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Freelance Programmer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Bloomforth Corp

Creative Director

Washington, DC · On-site

... engineers, writers, media relations specialists (both in-house and freelancers). • Ability to be flexible, resourceful, and take on a variety of creative projects in a fast-moving environment. • ...

The Washington Post

Photo Assignment Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$92.60K - $138.80K/yr

... Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print ... A strong eye for photography and the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of freelance ...

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$12

$41

$71

How much do freelance programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance programmer in Reston, VA is $41.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.78 and $53.51 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, and why are they important?

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 are freelance programmers?

Freelance programmers are independent professionals who offer their coding and software development skills to clients on a project-by-project basis, rather than being employed full-time by a single company. They may specialize in various programming languages, frameworks, or types of software, and often work remotely. Freelance programmers are responsible for finding their own clients, negotiating contracts, and managing their schedules. This career path offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse projects, but also requires good self-discipline and business management skills.

What is the average salary for a freelance programmer?

The average salary for a freelance programmer varies widely based on experience, skills, and project complexity, but typically ranges from $25 to $150 per hour. Many freelancers charge hourly rates or project-based fees, with experienced developers earning higher rates, especially those proficient in in-demand programming languages and tools.

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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Programmer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Programmer jobs in Reston, VA? For Freelance Programmer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Programmer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Programmer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Freelance Programmer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Freelance Programmer job openings:
Freelance Programmer jobs near you
Senior Editor, Physics Today

Senior Editor, Physics Today

American Institute of Physics Incorporated

College Park, MD • On-site

$101.98K - $112.18K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Position Title: Senior Editor, Physics Today


WHO WE ARE: Scientific discovery shapes our lives every day. And AIP, publisher of Physics Today, empowers the organizations and people that make those discoveries possible.

As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces — forums, conversations, connections — where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact.

As an Institute, AIP preserves the history of discovery so the past can guide the future. We study how research is done, who participates, and what holds people back or propels them to succeed. Our findings inform policy, practice, and decision-making across the physical sciences. We are especially focused on the next generation of physical scientists and committed to ensuring talent from anywhere can thrive in our fields.

Humanity needs science. And science needs people and organizations working together to tackle our planet’s toughest challenges. Together, we can advance science, empower scientists, and ensure discovery continues to shape our lives.

We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team!


SUMMARY: ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT PHYSICS? SKILLED AT STORYTELLING? EXPERIENCED IN EDITING? Join Physics Today, the world’s most influential physical-sciences publication, as a Senior Editor. The flagship publication of AIP, Physics Today is a trusted voice for the physical sciences. Through its accessible, engaging content, Physics Today serves as a unifying influence that bridges disciplinary boundaries and cultivates a shared understanding, appreciation, and sense of belonging. Physics Today keeps the community informed, stimulates conversation, and helps shape how the community sees itself.

In this role, you will lead the Physics Today editing team in honing longer-form content, written by subject-matter experts and by staff and freelance writers and spanning the full gamut of fields, to make the pieces relevant and engaging for more than 150,000 monthly website visitors and 100,000 magazine readers. Come leverage your graduate degree in physics (PhD preferred) and 8+ years of science writing and editing experience to create impactful content for Physics Today’s scientifically literate audience and connect with the global physical-sciences community.


WHAT YOU’LL DO: 

  • Lead Physics Today’s team of editors in the substantive and line editing of longer-form content to produce clear, polished, and engaging final products that resonate with the audience.
  • Provide editorial oversight for editors and writers, especially for stories that delve deeply into the science of a field.
  • Help develop, implement, and hone Physics Today’s multiplatform editorial strategy.
  • Identify and evaluate story ideas about noteworthy and interesting developments and evergreen topics across the gamut of physical-science fields.
  • Work with the Visual Experience team and others to develop and incorporate a broad palette of visuals and other media that enhance the reader experience, taking full, creative advantage of digital storytelling opportunities.
  • Author content, as needed, with exceptional narrative flair and technical proficiency.
  • Mentor junior staff on writing and editing.
  • Foster a creative environment where new ideas are encouraged, tested, and refined.
  • Develop a deep understanding of the Physics Today audience and its evolving information needs in order to continuously improve content relevance, engagement, and impact.
  • Attend scientific meetings and maintain broad contact with members of the physical-sciences community.
  • Contribute to and advance the overall editorial effort of Physics Today.


WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

  • A passion for science and science communication.
  • Graduate degree, PhD preferred, in physics or a closely related field, or equivalent extensive knowledge of the physical-sciences research community.
  • At least 8 years of professional science writing and editing experience, preferably at a scientific publication.
  • Mentoring/supervision skills
  • Strong critical-thinking skills and ability to solve substantive editing problems.
  • Exceptional talent for storytelling and for explaining complex physics-related topics to a broad audience of scientists.
  • Masterful editorial judgment, creative prowess, and meticulous attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and mentoring skills.
  • Ability to learn new things quickly and independently.
  • Ability to multitask, handle multiple assignments and priorities on varying timescales, and meet deadlines.


TO APPLY: Include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description. At AIP, we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences. 

COMPENSATION: $101,981.00 – $112,179.00


WORKING AT AIP: AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland, and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.

We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more. 

Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to ongoing learning and development, institute-wide social opportunities, and community service, AIP is a rewarding place to work.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.


Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!