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Freelance Software Developer Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Aikido Security

Brand Marketer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21.25/hr

We're making security suck less for developers. Security tools haven't kept up with how software is ... You'll brief and manage creative production (in-house or via agencies/freelancers), keep campaigns ...

Solomon Page

Data Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

We are seeking an experienced Lead Data Engineer to join the Supply Chain Data & AI organization ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

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Senior Product Manager, Coding

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

... freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full-time careers and beyond. This unique value ... You must have worked as a software developer at a tech company. FAANG or equivalent is strongly ...

Navigate AI

Fullstack Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Fullstack Engineer Location: SF/NYC/ Hybrid Type: Full-Time | Founding Team Opportunity About ... Have some product management, founder, or freelance experience * Enjoy debating architecture ...

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All JobsSoftware Developer JobsFreelance Software Developer JobsFreelance Software Developer Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Freelance Software Developer information

See Sunnyvale, CA salary details

$56.3K

$131.3K

$194.8K

How much do freelance software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance software developer in Sunnyvale, CA is $131,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,600.00 and $152,600.00 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 Sunnyvale, CA?

The most popular types of Software Developer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA are:

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

What job categories do people searching Freelance Software Developer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Software Developer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA are:

What cities near Sunnyvale, CA are hiring for Freelance Software Developer jobs?

Cities near Sunnyvale, CA with the most Freelance Software Developer job openings:

Freelance Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Software Developer job openings in Sunnyvale, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 49% In-person, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,267 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer - Digital Signal Processing

Abbott

Alameda, CA • On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Abbott rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

174th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Opportunity:

The Sr. Embedded Software Engineer will focus on implementation and development of signal processing algorithms for our fast-growing FreeStyle Libre product series. This is an exciting time to join Abbott Diabetes Care and change the future of diabetes.

    WHAT YOU'LL DO:

    • Lead the design and development of software across one or more domains: mobile, web, desktop, and embedded under a disciplined product development process that meets FDA requirements

    • Work on software design, coding, and validating software, supporting verification and validation testing, and ensuring that all product development conforms to design specifications and coding standards for medical devices

    • Implement data processing algorithms efficiently in a programming language (C, C++, etc.) Define and implement data management and data flow in an embedded environment. Develop productive internal/external working relationships

    Required Qualifications:

    • Bachelor's degree in a technical field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) and 7+ years of Master's degree with 5+ years of experience in software development (combination of programming-heavy coursework, school projects, freelance work and professional experience)

    • Strong knowledge of embedded software system design, experience in algorithm development implementation and data processing in embedded and other computing platforms. C, C++, structured software development and/or Object Modeling Design, digital data processing, debugger and ICE.

    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

    • Strong familiarity with current development tools (IDEs, debuggers, unit test frameworks)

    • Strong math aptitude

    PreferredQualifications:

    • Experience with software development life cycle processes is a plus

    • Experience with long-term maintenance of a software module or library is a plus

    • Experience testing software is a plus

    • Knowledge of design controls and regulations for medical device development is a plus

    • Knowledge of the principles of quality software engineering as described by software lifecycle development processes that are consistent with ISO, IEEE, or other FDA recognized standards is a plus

    The base pay for this position is

    $100,000.00 - $200,000.00

    In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

    JOB FAMILY:Product DevelopmentDIVISION:ADC Diabetes CareLOCATION:United States > Alameda : 1360-1380 South Loop RoadADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:WORK SHIFT:StandardTRAVEL:Yes, 10 % of the TimeMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:Not ApplicableSIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday)Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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