1

Freelance Software Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Template Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

... software helping small and mid-sized legal practices run their best firm and live their best life ... As the technical expert your colleagues rely on, you'll partner with Legal Engineers, Product, and ...

Showing results 41-46

Freelance Software Developer information

See Illinois salary details

$46.5K

$108.4K

$160.9K

How much do freelance software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance software developer in Illinois is $108,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $126,000.00 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 Illinois?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Software Developer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 68% In-person, and 32% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,381 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Production Coordinator - Pipeline

Jack Morton Worldwide

Chicago, IL • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist the production team in executing project components and ensuring flawless delivery of assigned deliverables.

  • Coordinate communications between team members, assist in client communications, and manage meeting notes and follow-up actions.

  • Track project progress, maintain tracking reports for event outreach, contracts, payments, and assist with administrative tasks such as proofreading, researching resources, and processing invoices.


Job description

Experience Without Limits
Come shape the future of brand experience.

At Jack Morton, we design and build head-turning, smile-inducing, impact-driving brand experiences that redefine what experiential marketing can achieve. We help our clients unlock the full value of experiences by turning bold ideas into meaningful connections.

That takes a team that's bold, curious, and acts as one. We build on each other's ideas, challenge conventions, and show up for one another every day. Here, you'll do your best work, grow quickly, and partner across clients, disciplines, and global teams to bring new ideas to life.

This is a place where curiosity drives what's next, boldness raises the bar, and every win is shared. Where ownership is expected, egos are left at the door, and the work reflects the passion and talent of the people behind it.

Experience without limits—in your work, your growth, and your impact.

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

*This is a freelance position

*Compensation range for this role is $30 - 40/hr, commensurate with experience

This role is right for you if:
You're someone who loves planning events and all the work that goes into making them happen. You will be responsible for assisting the production team in bringing to life all of Jack's creative sparks and thoughtful insights by ensuring flawless execution of assigned deliverables. You will demonstrate an understanding of the production process and are focused on learning and supporting the team.  


What you'll be doing: 

General Team Support 

  • Support the team to execute project components
  • Coordinate communications between team members and assist in client communications (scheduling meetings for groups, booking conference rooms, prep and print materials) 
  • Ownership of meeting notes, organize follow-up action items, and circulate to teams 
  • Track progress of projects to ensure timelines are followed and updated accordingly 
  • File and folder nomenclature policing  

Financial + Related Administration: 

  • Create and maintain tracking reports of event outreach, contract status, legal reviews, and venue/organizer/permit payment, etc.  
  • Proofreading support, formatting clean-up as needed for SOW documents  
  • Research and book or hire external resources as needed/directed (crew members, local purchases and rentals, facilities, travel, etc.) 
  • Team timesheet tracking and report assembly as directed   
  • Process invoices and assist in reconciling costs against budget as directed 

Creative + Recognition 

  • Assist with event and opportunity research, presentation assembly, ideation and other creative development tasks 
  • Build post-event reports and case studies to share across the agency (and presenting in all-staff meetings) 
  • Graphics coordinating – organizing designs for client reviews, tracking approval status, sending to printers or developers as directed 

What you'll bring to Jack: 

  • Experience or Degrees in Events, Hospitality, Theater (Stage Management, Set Design, Lighting Design, etc.), orCommunications 
  • Excellent attention to detail in any project you complete 
  • Expert scheduling and note-taking skills 
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines 
  • Problem solver ready to tackle any challenge 
  • Willingness to learn and follow processes 
  • Ability to be proactive, anticipate needs, and be resourceful
  • Great communicator, both written and verbal, with the ability to manage up and sideways effectively
  • Technical skills required: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, Budgeting software (Procim is a bonus!), Expense reporting software, travel booking software.

Who you are: 

  • Extraordinary! Both as a person and a multi-tasker.
  • Detail-oriented. You leave nothing to chance.
  • Creative problem solver. You're able to change course at the drop of a hat. 
  • Cool under pressure. Ready to respond to any situation that might pop up.
  • Inclusive: you actively support and engage in creating and sustaining a workplace that fosters creativity and innovation.

#LI-MS1

We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at jobaccomodations@jackmorton.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.

***JOB SCAM ALERT***

We have recently become aware that individuals not associated with Jack Morton have fraudulently used our name – and the names of some of our employees – to solicit applications for fake jobs, to conduct fake job interviews and to make fake job offers.  Any request to schedule an interview and any bona fide offer of employment will only come from an authorized representative of Jack Morton with an email address "@jackmorton.com" or "@jackmorton.co.uk" or "@impact-xm".  We will never require an applicant to provide credit card or banking information to cover any supposed advance costs.

If you have provided personal information in connection with a fake job offer or interview and you are concerned, we suggest that you take appropriate action.

Jack Morton takes these activities very seriously and are taking appropriate steps to shut down this fraudulent activity.

We urge you to be careful when sharing your personal information and to be aware of scams involving fake job postings and job offers.