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Freelance Frontend Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Catylist

Java/Web Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Adding and refining front-end features (JSP, JavaScript, JQuery, HTML5) * If you're into it ... Consulting/freelance is not your bag. You prefer to maintain and improve the products you've built ...

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Freelance Frontend Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$113.8K

$160.3K

How much do freelance frontend developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance frontend developer in Chicago, IL is $113,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,200.00 and $124,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance frontend developer?

To thrive as a Freelance Frontend Developer, you need strong proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frontend frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue, often supported by a portfolio of completed projects. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, responsive design tools, and knowledge of web performance optimization are typically expected. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help freelancers effectively collaborate with clients and manage multiple projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality, user-centric web solutions on time and building a strong client reputation.

What does a freelance frontend developer do?

A freelance frontend developer is a self-employed professional who designs and builds the user-facing parts of websites or web applications. They use coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create visually appealing and interactive interfaces that users interact with directly. Freelance frontend developers often work with clients on a project basis, collaborating with designers and backend developers to deliver functional and responsive digital products. Their work includes optimizing website performance, ensuring cross-browser compatibility, and implementing design mockups into functional web pages.

What is the difference between Freelance Frontend Developer vs Web Designer?

AspectFreelance Frontend DeveloperWeb Designer
Skills & CertificationsHTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks, coding skillsDesign tools, UI/UX principles, graphic design
Work EnvironmentProject-based, remote or on-site, coding-focusedCreative, visual design, client collaboration
Industry UsageWeb development companies, startups, freelance projectsAdvertising agencies, branding firms, freelance clients

While both roles involve creating websites, Freelance Frontend Developers focus on coding and building functional interfaces, whereas Web Designers emphasize visual design and user experience. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their project needs.

What are some common challenges freelance frontend developers face when managing multiple client projects simultaneously?

Freelance Frontend Developers often juggle several projects at once, which can make task prioritization and time management challenging. Balancing different client expectations, project scopes, and deadlines requires strong organizational skills and clear communication. It’s also essential to maintain consistent code quality and stay updated with evolving frontend technologies. Setting boundaries, using project management tools, and establishing clear contracts can help mitigate these challenges and ensure successful project delivery.
What are the most commonly searched types of Frontend Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Frontend Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Frontend Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Freelance Frontend Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Frontend Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Frontend Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Freelance Frontend Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Frontend Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,831 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Java/Web Developer

Catylist

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

About Us
We're building a nationwide network of crowdsourced commercial real estate databases. Our wild start-up days are behind us - we're all grown up and profitable now with a 14-year track record and tens of thousands of clients that love us.
Within our small team, you'll be doing a little bit of everything:
  • Building and maintaining server-side frameworks and APIs
  • Adding and refining front-end features (JSP, JavaScript, JQuery, HTML5)
  • If you're into it, configuring and managing parts of our stack (JBoss/Wildfly, MySQL, MongoDB, ElasticSearch/ELK, salt)

We're not dogmatic about our tools/technologies - we use whatever best suits the task at hand.
About You
Like us, you value stability, work/life balance, group decisions, and working with people that are good-natured, interesting, hard-working, and self-motivated.
You're a quick study, have some experience using Java to build web applications, and aren't afraid of the command line.
Catylist is for you if...
  • You hate the corporate bureaucracy of a big company.
  • You're so over the chaos and uncertainty of a start-up. You like having reasonable hours and knowing that your job will be around next week.
  • Consulting/freelance is not your bag. You prefer to maintain and improve the products you've built rather than hand them off and move on.

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, remote, W2 position with benefits (health/dental/vision/401k).
When applying, please take some time and explain why you're a fit for our team, and please include your resume, github link, and anything else that will help us understand how awesome you are.

Apply