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Freelance Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$60 - $65/hr

... across the full software development lifecycle. * Pay range :$60/hr to $65/hr on W2 ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

Freelance A/V Technician - Los Angeles In this role you will be responsible for delivering ... cams, laptop presentation software * Lighting operation: console programming, moving light ...

Fullstack Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/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 ...

$30 - $60/hr

Description Freelance A/V Technician - Los Angeles In this role you will be responsible for ... cams, laptop presentation software * Lighting operation: console programming, moving light ...

Technical Copywriter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $200K/yr

... open-source software, or usage-based SaaS. Hands-on experience with developer documentation, APIs, SDKs, command-line tools, or code samples. Experience managing freelance writers or editing ...

Internships, co-ops, student ventures, research projects, freelance work, and substantial portfolio ... software approaches, showing what you built, how you measured it (hypotheses, success metrics ...

Internships, co-ops, student ventures, research projects, freelance work, and substantial portfolio ... software approaches, showing what you built, how you measured it (hypotheses, success metrics ...

Internships, co‑ops, student ventures, research projects, freelance work, and substantial ... software approaches, showing what you built, how you measured it (hypotheses, success metrics ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$23.7K

$103.5K

$186.5K

How much do freelance software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance software engineer in California is $103,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance software engineer?

A freelance software engineer is an independent professional who offers software development services to clients on a contract or project basis, rather than being a full-time employee at a company. They may work on a variety of projects, such as building websites, creating apps, or developing custom software solutions. Freelance software engineers typically manage their own schedules, seek out clients, and are responsible for handling business operations like billing and taxes. This flexible career path allows them to work with different clients and industries, often remotely or from any location.

What does a freelance software engineer do?

Freelance software engineers design and develop applications for clients on a short- or long-term contract basis. In this role, your job duties may include coordinating with systems analysts and programmers to determine the scope of the project, developing new or modifying existing software according to your client's needs and expectations, and analyzing computer specifications and layouts to build a better system. You also troubleshoot and update the application when necessary. Freelance software engineers may work remotely from home or they may occasionally travel to their client’s office to perform job duties. You may work primarily with one client at a time, or you may choose to contract with many different clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills, proficiency in relevant languages (such as Python, JavaScript, or Java), and a good understanding of software development methodologies. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, cloud platforms, and project management tools is highly beneficial, along with a portfolio or certifications to demonstrate expertise. Excellent communication, time management, and self-motivation are critical soft skills for managing client relationships and project deadlines independently. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality work, maintaining client trust, and sustaining a successful freelance business.

How do freelance software engineers typically manage client communication and project expectations?

Freelance software engineers usually handle client communication directly, which means clear and regular updates are crucial for building trust and ensuring project success. Setting expectations early—such as deliverables, timelines, and feedback processes—helps prevent misunderstandings and scope creep. Many freelancers use project management tools, structured status reports, and scheduled check-ins to keep projects on track. Balancing multiple clients can be challenging, so effective time management and proactive communication are key to maintaining client satisfaction and repeat business.

How much do freelance software engineers make?

Freelance software engineers' earnings vary widely based on experience, skills, project complexity, and client budget. On average, they can charge hourly rates from $50 to over $150, with annual income ranging from $50,000 to over $150,000 for experienced professionals working on high-demand projects. Rates often depend on expertise in specific programming languages, tools, and the ability to manage multiple clients.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,490 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Sr. Art Director/Visual Design (Freelance)

Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$70 - $95/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Publicis Groupe rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 52 rated marketing agency


Job description

Company Description

Hi there! We're Razorfish. We've been leading the marketing industry with our digital expertise since the start of the internet. But in 2020, we did a full reboot. What's different? It all starts with people. Weird, wonderful, complex people - with diverse backgrounds in strategy, creative and technology. But no matter how different we are, we all have one thing in common. We believe our differences are our strength. So we push for inclusion, challenge convention and bring in new perspectives, to inspire new ideas. Because when we connect by understanding what makes people different, we can create unforgettable experiences that enrich lives. Join us at razorfish.com.

Overview

As a senior interactive art director, you will lead the concept, design, and execution of visual and interactive experiences such as: website, mobile apps, and digital campaigns. With the ability to translate brand strategies into engaging user journeys.

Responsibilities
  • Develop innovative and on-strategy interactive designs that align with brand objectives and client briefs. 
  • Partner with designers, copywriters, and other creative professionals to bring ideas to life. 
  • Oversee medium to large interactive projects from initial concept through to final delivery, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget. 
  • Develop interactive prototypes at various levels of fidelity (from low-fidelity paper prototypes to high-fidelity clickable or coded prototypes) to test ideas, gather feedback, and demonstrate design intent to stakeholders
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, UX designers, and writers, to create cohesive digital experiences. 
  • Understand client challenges and business goals to develop creative solutions that achieve strategic objectives. 
  • Communicate design concepts, storyboards, and user experiences to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior creative staff, helping them to grow and develop their skills. 
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related field (e.g., Fine Art, Visual Communication) or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of agency or in-house digital experience.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing award-winning work in visual communication, typography, and digital design.
  • Expertise in digital design software, Adobe Creative Suite (After effect, Premiere, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma
  • Deep understanding of web and mobile design principles, user experience (UX), and usability.
  • Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality work
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.  

*Please provide portfolio link and resume when applying*

Additional Information

At Publicis Groupe, we offer medical and voluntary benefits to our freelancers and temporary employees. Voluntary benefit options include supplemental medical insurance, transportation, and parking benefits, legal benefits, pet insurance, and auto and home insurance.  You must be actively employed for 90 consecutive calendar days in order to be eligible for Publicis medical and voluntary benefits. You will also be eligible to participate in the Publicis 401(k) Plan after you complete 1,000 work hours in a consecutive 12-month period.

Razorfish is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law, genetic information, marital status, military service and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMSTACompliance@publicis.com.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation Range: $70/hr - $95/hr. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 10/1/2025.

 Compensation Range: USD $38.46 - USD $57.91/Hourly. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 11/1/2025.Employment Type: OTHER

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