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Freelance Software Developer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Solomon Page

Contract Technical Recruiter

Rockville, MD · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

... • Manufacturing Engineers • Software Engineers • Embedded Software Engineers • Test ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

Remitly

Principal Partnerships Manager

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$168K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... accounting software - where cross-border payment is a product gap. Structure commercial terms ... Close disbursement partnerships with gig and freelance platforms that have high concentrations of ...

All JobsSoftware Developer JobsFreelance Software Developer JobsFreelance Software Developer Jobs in Reston, VA

Freelance Software Developer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$49.9K

$116.4K

$172.7K

How much do freelance software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance software developer in Reston, VA is $116,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,600.00 and $135,200.00 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 Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Software Developer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Software Developer jobs in Reston, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching Freelance Software Developer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Software Developer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Freelance Software Developer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Freelance Software Developer job openings:

Freelance Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Software Developer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 59% In-person, and 41% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,359 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Virginia Freelance A/V Technician

Blue Danube Productions

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Freelance A/V Technician

In this role you will be responsible for delivering exceptional audiovisual services to one of our top clients who run their own event spaces on their campuses. You will be asked to utilize your technical knowledge and hospitality skills and always go beyond customer expectations. The preferred candidate would be an all-around A/V tech, with skills in audio, video, and lighting; specializing in one, but competent in all. But high knowledge in a single discipline will be considered.

Qualifications & duties:

  • Audio operation: digital mixers, wireless mics, streaming audio
  • Video operation: switchers, robo cams, laptop presentation software
  • Lighting operation: console programming, moving light operation, fixture setup & strike
  • Ability to operate client's A/V equipment as required by design and function of the event
  • Set & Strike equipment as required by design and function of the event
  • Communicate event objectives to other contractors as needed
  • Ensure proper storage and maintenance of client's A/V equipment
  • Pickup, delivery and return of vendor A/V equipment if necessary
  • Maintain experience and training with client's A/V equipment
  • Assist client with maintenance of systems as needed
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office products and Apple iWork products
  • Other duties as required

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