoom, and project management platforms like Trello or Asana to stay aligned on project goals and deliverables. Setting clear expectations, providing regular progress updates, and being responsive to feedback are key strategies for maintaining strong professional relationships. Additionally, freelancers may need to adapt their communication style to suit each client's preferences and ensure technical findings are translated into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.

What is the difference between Freelance Data Scientist vs Data Analyst?

AspectFreelance Data ScientistData Analyst
Required CredentialsOften requires a degree in data science, statistics, or related fields; certifications like CAP, Microsoft Certified Data AnalystTypically requires a degree in statistics, mathematics, or related fields; certifications like Microsoft Data Analyst Associate
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteUsually employed within organizations, but also freelance roles; primarily office or remote
Employer & Industry UsageClients across various industries, including tech, finance, healthcareOrganizations seeking insights from data, across industries

While both roles involve working with data, a Freelance Data Scientist focuses on complex modeling, machine learning, and advanced analytics on a project basis. A Data Analyst typically handles data cleaning, reporting, and visualization within organizations. The choice depends on your expertise level and career goals.

More about Freelance Data Scientist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Freelance Data Scientist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Freelance Data Scientist job openings:

Freelance Data Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Data Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 70% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 65% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,927 per year, or $61.5 per hour.

Featured Feat. Data Scientist

Aitopics

Washington, DC • On-site

$80 - $157/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Georgetown University: Main Campus: Walsh School of Foreign Service - 500 First St NW 7th Floor

USD 80K-157K Mid-level

Responsibilities
  • Communicate findings to policy audiences
  • Conduct research design and data method identification
  • Create accessible visualizations and web interfaces
  • Design evaluate and implement modeling solutions
  • Develop AI-enabled solutions
  • Document and communicate methods and data resources
  • Implement extraction classification clustering annotation entity resolution
  • Improve dataset quality and utility
  • Ingest structured and unstructured datasets
  • Interpret results and draw inferences
  • Monitor AI machine learning biotechnology and national security policy trends
Skills
  • A/B | A/B Testing | B testing | Causal Inference | Data Mining
  • AWS Batch | Agile | Amazon Athena | Amazon Redshift | Apache Airflow
  • Data Mining | Deep learning | Error correction | Error modeling | Language Processing
  • Algorithms | Clustering | Component analysis | Data Structures | Deep learning
  • Adobe Analytics | Agentic AI | Anthropic Claude | Benchmarking | Classification
  • Data Science | Fine Tuning | Hybrid search | Information Retrieval | Knowledge graphs
  • Dash | Data Mining | Data Modeling | Data Quality | Data Visualization
  • Electromagnetism | Mechanics | NumPy | Numerical Simulation | Pandas
  • Computational physics | NumPy | Numerical Simulation | Pandas | Physics modeling
  • Electromagnetism | Mechanics | NumPy | Numerical Methods | Numerical Simulation
  • C# | Computational physics | MATLAB | NumPy | Numerical Simulation
  • Computer Vision | Convolutional Neural Networks | Data Pipelines | Deep learning | Gradient boosting
Benefits & Perks
  • 401k retirement plan | Career growth opportunities | Dental insurance | Employee Rental Discounts | Floating paid holidays
  • 401k match | Company holidays | Dental insurance | Employee assistance program | Health and wellness program
  • 401k | 401k match | AD and D insurance | Commuter benefits | Dental insurance | Employee assistance program
  • 401k retirement plan | Equity package | Growth opportunities | Hybrid work schedule | Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Flexible work hours | Learning culture | Mentoring | Sponsorship | Work-life balance
  • 401k | Disability insurance | Employee stock purchase plan | Health insurance | Life insurance
  • Catered lunches | Summer party | Team collaboration
Employment Options
  • Senior-level Full Time
  • Flexible schedule | Freelance projects | Part-time work | Project based work
  • Flexible schedule | Freelance opportunities | Part-time hours | Project based work
  • Part-time freelance | Project based work
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply