ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelancer Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Paramount

Freelance Production Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.67/hr

Freelance Production Assistants operate the teleprompter during live newscasts, manage and organize ... From the programming and movies we create to employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach ...

JLab Audio

Junior Developer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$31.25 - $40.86/hr

... freelance) * Strong proficiency in at least one modern programming language such as JavaScript, Python, or PHP; additional languages a plus * Experience using modern AI tools and models to enhance ...

Fox

Freelance Writer/Editor - Newsdesk

Los Angeles, CA

$23 - $29.25/hr

FOX Sports Digital is looking for a Freelance Football Editor/Writer to join our team. You love ... well as members of social, programming, video and podcasts. * Passionate about creating an ...

Freelancer.com

BSA / AML Manager

San Francisco, CA

Work closely with engineering teams to design, build, maintain, and enhance the transaction monitoring engine and associated alert logic. * Act as a primary escalation point for complex or high-risk ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFreelancer Developer JobsFreelancer Developer Jobs in California

Freelancer Developer information

See California salary details

$16

$52

$80

How much do freelancer developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelancer developer in California is $52.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.86 and $63.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Freelancer Developer, you need strong programming skills, a portfolio of completed projects, and often a relevant degree or coding certifications. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, project management tools such as Trello or Jira, and proficiency in specific languages or frameworks relevant to client needs are typically expected. Excellent self-motivation, time management, and client communication set standout freelancers apart. These skills are crucial for consistently delivering quality work, meeting deadlines, and building a successful independent business.

What are freelancer developers?

Freelancer developers are independent professionals who offer software development services on a contract or project basis, rather than being tied to a single employer full-time. They can work with multiple clients simultaneously and are often hired to build, maintain, or improve websites, applications, or software systems. Freelancer developers typically find work through online platforms, networking, or referrals, and they enjoy flexibility in their schedules and the types of projects they take on.

How do Freelancer Developers typically manage client communication and project timelines?

Freelancer Developers often handle multiple projects and clients simultaneously, making clear and consistent communication essential. Most use project management tools and establish regular check-ins or status updates to keep clients informed and ensure expectations are aligned. Setting realistic deadlines, providing progress reports, and being transparent about any challenges helps build trust and keeps projects on track. This proactive approach not only fosters strong client relationships but also minimizes misunderstandings and scope creep.

What is the difference between Freelancer Developer vs In-House Developer?

AspectFreelancer DeveloperIn-House Developer
CredentialsTypically holds relevant certifications or degrees, but varies by projectUsually has formal education and company-specific onboarding
Work EnvironmentRemote, flexible, often project-basedOffice or dedicated company workspace, fixed hours
Employer & Industry UsageHired by multiple clients across industries, freelance platformsEmployed by a single company, full-time or part-time
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for flexible, project-based work or freelance opportunitiesSeeking stable, long-term employment within a company

Freelancer Developers typically work independently on various projects for different clients, offering flexibility and diverse experience. In contrast, In-House Developers are employed full-time by a single organization, focusing on internal projects and company goals. Both roles require technical skills, but their work environment and employment structure differ significantly.

What cities in California are hiring for Freelancer Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelancer Developer job openings:
Freelancer Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelancer Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,466 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Freelance Recording Engineer / Dialogue Editor

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Freelance Recording Engineer / Dialogue Editor to support AAA video game and linear content production on an as-needed basis. This is an in-person production role embedded within our Santa Monica facility.
The engineer will record, edit, mix, and deliver high-quality audio across multiple active projects, including AAA video games, animated series, advertising campaigns, and marketing content. This role requires technical excellence, calm professionalism with talent and clients in the room, and the ability to manage large volumes of assets across concurrent productions.
This position operates within a fast-paced, high-expectation creative environment where precision, organization, and delivery discipline are critical.
Key Responsibilities
Dialogue Recording & Editorial
  • Record voice talent to broadcast and AAA game standards
  • Engineer client-attended sessions with producers, directors, and executives present
  • Perform detailed dialogue editing, cleanup, conforming, and file prep to technical specifications
  • Ensure tonal consistency across large narrative projects

Mixing & Finishing
  • Mix linear television, advertising, and marketing content
  • Prepare stems and final deliverables to spec for broadcast, streaming, and digital distribution
  • Maintain technical QC standards and meet technical delivery standards

Game Production Support
  • Edit and prepare dialogue assets for interactive implementation
  • Manage large asset counts with strict naming conventions and version control
  • Collaborate with sound design, implementation, and production teams
  • Deliver clean, organized, implementation-ready files

Motion Capture/Sound Stage Recording
  • Record dialogue and production audio on motion capture stages
  • Manage multi-channel wireless microphone workflows
  • Manage RF signal chains in challenging environments
  • Manage gain stages to the highest standards
  • Provide live mixes to relevant stakeholders as needed
  • Coordinate with stage technicians, capture supervisors, and production teams
  • Ensure sync integrity at all times

Operational Discipline
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously with shifting priorities
  • Maintain impeccable session organization and documentation
  • Hit delivery deadlines without compromising technical quality
  • Troubleshoot technical issues independently and efficiently

Required Experience & Qualifications
  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience as an audio engineer
  • Extensive experience recording with clients and talent in the room
  • Proven expertise editing dialogue at a high narrative and technical level
  • Strong mixing experience for linear television and advertising
  • Deep familiarity with broadcast and streaming delivery specifications
  • Experience recording on motion capture stages
  • Proficiency with industry-standard wireless microphone systems
  • Advanced Pro Tools proficiency and session management discipline
  • Demonstrated ability to manage large asset libraries and complex session workflows
  • Strong communication skills and calm, client-facing professionalism

Technical Competencies
  • Dialogue cleanup, restoration, and precision editing
  • Loudness standards compliance (broadcast and streaming)
  • Stem printing and versioning workflows
  • Multi-mic wireless coordination and RF management
  • Sync workflows for performance capture environments
  • Asset naming, metadata tagging, and delivery packaging

Personal Attributes
  • Meticulous and detail-oriented
  • Composed under pressure
  • Efficient without sacrificing craft
  • Organized across multiple concurrent productions
  • Collaborative and production-minded

Work Environment
  • On-site only in Santa Monica, CA
  • Embedded within a AAA production pipeline
  • Client-attended sessions are frequent
  • High confidentiality environment

Apply