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

Framestore

Freelance: Nuke - Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$64.75 - $73/hr

Our freelance opportunities will always be live on the website and we will get in touch with people ... Programming and coding experience and knowledge * Experience with Hiero, Shotgun, After effects ...

Fox

Streaming Freelancer - Big Ten Network

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

This freelance position runs for the duration of the academic calendar (August through mid-June ... Provide quality control validation of the B1G+ streaming product across all platforms (websites ...

Nuphoriq

Director of Web Strategy & Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Buckingham Search

Senior Marketing Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This organization is driven by exceptional talent across mathematics, engineering, and computer ... Manage digital platforms including the company website and social channels. * Track and analyze ...

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Freelance Website Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33K

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How much do freelance website developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance website developer in Chicago, IL is $96,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $104,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance website developer?

A freelance website developer is a self-employed professional who designs, builds, and maintains websites for clients on a project or contract basis. Unlike in-house developers, freelancers work independently and may serve multiple clients at once, often finding work through job boards, referrals, or freelance platforms. Their responsibilities can include creating website layouts, writing code, ensuring site functionality, and optimizing for user experience and SEO. Freelance website developers typically have skills in programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and may work with content management systems such as WordPress. The flexibility of freelancing allows them to choose their projects and set their own schedules.

What are some common challenges freelance website developers face when managing multiple client projects?

Freelance website developers often juggle several client projects simultaneously, which can present challenges around time management, communication, and setting clear expectations. It's common to encounter overlapping deadlines, shifting client requirements, or scope creep, so effective project planning and transparent communication are essential. Additionally, freelancers must balance coding work with administrative tasks like invoicing and client updates. Utilizing project management tools, maintaining detailed documentation, and establishing clear contracts can help manage these demands and ensure successful project delivery.

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

AspectFreelance Website DeveloperWeb Designer
CredentialsKnowledge of coding languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), sometimes certifications in web developmentDesign skills, portfolio, sometimes certifications in graphic or UI/UX design
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or client-site work, project-basedIndependent or agency-based, focusing on visual design and user experience
Employer & IndustryClients across various industries, freelance platforms, agenciesBusinesses, agencies, freelance clients, often in creative sectors

Freelance Website Developers focus on coding and building functional websites, while Web Designers concentrate on visual aesthetics and user experience. Both roles often collaborate but serve different core functions in web projects.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Website Developer, you need solid skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and web design principles, often backed by a portfolio of completed projects. Familiarity with content management systems like WordPress, version control tools such as Git, and relevant certifications (e.g., Google Web Developer Certification) are highly valuable. Outstanding communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities set top freelancers apart in managing client relationships and project deadlines. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering high-quality, customized websites that meet client needs and ensure ongoing business success.
What are the most commonly searched types of Website Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Website Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Website Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Freelance Website Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Website Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Website Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Freelance Website Developer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Freelance Website Developer job openings:
Freelance Website Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Website Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,987 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Freelance: Nuke - Chicago

Framestore

Chicago, IL • On-site

$64.75 - $73/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Framestore Integrated Advertising are always on the look-out for exceptional talent to join our award winning team. If you are a freelancer who would be interested in being kept on our books for future freelancing opportunities with our team then please submit your details to us - we would love to hear from you!
Our freelance opportunities will always be live on the website and we will get in touch with people who have submitted their details as and when opportunities arise. There is no need to apply here more than once - once you're in then you're in and you will be on our radar! In fact, the people who submit here will be our first point of call when we're looking.
So if you want to freelance on some of the most exciting and challenging advertising work out there then you know what to do - hit that 'apply' button right now!
  • Excellent working knowledge of and at least 1 year production experience with Nuke in commercials, TV, and/or film projects
  • A solid reel showing a wide range of shots and a creative eye
  • Excellent organization, communication and interpersonal skills
  • A proactive and collaborative work ethic
  • A strong eye for detail, composition, color and lighting
  • The ability to multitask, prioritize and problem solve
  • Eagerness to learn and self-motivated in pursuit of own professional development
  • Proven ability in working with clients in order to create their vision
  • An understanding of color space principles
  • Photoshop and Linux experience
  • Must have US work authorization

Desired Skills:
  • Knowledge of practical lighting for photography
  • A working knowledge of the overall VFX pipeline
  • Programming and coding experience and knowledge
  • Experience with Hiero, Shotgun, After effects, Final Cut, Flame is an advantage
  • Compositing experience in a commercial environment is desirable

Apply