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Freelance Design Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Toptal

Hardware Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

We offer freelance opportunities strictly on an independent contractor basis.* For one of our ... In this role, you'll own the design and integration of electrical subsystems, collaborate across ...

Truth Collective

Visual Studio Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site

Lead and manage design studio team, including visual designers, production designers, freelance support, contractors, and vendor partners assigned to the client relationship. * Create, adapt, version ...

Truth Collective

Visual Studio Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Lead and manage design studio team, including visual designers, production designers, freelance support, contractors, and vendor partners assigned to the client relationship. * Create, adapt, version ...

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Freelance Design information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$14

$47

$130

How much do freelance design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance design in Rochester, NY is $47.07, 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.

How do freelance designers typically manage client expectations and project timelines?

Freelance designers often juggle multiple clients and projects simultaneously, making clear communication and organization essential. They usually set expectations by outlining deliverables, timelines, and milestones in a contract before starting any project. Regular check-ins, progress updates, and the use of project management tools help ensure that both the client and designer stay aligned throughout the process. Handling revisions efficiently and being transparent about potential delays are also key to maintaining strong client relationships.

What is freelance design?

Freelance design is a type of creative work where designers operate as independent contractors rather than as full-time employees of a single company. Freelance designers offer services such as graphic design, web design, branding, and illustration to various clients on a project-by-project basis. This role allows for flexible schedules and the ability to work with a diverse range of clients and industries. Freelance designers are responsible for finding their own clients, managing projects, setting rates, and handling administrative tasks such as invoicing and contracts.

What is the difference between Freelance Design vs In-House Designer?

AspectFreelance DesignIn-House Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, design skills, sometimes certificationsPortfolio, design skills, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote, flexible, varied clientsOffice or remote, dedicated team
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance platforms, independent clientsCompany or agency, internal projects
Search & Comparison IntentHighModerate

Freelance Design involves working independently with multiple clients, offering flexibility and diverse projects. In contrast, an In-House Designer is employed by a single company, focusing on internal branding and projects. Both roles require strong design skills and portfolios, but their work environments and client interactions differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Designer, you need strong visual design skills, proficiency in design principles, and a portfolio demonstrating your creative work. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Sketch, as well as knowledge of web design basics and file management systems, is essential. Excellent communication, time management, and client relationship skills help you stand out in managing projects independently. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality work, meeting client expectations, and sustaining a successful freelance career.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Design jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Design jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Design jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Freelance Design jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Freelance Design job openings:
Freelance Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Design job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,907 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Hardware Engineer

Toptal

Rochester, NY • On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Toptal is an exclusive network of the world's top freelance software developers, designers, finance experts, marketing professionals, product managers, and project managers. We offer freelance opportunities strictly on an independent contractor basis.*


For one of our clients in the automotive and energy technology space, we are currently looking for an Electrical Hardware Engineer to lead the electrical architecture and hardware development of next-generation energy storage solutions, including battery and fuel cell systems. In this role, you'll own the design and integration of electrical subsystems, collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams, and contribute to products from concept through validation and regulatory compliance.


Key requirements:

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in electrical hardware design and development
  • Experience with battery systems, battery management systems (BMS), energy storage, or fuel cell applications
  • Strong background in electrical circuit design, schematic capture, PCB development, and simulation tools such as SPICE
  • Hands-on experience with Altium, OrCAD, or similar electrical CAD tools
  • Experience designing embedded hardware with CAN and/or Ethernet communication interfaces
  • Knowledge of electrical design standards and regulatory compliance, including UL, IPC, and IEC
  • Experience developing prototypes, testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing designs for manufacturability


Engagement Highlights:

  • Long-term contract opportunity (12+ months) with potential for full-time conversion
  • Hybrid engagement requiring on-site collaboration in Rochester, NY, 3 days per week
  • Preferred commitment of 40 hours per week


If this opportunity aligns with your experience and interests, we encourage you to apply.


*Please note that we are unable to support C2C (Corp-to-Corp), C2H (Contract-to-Hire), or engagements through third-party employers.

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