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Freelance Software Engineer Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Software Engineer information

See Toronto, ON salary details

$25.8K

$115.3K

$382.7K

How much do freelance software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance software engineer in Toronto, ON is $115,280.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,758.00 and $134,084.00 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 Toronto, ON?

The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in Toronto, ON are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Software Engineer jobs in Toronto, ON?

For Freelance Software Engineer jobs in Toronto, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Toronto, ON are hiring for Freelance Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Toronto, ON with the most Freelance Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Software Engineer job openings in Toronto, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,280 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

CA$78K - CA$88K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Saatchi & Saatchi is an advertising agency with the belief that creativity, data, media and technology should all work together, and we use that to influence human behavior and drive success for clients. S&S is one of the world's largest agency networks with 114 offices and more than 6000 employees globally. Here in our Toronto office we work with some of the countries most valued brands including Toyota, Buckley's, and Children's Advil, as well as several under the Mondelez banner (Crispers, Oreo, and Chips Ahoy just to name a few). We're an award winning agency in both creativity and effectiveness, so it's really important for us here to convert that innovation and the great ideas into real tangible business results for the organization.

Job Description

Seeking a QA Analyst for an innovative new AI initiative. Full-time and freelance opportunities are available, with positions starting immediately. You should have 2-4 years of professional QA experience, ideally in an Agile development environment. You strive for excellence and are passionate about delivering high-quality, accessible applications. You have an ongoing desire to learn and share your knowledge, and you want to be part of a team that is driven to succeed.

Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for web applications, APIs, and AI-integrated features.
  • Participate in project planning and sprint ceremonies, offering insight to uphold quality standards.
  • Execute functional, regression, and integration testing across cloud-based applications.
  • Perform accessibility audits and validation to ensure WCAG 2.1 AA compliance across all user-facing components.
  • Triage and prioritize defects, working closely with developers to ensure timely resolution of critical issues.
  • Conduct API testing to validate backend services, data integrity, and integration points.
  • Collaborate with the development team to continuously improve testing frameworks and automation coverage.
  • Document test cases, results, and quality metrics to support release decisions.
  • Contribute to the definition of acceptance criteria and quality gates for user stories.
  • Stay current with QA best practices and bring new ideas to planning and retrospective discussions.
Qualifications
  • Requirements

    • 2-4 years of professional experience in software or web QA.
    • Strong knowledge of QA methodology, software testing standards, and the software development lifecycle.
    • Demonstrated experience developing and executing test plans with thorough documentation.
    • Experience testing web applications across multiple browsers and devices.
    • Familiarity with API testing tools (Postman, REST clients, or similar).
    • Experience with defect tracking and test management tools (Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar).
    • Understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1) and experience performing accessibility audits.
    • Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and working in sprint-based delivery.
    • Basic understanding of cloud platforms and cloud-based application architectures.
    • Experience with Git and version control workflows.

    Required Soft Skills

    • Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality.
    • Excellent communication skills for collaborating with developers, designers, and stakeholders.
    • Resourceful and self-directed problem solver.
    • Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
    • Proactive mindset with willingness to take ownership of quality.
    • Adaptable and eager to learn new tools and technologies.

    Nice to Have

    • Experience with test automation frameworks (Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, or similar).
    • Familiarity with performance testing tools and methodologies.
    • Experience testing AI/ML features or applications with intelligent automation.
    • Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and integrating automated tests into build processes.
    • Experience with analytics validation (Google Analytics, Tag Manager).
    • Familiarity with security testing basics.
    • ISTQB or other QA certifications.
Additional Information

Saatchi is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome and encourage applications from all interested parties. Accommodations are available, upon request, for all stages of the interview and employment process for those with a disability or medical need during any stage of the recruitment process. 

Salary Transparency matters to us. The salary range for this position is $78,000-$88,000 per year. Actual compensation within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and applicable certifications. This range reflects what we reasonably expect to offer based on current market data.   

AI Use

We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of our hiring process, such as reviewing applications or analyzing resumes. These tools assist our recruitment team but never replace human decision-making. We believe in a human-first approach, where your experience and potential are recognized by people.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME