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Freelance Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ZATV Inc.

Freelance Culinary Production Cook

Burbank, CA · On-site

To learn more about ZATV, our brands, and programming, visit . Role Description ZATV is looking for ... This is a freelance, on-site position reporting directly to the Culinary Producer. The majority of ...

Complex

Freelance Line Producer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Write production budgets when required, for internal programming proposals, branded opportunities ... Hire freelance crew, secure locations, engage production design, and coordinate equipment rentals ...

Blue Danube Productions

$30 - $60/hr

Description Freelance A/V Technician - Los Angeles In this role you will be responsible for ... Lighting operation: console programming, moving light operation, fixture setup & strike * Ability ...

RTS

Director of Programming

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $150K/yr

Build and lead the teams required to execute Evo's programming slate, including full-time employees, freelancers, production partners, and crew. * Manage and develop production leaders responsible ...

Hedra

Senior Video Producer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Produce long-form YouTube content targeting developer, prosumer, and enterprise search intent: tutorials, feature deep-dives, and product narratives. * Source, contract, and manage the freelance ...

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$11

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How much do freelance programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance programmer in California is $39.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $50.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance programmer?

A freelance programmer or developer codes software applications for mobile or desktop computing. They consult with clients to determine the scope and goals of the project and provide input to improve the design. They then prepare a workflow chart that helps them manage the software development process and code the workflow information using a computer language. After completing the programming, the developer then tests the finished product to ensure it meets the client’s expectations. A freelance programmer may work independently or as part of a team of freelance developers for a specific project.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Programmer, you need strong programming skills in relevant languages, a solid understanding of software development practices, and a portfolio that showcases your work. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, project management tools, and sometimes certifications in specific technologies can be advantageous. Excellent communication, time management, and self-motivation are essential soft skills for managing client relationships and deadlines. These abilities are important because they ensure you can deliver high-quality work independently, meet client expectations, and maintain a steady stream of projects.

What are some common challenges freelance programmers face when managing multiple clients simultaneously?

Freelance programmers often juggle multiple projects with different deadlines, expectations, and communication styles, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Balancing client demands while maintaining code quality and meeting delivery schedules requires strong organizational skills and clear, proactive communication. Additionally, freelancers must handle administrative tasks such as invoicing and contract management, which can add to their workload. Building long-term client relationships and setting clear boundaries are key strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Freelance Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectFreelance ProgrammerSoftware Developer
CredentialsTypically self-taught or with coding bootcamps; no formal certification requiredOften holds a degree in computer science or related field; certifications like Microsoft, AWS may be common
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or on-site client projectsEmployed by a company or organization, working in teams or departments
Employer & Industry UsageClients across various industries; project-based workCompanies, startups, or organizations; product development teams
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance opportunities or project-based workSeeking full-time or permanent roles in software development

While both Freelance Programmers and Software Developers write code, Freelance Programmers typically work independently on diverse client projects without formal employment, whereas Software Developers are usually employed by organizations, working within teams on ongoing software products.

More about Freelance Programmer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Programmer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Programmer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Programmer jobs in California?

For Freelance Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Programmer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Programmer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Programmer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Programmer job openings:

Freelance Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,158 per year, or $39 per hour.

Freelance Culinary Production Cook

ZATV Inc.

Burbank, CA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About ZATV

ZATV is home to some of Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s favorite YouTube networks. Tune in to our channels—including React, People vs. Food, Brat TV, Kids Learning Tube, Crypt TV, and more—for original programming featuring some of the Internet’s biggest stars.

Across our portfolio of brands, we create engaging, digital-first entertainment for today’s audiences. To learn more about ZATV, our brands, and programming, visit https://www.zatv.com/.

Role Description

ZATV is looking for an experienced Culinary Production Cook with strong cooking and baking skills to help bring recipes to life across our culinary programming.

The ideal candidate has a strong professional culinary background and is comfortable executing a wide variety of recipes in a fast-paced production environment. This person should be organized, resourceful, and confident managing multiple dishes at once while maintaining consistency, quality, and presentation.

In addition to cooking and baking, this role will support recipe testing, ingredient sourcing, food preparation, plating, and on-camera food presentation. A strong eye for food styling and an ability to troubleshoot quickly during production are highly valued.

This is a freelance, on-site position reporting directly to the Culinary Producer. The majority of productions are filmed at our Burbank studios.

Rate: $21-23/HR, based on experience.

Key Responsibilities
  • Cook and bake a wide variety of recipes for production while maintaining consistency, quality, and accuracy.
  • Execute recipes efficiently and troubleshoot as needed within production timelines.
  • Collaborate with the Culinary Producer to test, adjust, and refine recipes based on creative and production needs.
  • Create shopping lists, source ingredients, prep food, and organize culinary needs in advance of shoots.
  • Manage multiple dishes and recipes simultaneously while staying on schedule.
  • Plate and style food for on-camera presentation, including visually appealing food and “beauty” shots.
  • Maintain an organized, clean, and production-ready kitchen throughout shoots.
  • Properly store, label, and handle ingredients and prepared food in accordance with food safety standards.
  • Assist the Culinary Producer with tracking production-related expenses and accurately organizing and reconciling receipts.
  • Communicate proactively with the Culinary Producer and production team regarding timing, ingredient needs, substitutions, or other culinary considerations.
  • Adapt quickly to production changes and remain calm and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced studio environment.
  • Collaborate effectively with culinary, production, creative, and other cross-functional teams on set.
  • Perform additional ad hoc duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of professional cooking and/or baking experience in a restaurant, catering, test kitchen, private chef, production, or similar professional culinary environment.
  • Strong cooking and baking fundamentals with the ability to confidently execute a wide variety of recipes.
  • Experience in culinary production, catering, food styling, or on-set environments is a plus but not required.
  • Strong recipe execution skills with the ability to adapt, problem-solve, and troubleshoot under time constraints.
  • Experience with plating and food presentation; experience styling food for photo or video is preferred.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to coordinate prep, ingredient sourcing, and production timelines.
  • Ability to manage multiple recipes and competing priorities simultaneously without sacrificing quality.
  • Working knowledge of kitchen safety, food handling, sanitation, and proper food storage practices.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Detail-oriented, resourceful, flexible, and able to remain composed under pressure.
  • Comfortable working on-site in a fast-paced studio and production environment.

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