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Freelance Software Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

BLANKSPACES

Event/Marketing Coordinator

Venice, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... of individuals, freelancers, entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses, and remote workers who ... Familiarity with CRM software, billing platforms, and marketing tools is a plus. * Creative eye for ...

BLANKSPACES

Location Manager

Venice, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

... of individuals, freelancers, entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses and remote workers who ... M software, and cloud‑based applications. If you're someone looking to contribute to a team ...

Phobio, LLC

GROWTH ENGINEER- Life Science

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

EARLY CAREER GROWTH OPPORTUNITYAbout the Company Sapho Bio is the developer of a rapid microbiology ... Internships, co-ops, student ventures, research projects, freelance work, and substantial portfolio ...

Sapho Bio

GROWTH ENGINEER- Life Science

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

EARLY CAREER GROWTH OPPORTUNITY About the Company Sapho Bio is the developer of a rapid ... Internships, co-ops, student ventures, research projects, freelance work, and substantial portfolio ...

Socket.dev

GROWTH ENGINEER- Life Science

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

EARLY CAREER GROWTH OPPORTUNITY About the Company Sapho Bio is the developer of a rapid ... Internships, co‑ops, student ventures, research projects, freelance work, and substantial ...

SaphoBio

GROWTH ENGINEER- Life Science

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

EARLY CAREER GROWTH OPPORTUNITY About the Company Sapho Bio is the developer of a rapid ... Internships, co-ops, student ventures, research projects, freelance work, and substantial portfolio ...

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All JobsSoftware Developer JobsFreelance Software Developer JobsFreelance Software Developer Jobs in California

Freelance Software Developer information

See California salary details

$47.4K

$110.4K

$163.8K

How much do freelance software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance software developer in California is $110,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance software developer?

A freelance software developer is a self-employed professional who creates, tests, and maintains software applications for various clients on a contract or project basis. Unlike full-time employees, freelancers typically work independently, manage their own schedules, and may take on multiple projects at once. They can specialize in areas such as web development, mobile app development, or software engineering, and often find work through online platforms, networking, or direct referrals. Freelance software developers are responsible for their own business operations, including client communication, billing, and taxes.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Software Developer, you need strong coding skills in relevant programming languages, a solid understanding of software development methodologies, and a portfolio demonstrating completed projects. Familiarity with source control tools like Git, cloud platforms, and project management software is typically essential, along with knowledge of freelance platforms. Excellent communication, time management, and client relationship-building skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies are crucial for delivering high-quality work independently, attracting and retaining clients, and efficiently managing multiple projects.

How to become a freelance software developer?

Making the transition to working as a freelance software developer entails having extensive knowledge of and experience with several programming languages, ideally those that are in-demand like Java and Python. While you may have expertise in one area, having skills in multiple software technologies can help you find and accept more jobs as you get started. Because you’re working freelance, you need to set up a productive work environment. It’s also essential to compile a portfolio of your best work and host it on either your website or a freelancing job site. This way, you can instantly showcase your experience and skills to a business or client looking to hire for a project, which also helps you negotiate your rate.

What are some typical challenges freelance software developers face when managing multiple clients and projects?

Freelance software developers often juggle several clients at once, which can present challenges in balancing priorities, meeting overlapping deadlines, and maintaining clear communication with each client. Effective time management and setting realistic expectations are essential to avoid burnout and ensure client satisfaction. Additionally, freelancers must stay organized with project tracking tools and proactively address scope changes to keep projects on schedule. Building strong client relationships and transparent communication can help prevent misunderstandings and foster repeat business.

What is the difference between Freelance Software Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectFreelance Software DeveloperSoftware Engineer
CredentialsTypically self-taught or with coding bootcamps; certifications optionalBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field; certifications valued
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or on-site client projectsEmployed by companies, working in teams or departments
Employer & Industry UsageClients across various industries; project-basedOrganizations, tech firms, startups; ongoing employment
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance opportunities or project-based workSeeking full-time or contract roles within companies

While both roles involve software development, Freelance Software Developers work independently on diverse client projects, often remotely, without long-term employer ties. Software Engineers are typically employed by organizations, working within teams on ongoing projects. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Freelance Software Developer jobs

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

The most popular types of Software Developer jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Software Developer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Software Developer job openings:

Freelance Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Software Developer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,380 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Mid-Level Architectural Designer

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Archinect
Architectural Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Archinectexternal

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Journey Design Build is a Los Angeles design-build firm looking for a mid-level architectural designer to join our team in a full-time freelance position. The position is remote, but applicants should be based in the Los Angeles area and available for occasional jobsite visits.

We are an integrated design-build practice, carrying projects from initial design through permitting and construction. Our architectural team remains actively involved throughout, bringing practical construction knowledge to the design process while protecting design intent and quality in the field. This position combines architectural production with direct involvement in construction coordination, offering meaningful responsibility and significant room to grow with the company.

The work
  • Develop and maintain coordinated 2D drawing sets and 3D models from design development through construction.
  • Produce plans, elevations, sections, details, and schedules for permit and construction.
  • Coordinate architectural drawings with clients, engineering consultants, and construction trades.
  • Support projects through the permit process, including drawing preparation, submittals, plan-check responses, and revisions.
  • Research materials, assemblies, code requirements, and construction conditions as needed.
  • Stay involved during construction through occasional site visits, RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, field sketches, and drawing revisions.
What we’re looking for

The right candidate should have enough experience to independently advance a drawing set, an understanding of how buildings are put together, and familiarity with construction beyond producing drawings. Experience with construction administration, jobsite visits, shop drawings, and trade coordination is valuable.

We don’t expect someone to know every assembly or construction condition. We do expect them to be able to research unfamiliar problems, understand how materials and trades come together, and bring questions or proposed solutions back to the team.

AutoCAD is our primary project-delivery platform. Candidates should be sophisticated AutoCAD users, including experience with Xrefs, annotation scales, and layer management, and be able to adapt to JDB's drawing and file standards.

Our CAD workflow is supported by Rhino for 3D design and coordination and Bluebeam for sketches, PDF markups, and communication with consultants and construction trades. Proficiency in Rhino and strong Bluebeam experience are preferred.

Position
  • Full-time, 40 hours/week
  • Long-term freelance / 1099
  • Primarily remote, but must be based in the Los Angeles area for occasional jobsite visits
  • Independent contractor provides their own computer and software
  • $73,000-$114,000 annualized, depending on experience and level of independence
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