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Freelance Web Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Catylist

Java/Web Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

You're a quick study, have some experience using Java to build web applications, and aren't afraid ... Consulting/freelance is not your bag. You prefer to maintain and improve the products you've built ...

SysMind Tech

Java Full Stack/React Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$54 - $69.75/hr

NO remote "Looking for a Senior Developer to work, deploy, and manage web / API based applications ... Can we use Freelancer? : No * Named Job Posting? (if Yes - needs to be approved by SCSC) : No

1000heads

Freelance Insights Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$300 - $400/day

... engineering social listening exercises into cultural trends, our actionable insights are at the ... Proficiency with social listening platforms, audience measurement tools (e.g., Global Web Index ...

1000heads

Freelance Insights Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$300 - $400/day

... engineering social listening exercises into cultural trends, our actionable insights are at the ... Proficiency with social listening platforms, audience measurement tools (e.g., Global Web Index ...

1000heads

Freelance Insights Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$300 - $400/day

... engineering social listening exercises into cultural trends, our actionable insights are at the ... Proficiency with social listening platforms, audience measurement tools (e.g., Global Web Index ...

Nuphoriq

Director of Web Strategy & Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

You'll lead our web team and freelancers through the website process. * Innovation. You'll improve ... You don't need to be the only writer, SEO person, analyst, or developer, but you do need to ...

Nuphoriq

Director of Web Strategy & Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

You'll lead our web team and freelancers through the website process. * Innovation. You'll improve ... You don't need to be the only writer, SEO person, analyst, or developer, but you do need to ...

WTTW

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... WFMT programming, classical music, the arts in Chicago, and related public interest stories. • ... freelance contributors to ensure high editorial standards, accuracy, and alignment with WFMT ...

WFMT

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... WFMT programming, classical music, the arts in Chicago, and related public interest stories. • ... freelance contributors to ensure high editorial standards, accuracy, and alignment with WFMT ...

All JobsWeb Developer JobsFreelance Web Developer JobsFreelance Web Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Freelance Web Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$17

$46

$74

How much do freelance web developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance web developer in Chicago, IL is $46.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.67 and $56.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do freelance web developers typically manage client communication and project expectations?

Freelance web developers often handle all aspects of client communication themselves, from initial consultations to project delivery and support. Effective communication is crucial for understanding client goals, setting clear timelines, and managing expectations regarding deliverables and revisions. Many freelancers use project management tools, regular progress updates, and detailed contracts to ensure both parties are aligned throughout the process. This proactive approach helps prevent misunderstandings and builds strong client relationships, which are essential for repeat business and referrals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Web Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Web Developer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and often frameworks such as React or Vue, supported by a solid portfolio of completed projects. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, content management systems (e.g., WordPress), and basic SEO or web analytics tools is typically expected. Excellent time management, self-motivation, and clear client communication are crucial soft skills for managing multiple projects and building client relationships. These qualities are essential for delivering high-quality work independently, meeting client expectations, and sustaining a successful freelance business.

What is a freelance web developer?

A freelance web developer is an independent professional who designs, builds, and maintains websites for clients on a project or contract basis, rather than working as a full-time employee for a single company. They often work with a range of clients, including businesses, organizations, and individuals, offering services such as website creation, updates, troubleshooting, and optimization. Freelance web developers typically manage their own schedules, find their own clients, and may specialize in areas like front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. They use a variety of programming languages and tools depending on the requirements of each project. This career offers flexibility, but also requires self-motivation and strong communication skills to manage client relationships effectively.

What Does a Freelance Web Developer Do?

Freelance web developers create eye-catching and user-friendly websites to generate web traffic and promote their clients' products and services. Unlike staff web developers, freelance web developers are independent contractors who may work for an individual or business on a short- or long-term basis. As a freelance web developer, you determine your target audience based on your client's customer base and design a website to attract new customers and keep current customers interested. You may also meet with your client to ensure you understand their expectations and wants for their website. When developing a design, you may collaborate with a team to create a new site or find ways to improve an existing one. Functionality and aesthetic appeal are your two primary goals.

What is the difference between Freelance Web Developer vs Web Designer?

AspectFreelance Web DeveloperWeb Designer
CredentialsKnowledge of coding languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), sometimes certificationsDesign skills, graphic design experience, portfolio
Work EnvironmentRemote or client-site, project-basedPrimarily remote or studio-based, client presentations
Employer & Industry UsageClients, agencies, startups, tech companiesMarketing firms, creative agencies, freelance clients
Search & Comparison IntentTechnical skills, development projects, coding expertiseDesign tools, visual creativity, user experience

While both Freelance Web Developers and Web Designers work independently on web projects, developers focus on coding and building functional websites, whereas designers concentrate on visual aesthetics and user experience. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their project needs.

More about Freelance Web Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Web Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Web Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Web Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Freelance Web Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Web Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Web Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Freelance Web Developer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Freelance Web Developer job openings:
Freelance Web Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Web Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,750 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Java/Web Developer

Catylist

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

About Us
We're building a nationwide network of crowdsourced commercial real estate databases. Our wild start-up days are behind us - we're all grown up and profitable now with a 14-year track record and tens of thousands of clients that love us.
Within our small team, you'll be doing a little bit of everything:
  • Building and maintaining server-side frameworks and APIs
  • Adding and refining front-end features (JSP, JavaScript, JQuery, HTML5)
  • If you're into it, configuring and managing parts of our stack (JBoss/Wildfly, MySQL, MongoDB, ElasticSearch/ELK, salt)

We're not dogmatic about our tools/technologies - we use whatever best suits the task at hand.
About You
Like us, you value stability, work/life balance, group decisions, and working with people that are good-natured, interesting, hard-working, and self-motivated.
You're a quick study, have some experience using Java to build web applications, and aren't afraid of the command line.
Catylist is for you if...
  • You hate the corporate bureaucracy of a big company.
  • You're so over the chaos and uncertainty of a start-up. You like having reasonable hours and knowing that your job will be around next week.
  • Consulting/freelance is not your bag. You prefer to maintain and improve the products you've built rather than hand them off and move on.

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, remote, W2 position with benefits (health/dental/vision/401k).
When applying, please take some time and explain why you're a fit for our team, and please include your resume, github link, and anything else that will help us understand how awesome you are.

Apply