ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Python Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chima

AI Engineer (San Francisco)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $300K/yr

... Engineer, Python - AI Training (Freelance, Remote) San Francisco, CA $167,000.00-$185,500.00 6 days ago San Francisco, CA $130,000.00-$160,000.00 4 months ago San Francisco, CA $140,000.00-$160,000 ...

Nokia

Software Engineering Coop

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$20.10 - $70.40/hr

Experience with Python and familiarity with AI interfaces. * Strong problem-solving skills and a ... freelance work). * Exposure to real-world applications of AI in industry or academia. About Us ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPython Programmer JobsFreelance Python Programmer JobsFreelance Python Programmer Jobs in California

Freelance Python Programmer information

See California salary details

$40

$67

$81

How much do freelance python programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance python programmer in California is $67.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61.68 and $71.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Freelance Python Programmers typically manage client communication and project expectations?

Freelance Python Programmers often work with clients remotely, making clear and consistent communication crucial to project success. They usually establish preferred channels such as email, project management tools, or video calls to discuss requirements, timelines, and deliverables. Setting clear expectations at the outset, providing regular updates, and proactively addressing potential challenges help maintain client trust and satisfaction. Effective communication skills are just as important as technical proficiency in ensuring projects run smoothly and meet client goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Python Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Python Programmer, you need strong proficiency in Python programming, problem-solving abilities, and a solid understanding of software development principles, often supported by a degree in computer science or relevant experience. Familiarity with frameworks like Django or Flask, version control systems such as Git, and knowledge of APIs or cloud platforms are typically important technical tools. Excellent time management, self-motivation, and clear client communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality projects on time, building client trust, and maintaining a successful freelance career.

What is a Freelance Python Programmer?

A Freelance Python Programmer is a self-employed professional who offers Python programming services to clients on a contract or project basis. They use the Python programming language to develop, test, and maintain software, applications, scripts, and automation tools. Freelance Python programmers often work remotely and may handle a variety of tasks, such as web development, data analysis, machine learning, or automation projects, depending on their expertise and the needs of their clients.

What is the difference between Freelance Python Programmer vs Python Developer?

AspectFreelance Python ProgrammerPython Developer
CredentialsSelf-taught or formal education, no specific certification requiredTypically holds a degree in computer science or related field, certifications like PCEP or PCAP are common
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or on-site client projectsUsually employed by a company, working in teams or departments
Employer & Industry UsageClients across various industries, project-basedTech companies, startups, or corporate IT teams
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance opportunities or project-based workSeeking full-time or contract employment as a Python developer

In summary, a Freelance Python Programmer works independently on diverse projects, often without formal certifications, while a Python Developer is typically employed by organizations, with a focus on ongoing development within a team. Both roles require strong Python skills, but their work settings and employment types differ significantly.

What Does a Freelance Python Programmer Do?

The job duties of a freelance python programmer involve coding software and applications and working to develop web applications using the Python programming language. As a freelancer, you work for clients on a contract basis, and you may handle more than one project at a time. Your responsibilities can vary from client to client, but you always use Python to create, test, or improve applications or software. In addition to coding, you may perform an analysis of a server or database to determine the effectiveness of an application.

More about Freelance Python Programmer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Python Programmer jobs in California? The most popular types of Python Programmer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Python Programmer jobs in California? For Freelance Python Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Python Programmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Python Programmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Python Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Python Programmer job openings:
Freelance Python Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Python Programmer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 21% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,803 per year, or $67.2 per hour.

AI Engineer (San Francisco)

Chima

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$100K - $300K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Join to apply for the AI Engineer role at Chima

1 year ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the AI Engineer role at Chima

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

This range is provided by Chima. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$100,000.00/yr - $300,000.00/yr

Chima is seeking highly skilled generative AI Engineers to join our team. As an AI Application Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and deploying cutting-edge AI models to solve enteprises' biggest problems.
What You’ll Do

  • Develop new user-facing features. Build high-quality generative AI features and ship quickly.
  • Experiment and improve our AI infrastructure. You’ll lead our implementation of new AI features and cutting-edge frameworks.
  • Earn trust with customers. Talk with leaders from early-stage startups, growth-stage businesses, and large enterprises to understand their AI needs.
  • Build our team. We’re growing, and you will work directly with the CEO, CTO, and other founding members to bring in talented AI engineers.
Role And Responsibilities
  • Design and develop advanced generative models that drive specific business applications.
  • Take ownership of certain customers' generative AI deployment and spear head product work for them.
  • Conduct research and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in generative AI, including techniques such as GANs, VAEs, and autoregressive models.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to develop and implement generative AI models that can solve complex business problems and drive innovation.
  • Collaborate with our customers' senior executives, engineers, data scientists, product managers and machine learning experts to build end-to-end AI solutions that can be deployed at scale.
Requirements
Our Tech stack is extremely expansive and involves rapidly. Instead of being prescriptive in requirements here, we are looking for someone with:
  • Publications in top AI conferences.
  • Experience at elite AI research labs (OpenAI, Google Brain, DeepMind).
  • Experience on world-class AI products (Search, Recommendation, Ads).
  • Open-source projects / contributions.
Next Steps
Please fill out the following Google form to have us reach out to you with next steps:
https://forms.gle/Bqq3vJ7RmJHgHUsE9Seniority level
  • Seniority levelMid-Senior level
Employment type
  • Employment typeFull-time
Job function
  • Job functionEngineering and Information Technology
  • IndustriesSoftware Development

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Chima by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Artificial Intelligence Engineer” roles.

San Francisco, CA $135,000.00-$170,000.00 2 weeks ago

San Francisco, CA $130,000.00-$230,000.00 5 months ago

Machine Learning Engineer (I, II, or Sr.)

San Francisco, CA $150,000.00-$260,000.00 4 months ago

San Francisco, CA $150,000.00-$250,000.00 2 weeks ago

San Francisco, CA $150,000.00-$300,000.00 10 months ago

San Francisco, CA $140,000.00-$200,000.00 5 months ago

San Francisco, CA $140,000.00-$215,000.00 1 month ago

San Francisco, CA $140,000.00-$180,000.00 5 months ago

San Francisco, CA $140,000.00-$160,000.00 5 months ago

San Francisco, CA $130,000.00-$180,000.00 3 months ago

Machine Learning Engineer (I, II, or Sr.)

San Francisco, CA $140,000.00-$200,000.00 3 days ago

San Francisco, CA $175,000.00-$225,000.00 7 months ago

San Francisco, CA $60,000.00-$120,000.00 3 weeks ago

Research Engineer - Machine Learning (ML)Software Engineer, Python - AI Training (Freelance, Remote)

San Francisco, CA $167,000.00-$185,500.00 6 days ago

San Francisco, CA $130,000.00-$160,000.00 4 months ago

San Francisco, CA $140,000.00-$160,000.00 4 months ago

San Francisco, CA $18,000.00-$36,000.00 4 weeks ago

San Francisco, CA $100,000.00-$300,000.00 2 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply