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Freelance Web Developer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

Works with designers, graphic artists, layout specialists, web developers, marketing, and ... May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among ...

UX Designer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Collaborate with other UX designers, developers, project managers, and stakeholders in an Agile ... Two to three years of UX design experience (in industry, freelance, etc.) Preference will be given ...

UX Designer

Falls Church, VA · On-site +1

$95K - $100K/yr

Collaborate with other UX designers, developers, project managers, and stakeholders in an Agile ... Two to three years of UX design experience (in industry, freelance, etc.) Preference will be given ...

Freelance Web Developer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$17

$46

$75

How much do freelance web developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance web developer in Reston, VA is $46.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.01 and $56.78 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Web Developer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Web Developer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Web Developer jobs in Reston, VA? For Freelance Web Developer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Web Developer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Web Developer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Freelance Web Developer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Freelance Web Developer job openings:
Editor

$73K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary:
Edits text and graphics for publication, including articles, manuscripts, reports, websites, journals, magazines, and/or brochures. Reads and evaluates reports and/or other materials and documents to determine the extent of editorial problems and shortcomings. Looks for inconsistencies of thought, development, or organization. Confers with authors and recommends treatment of material. Reorganizes, cuts, or rewrites as necessary. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, and format. Works with editorial and production staff and contractors to guide manuscripts through to publication. May contribute original material where appropriate, writing about topics for a variety of audiences in multiple media formats.
Incumbent independently performs complex editing and writing tasks. Under general direction, applies specific professional-level functional knowledge to solve complex problems and has authority to deviate from standard practices, but must advise superiors of such action as well as non-routine matters. May hire, train, supervise, and evaluate support staff or serve in a lead capacity.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
  • Edits reports, articles, etc. and may help to shape presentation, restructuring and rewriting as needed. Marks up for composition. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, accessibility, and format. Works with designers, graphic artists, layout specialists, web developers, marketing, and production staff on all aspects of production.
  • Negotiates revisions with authors. May network with prospective authors, scientific advisers, and news media.
  • Advises staff and authors on editing and publishing options. Holds meetings to discuss current and future projects. Answers editorial questions. Consults with staff about the progress of reports, articles, or other publications.
  • May have supervisory responsibility for editorial assistants, including hiring, training, and evaluation of work.
  • May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among freelancers.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Edits reports, articles, etc. and may help to shape presentation, restructuring and rewriting as needed. Marks up for composition. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, accessibility, and format. Works with designers, graphic artists, layout specialists, web developers, marketing, and production staff on all aspects of production. Negotiates revisions with authors. May network with prospective authors, scientific advisers, and news media. Advises staff and authors on editing and publishing options. Holds meetings to discuss current and future projects. Answers editorial questions. Consults with staff about the progress of reports, articles, or other publications. May have supervisory responsibility for editorial assistants, including hiring, training, and evaluation of work. May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among freelancers.
NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proficiency in Microsoft Word (including track changes and styles). Practical knowledge of WordPress or other content management system, HTML, and CSS desired. Ability to solve problems of variety and complexity. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of problems and issues. Ability to operate independently and exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment, discretion, and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field, or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience.
Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to Director or other higher level editorial position. General supervision is provided. May supervise junior staff.
Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $73,760 - $92,190. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range. This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. For more information, please click here.
Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.
Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units
Job Family:
PUBL
Employee Type:
Employee
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
City/State:
Washington, District of Columbia