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Independent Contractor Software Developer Jobs in Massachusetts

YO AI Labs

Frontend Developer - Remote

Boston, MA · Remote

$80 - $120/hr

Senior Software Engineer Job Type: Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating ...

Nexamp

Senior Full Stack Software Developer

Boston, MA · On-site

What we're looking for: We're looking for a Senior Full Stack Software Developer to help us build ... Experience leveraging debugging expertise and a proven track record of independently solving ...

Nexamp

Senior Full Stack Software Developer

Boston, MA · On-site

What we're looking for: We're looking for a Senior Full Stack Software Developer to help us build ... Experience leveraging debugging expertise and a proven track record of independently solving ...

Goodwin

AI Developer

Boston, MA

... with growing independence. Reporting to the Director of Engineering, this role works closely with software engineers, architects, business stakeholders, legal teams, data professionals, and ...

Goodwin Procter LLP

AI Developer

Boston, MA · On-site

... with growing independence. Reporting to the Director of Engineering, this role works closely with software engineers, architects, business stakeholders, legal teams, data professionals, and ...

AVID Technical Resources

Sr. Developer

Boston, MA · On-site

$59.25 - $78.25/hr

You'll partner with business leaders, software engineers, and technical stakeholders to identify ... Ability to independently lead projects from requirements through deployment. Preferred ...

Judit Inc

Software Engineer Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

Managing full-time employees, co-ops, interns, and contractors. * Forecasting needs to meet program and organizational requirements. * Drive Software Engineer development and engagement through:

micro1 AI

AI Training - Software Engineer

Boston, MA · Remote

$245 - $280/hr

Contractor Location: Remote About the Role micro1 is partnering with a leading AI lab to hire senior software engineers from top companies. You'll evaluate AI-generated code, create challenging ...

Apex Systems

Software Dev Engineer IV

North Reading, MA · On-site

$75/hr

... Developer. * Experience with multi-threaded and distributed programming in Java or C++ on Linux ... and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply.

WEX

Software Engineering Manager

Boston, MA · Remote

$150K - $190K/yr

We also enable a full range of payment and financing solutions, which further help contractors decrease outstandings, generate more revenue per job, and save time. As a Software Engineering Manager ...

ALIS Software LLC

Senior Snowflake Developer

Boston, MA · On-site

$59.25 - $78.50/hr

... software engineering, systems architecture, or technology consulting experience • Advanced ... independently, prioritize multiple projects, and deliver results with minimal supervision while ...

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All JobsIndependent Contractor Software Developer JobsIndependent Contractor Software Developer Jobs in Massachusetts

Independent Contractor Software Developer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$52.4K

$122.1K

$181.3K

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

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor software developer in Massachusetts is $122,149.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,300.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor software developer?

An Independent Contractor Software Developer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains software applications while working independently rather than as a traditional employee. They are typically hired on a contractual basis to complete specific projects or provide specialized expertise for a set duration. Independent contractors manage their own schedules, handle multiple clients, and are responsible for their own taxes and business expenses. This arrangement offers flexibility but also requires strong self-management, business skills, and a clear understanding of project requirements.

How do independent contractor software developers typically manage client communication and project expectations?

As an Independent Contractor Software Developer, clear and consistent client communication is essential to ensure project requirements, timelines, and deliverables are well understood by all parties. Contractors often use project management tools, regular status updates, and well-defined contracts to set expectations from the outset. Proactively addressing questions, setting realistic deadlines, and documenting progress help prevent misunderstandings and foster strong client relationships, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.

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

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Software Developer, you need strong programming skills, a solid understanding of software development principles, and relevant experience or a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, cloud platforms, and proficiency in popular programming languages, along with certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, are often beneficial. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities set standout contractors apart, enabling effective client interaction and project delivery. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality software, meeting client expectations, and managing projects independently.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Software Developer vs Freelance Software Engineer?

