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Independent Contractor Game Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Photon

Sr. Developer - FullStack - Cleveland, OH

Chicago, IL · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

Cleveland, Buffalo, Albany/NY JD We are seeking an experienced Sr DevOps Engineer with over 7 years ... This position is available for independent contractors No applications will be considered if ...

FALCONI US

Contractor

Chicago, IL · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Economics, or related fields (Master's or MBA preferred ... Comfortable working independently and on diverse, cross-functional teams. Willingness and ...

SGS

Ex-Certified Inspector

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

... Engineering or related field. * Experience in oil & gas, petrochemical, or chemical manufacturing environments. * Contract: The inspector will be required to sign an independent contractor agreement ...

FALCONI US

Contractor

Chicago, IL · On-site

Qualifications: · Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Economics, or related fields (Master ... independently and on diverse, cross-functional teams. · Willingness and availability to travel ...

Falconi Consulting

Contractor

Chicago, IL · On-site

Requirements Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Economics, or related ... independently and on diverse, cross-functional teams. • Willingness and availability to travel ...

Photon

Sr. Developer - AEP- Cleveland, OH

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

Senior Developer - Adobe Experience Platform (AEP) Location: Remote Experience: 5-7 years (with ... This position is available for independent contractors No applications will be considered if ...

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All JobsIndependent Contractor Game Developer JobsIndependent Contractor Game Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

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:
Independent Contractor Game Developer jobs near you
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.

Copy of Senior Lua Developer (Roblox) - AI Code Evaluation

Lifted, an Upwork Company™

Chicago, IL • Remote

$60/hr

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Description

An enterprise client is seeking experienced Lua Developers to support AI model training through technical evaluations, scripting tasks, and code quality reviews. This opportunity is ideal for developers who have strong Lua programming skills and experience building or scripting within the Roblox ecosystem.

The client partners with leading AI organizations to improve the quality of next-generation AI models by leveraging the expertise of experienced software developers. Selected freelancers will help evaluate AI-generated code, review programming solutions, and contribute to the development of high-quality training data used to advance generative AI technologies.

    Job Description

    This opportunity is ideal for experienced Lua programmers who enjoy solving technical challenges, reviewing code, and improving software quality.

    What You'll Do:

    • Review, analyze, and evaluate Lua code for accuracy, quality, and best practices.
    • Complete technical evaluations and scripting-related tasks involving Lua programming.
    • Identify bugs, performance issues, and opportunities to improve existing code.
    • Develop and modify Lua scripts based on project requirements.
    • Apply strong programming fundamentals, including modular design, data structures, and debugging techniques.
    • Work with Roblox Studio and Roblox development environments where applicable.
    • Contribute to AI model training by providing high-quality technical feedback and code evaluations.
    • Collaborate with the client's AI evaluation platform while following detailed project guidelines.
    Qualifications

    Requirements:

    • Advanced proficiency in Lua programming, including scripting, debugging, and code optimization.
    • Hands-on experience using Roblox Studio and/or developing applications or games on the Roblox platform.
    • Strong understanding of programming fundamentals, including data structures, functions, modular programming, and performance optimization.
    • Ability to independently review, analyze, and improve existing Lua code.
    • Professional working proficiency in English with strong written communication skills.
    • Ability to work independently and follow detailed technical instructions.

    Nice to Haves:

    • Experience developing Roblox games or interactive experiences.
    • Experience reviewing code or conducting technical quality assurance.
    • Familiarity with software testing, debugging, and code optimization techniques.
    • Experience contributing to AI, machine learning, or code evaluation projects.
    Additional Information
    • Fully remote, project-based opportunity.
    • Up to $60/hour, depending on project availability.
    • Expected workload ranges from 10-39 hours per week, although work volume may fluctuate.
    • Weekly lump-sum payments for work completed during the previous week.
    • Qualified candidates will receive an Upwork contract offer along with onboarding instructions.
    • Candidates who successfully complete the initial survey will be invited to a paid technical evaluation (approximately 2-3 hours). Approved evaluations will receive a $150 payment.
    • To begin onboarding and access project tasks, candidates must have an active Upwork contract with the client.
    • Due to the high volume of applicants, the client may not be able to respond to individual inquiries.

    Apply