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Freelance Software Developer Jobs in Sewickley, PA

Creative Technology Director

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site +1

$145K - $190K/yr

Their day to day duties include a mix of oversight and software development on given projects. They ... Leads small teams of developers on projects and may have a handful of direct reports that may or ...

Freelance Software Developer information

See Sewickley, PA salary details

$45.9K

$106.9K

$158.7K

How much do freelance software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance software developer in Sewickley, PA is $106,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,100.00 and $124,300.00 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 cities near Sewickley, PA are hiring for Freelance Software Developer jobs?

Cities near Sewickley, PA with the most Freelance Software Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Software Developer job openings in Sewickley, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,943 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Creative Technology Director

Deeplocal

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site, Remote

$145K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

The Creative Technology Director at Deeplocal is a senior role that is responsible for the success of projects at a high level. Their day to day duties include a mix of oversight and software development on given projects. They are expected to own the end to end creative technology solution for projects that may have multiple components within them. They are also expected to collaborate with other associated teams and make sure all project needs are being considered. Travel will be required as part of this role.
While the Creative Technology Director role is ideally based in Pittsburgh, PA, we will also consider qualified remote candidates willing to travel to Pittsburgh as required.
Responsibilities
  • Project ownership:
    • Owns and is accountable for the technical context, technical decisions, technical architectural planning, and feasibility decisions for integrated and creative technology components of large scale projects and escalates/gets approval from other discipline leads as needed.
    • Makes final decisions for creative tech and software development on a project including where to bring in outside vendors or specializations.
    • Technical lead on large scale projects and exhibits or projects made up of multiple exhibits.
    • Works with production teams and integration to develop timelines, schedules and budgets in pre-production phases.
    • Tracks project progress and deliverables and defines and upholds schedules with project manager or producer.
  • Project tasks:
    • Performs software development, testing and implementation, but also delegates components of each of those to other team members.
    • Researches and defines pathways of problem solving and prototypes for components with high risks or unknowns.
    • Leads small teams of developers on projects and may have a handful of direct reports that may or may not be on their projects.
    • Develops appropriate resource plans.
  • Creative contribution and thought leadership:
    • Contributes to, guides and provides insight on concept creation and ideation phases with the creative team. This work continues throughout production, but should be seeded as early as possible.
    • Contributes to thought leadership internally and externally to represent Deeplocal as a Creative Technology leader.
  • Mentorship, freelancers, hiring and direct reports:
    • Mentors a small handful of direct reports and other employees.
    • Develops and maintains a stable of creative tech freelancers and freelance resources.
    • Contributes to development of Creative Technology working process and team structure.
    • Contributes to hiring decisions for new team members.

Desired Skills
  • Typical, but not required years of experience: 7+ yrs.
  • Requires a strong working understanding of technical considerations outside of core Creative Technology expertise (electrical and mechanical engineering, fabrication and procurement, architecture and construction, AV, and integration with third party hardware/software).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Confident presentation skills and comfortable being very client facing.
  • Expert level software development skills in either fullstack web development or TouchDesigner, with general knowledge and understanding of the other.
  • Familiarity with a wide range of creative software development tools, and desire to get hands-on with those tools.

To help us get a better sense of your experience and creative capabilities, please include a portfolio of your work with your application.
The anticipated salary range for this role is $145,000-$190,000 per year. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and other relevant factors.
You don't need to match every skill on this list to apply-we welcome applicants with a variety of experiences.
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the interview process, please email us at hr@deeplocal.com
About Deeplocal
Deeplocal is an internationally-recognized innovation studio based in Pittsburgh, PA. Our team includes experts in marketing, engineering, design, and fabrication who collaborate to develop never-seen-before physical experiences for brand clients.
Deeplocal has been behind some of advertising's most talked about campaigns: the Netflix Switch, Google Photos Pay With A Photo, and the Nike Chalkbot. From creating a mind-controlled bike that allowed riders to shift with their thoughts, to building a robotic pitching machine that allowed a child to throw out the first pitch at a baseball game from thousands of miles away, to a single button that dims the lights, orders food, silencers your phone and puts on your favorite show, our projects are wide-ranging and unique. Our work has been featured on Fast Company, Wired, NYTimes, USA Today, the Today Show, Good Morning America, Gizmodo, Engadget, Forbes, and many more.
Deeplocal's studio is located in a renovated brewery loft space in Sharpsburg, PA-just outside of Pittsburgh and within a few minutes of Lawrenceville. All team members at Deeplocal contribute and participate in work for our amazing roster of clients.
Our Mission
Invent products and experiences for innovative brands.
Our Purpose
To be a place where amazing talent can invent, create and inspire.
Our Core Values
Deeplocal is committed to maintaining the company's core values and culture as the company grows. Employees should exhibit the following Deeplocal core values:
  • Inventive
  • Impactful
  • Resourceful
  • Humble
  • Efficient

Deeplocal is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.