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Independent Contractor Game Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior React Native Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

Come be a part of a software development company that is truly changing the game! Innovation and ... Develop and test mobile app code based on user specifications, with varying degree of independence ...

Senior React Native Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

Come be a part of a software development company that is truly changing the game! Innovation and ... Develop and test mobile app code based on user specifications, with varying degree of independence ...

Showing results 21-40

Independent Contractor Game Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33.5K

$111.8K

$185.6K

How much do independent contractor game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor game developer in Chicago, IL is $111,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $127,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor game developers, and how can they be managed?

Independent contractor game developers often face challenges such as managing multiple clients, adapting to different project requirements, and ensuring clear communication in remote settings. Balancing workloads and meeting varied deadlines requires strong organizational skills and proactive time management. Staying updated on the latest industry tools and technologies is also important, as clients may have different technical preferences. Building a routine for regular client check-ins and using project management tools can help streamline communication and project delivery. Overall, adaptability and self-discipline are key to overcoming these challenges and succeeding in this flexible, dynamic career path.

What does an independent contractor game developer do?

An Independent Contractor Game Developer is a self-employed professional who designs, develops, and programs video games on a contract basis. They typically work with clients or studios on specific projects, handling tasks such as coding, game design, asset integration, and optimization. Unlike full-time employees, they are responsible for managing their own schedules, contracts, and taxes. This role offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on a variety of projects but requires strong self-discipline and business management skills.

How much do independent contractor game developers make?

Independent contractor game developers typically earn between $25 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and client budget. Many work on a project basis, with total earnings varying widely based on the number and scope of projects completed annually.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor game developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Game Developer, you must have strong programming abilities (such as C++, C#, or Unity), a portfolio demonstrating completed projects, and up-to-date knowledge of game development workflows. Proficiency in game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, experience with version control systems like Git, and familiarity with digital art tools or middleware are highly valuable. Excellent time management, communication, and self-motivation are crucial soft skills for coordinating remotely with clients or teams and managing multiple projects. These competencies allow you to deliver quality work efficiently, handle various responsibilities independently, and build lasting professional relationships as a contractor.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Game Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Independent Contractor Game Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Game Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Game Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Independent Contractor Game Developer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Independent Contractor Game Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Game Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,741 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Full Stack .NET Developer

Tenth Revolution Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Reports To: Director of Technology / Data & AI Strategy

Location: Western Chicagoland or Las Vegas, NV (Hybrid — 3 days on-site)

Engagement: Contract — 6 months, 40 hours/week, with strong likelihood of extension


Role Overview


Our client, a multi-state gaming and entertainment technology company, is seeking an experienced Full Stack .NET Developer to join its technology team on a contract basis, supporting a major initiative to migrate legacy applications to a modern, cloud-native environment. This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who is comfortable working across the full stack — from C#/.NET services to modern JavaScript frameworks — and who has direct experience taking legacy systems and re-platforming them onto Azure.


You will work closely with technology leadership and the broader engineering team to plan, build, and deploy modernized versions of business-critical applications, with particular attention to the reliability, security, and compliance standards required in a regulated gaming environment.


Why This Role Exists


Our client operates a growing footprint of custom applications supporting its multi-state gaming operations, including systems built on Ruby on Rails, Python, and legacy platforms tied to regional operations. As part of a broader data and engineering modernization effort, additional hands-on engineering capacity is needed to migrate legacy applications onto current .NET, cloud, and CI/CD standards — without disrupting the day-to-day operations those systems support.


Key Responsibilities


  • Design, build, and migrate applications using modern .NET / C# on the backend and React or Angular on the frontend
  • Lead or support the re-platforming of legacy applications to modern, cloud-based architectures hosted on Azure
  • Partner with technology leadership to sequence and scope migration work against business priorities
  • Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines to support reliable, repeatable deployments
  • Write clean, well-tested, maintainable code and participate in code reviews
  • Integrate applications with existing Azure data services (Azure SQL, Azure Data Factory, Container Functions) as needed
  • Collaborate with regional systems and engineering teams on migration sequencing for systems tied to gaming and payment operations
  • Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve issues in existing legacy applications during the transition period
  • Document architecture decisions, migration plans, and technical processes for knowledge transfer to internal team members
  • Follow disciplined change management practices appropriate to a regulated, SOX-compliant environment


Qualifications


Required

  • 10+ years of professional software development experience, including significant full stack .NET / C# work
  • Strong front-end experience with React or Angular
  • Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure (App Services, Azure SQL, Container Functions, or similar)
  • Demonstrated experience building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines
  • Direct experience migrating or modernizing legacy applications into current architectures
  • Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with technical leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
  • Willingness and ability to work on-site 3 days per week in either western Chicagoland, IL or Las Vegas, NV


Preferred

  • Experience in gaming, payment processing, or other regulated financial/transactional systems
  • Experience with Ruby on Rails or Python, given the client's existing custom application stack
  • Familiarity with SOX compliance and change management requirements
  • Prior experience working as a contractor alongside an internal engineering team, including knowledge transfer
  • Experience with legacy mainframe-adjacent integrations