AspectIndependent Contractor Software DeveloperFreelance Software Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires relevant coding certifications or degreesOften has similar credentials, but not always mandatory
Work EnvironmentWorks independently, often remotely or on client sitesOperates independently, managing multiple clients or projects
Employer/Industry UsageHired directly by companies or through agencies for specific projectsHired directly by clients or through platforms for project-based work
Search/Comparison IntentOften compared based on project scope, independence, and contractual termsCompared for flexibility, project variety, and client interaction

Both roles involve independent work in software development, requiring similar skills and credentials. The main difference lies in terminology and slight variations in work setup, but they are often used interchangeably in the industry.

Are independent contractor software developers still in high demand?

Independent contractor software developers continue to be in high demand due to ongoing digital transformation and the need for specialized skills in areas like web development, mobile apps, and cloud computing. Many organizations prefer flexible, project-based work, making freelance and contract roles a common employment option in the tech industry.

How much do independent contractor software developers make?

Independent contractor software developers typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, specialization, and project complexity. Annual income can vary widely, often ranging from $50,000 to over $150,000 for experienced freelancers working on multiple projects or high-demand skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Developer jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Software Developer jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Independent Contractor Software Developer jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Independent Contractor Software Developer job openings:

Independent Contractor Software Developer jobs near you

Principal Software Engineer/Developer

Boston, MA • On-site

Fidelity Investments
Investment Management and Consulting Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Fidelity Investmentsexternal

$186K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Fidelity Investments rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 274 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Note: Fidelity will not provide immigration sponsorship for this position.
Position Description:
Designs and implements digital products, software applications, and services across the full technology stack. Develops production-ready applications through coding, performance tuning, and adherence to established database and development standards. Translates business requirements into technical design specifications and integrates them into the software development lifecycle. Builds and enhances applications using frameworks and tools such as Java Spring Boot, Angular, Docker, Jenkins, Kubernetes, and related open-source technologies. Engineers scalable platform features within an Agile delivery environment to support high-volume transaction processing. Collaborates with analysts and engineers to define system functionality, performance requirements, interfaces, and constraints. Develops and executes software testing, validation, and documentation to ensure reliability and quality of delivered systems.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Participates in architecture design teams.

  • Defines and implements application level architecture.

  • Develops applications on complex projects, components, and subsystems for the division.

  • Recommends development testing tools and methodologies and reviews and validates test plans.

  • Responsible for QA readiness of software deliverables.

  • Develops comprehensive documentation for multiple applications or subsystems.

  • Establishes full project life cycle plans for complex projects across multiple platforms.

  • Responsible for meeting project goals on-time and on-budget.

  • Advises on risk assessment and risk management strategies for projects.

  • Plans and coordinates project schedules and assignments for multiple projects.

  • Acts as a primary liaison for business units to resolve various project/technology issues.

  • Provides technology solutions to daily issues and technical evaluation estimates on technology initiatives.

  • Advises senior management on technical strategy.

  • Mentors junior team members.

  • Performs independent and complex technical and functional analysis for multiple projects supporting several divisional initiatives.

  • Develops original and creative technical solutions to on-going development efforts

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a closely related field (or foreign education equivalent) and five (5) years of experience as a Principal Software Engineer/Developer (or closely related occupation) performing full-stack software application development in a cloud-native environment for large scale enterprise platforms.
Or, alternatively, Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information
Systems, or a closely related field (or foreign education equivalent) and three (3) years of experience as a
Principal Software Engineer/Developer (or closely related occupation) performing full-stack software application development in a cloud-native environment for large scale enterprise platforms.
Skills and Knowledge:
Candidate must also possess:
  • Demonstrated Expertise ("DE") performing responsive, component-based front-end web application development in an enterprise environment using Angular and TypeScript, along with modern web technologies including JavaScript, HTML5, SCSS/CSS3, and Bootstrap; implementing scalable front-end architectures and patterns including state management with NgRx and reactive programming with RxJS; integrating with backend RESTful APIs; applying front-end engineering best practices including unit testing and API mocking; utilizing data visualization libraries -- D3.js, JointJS, ng2-charts,or Highcharts; and leveraging Angular CLI and official migration tools for version upgrades.

  • DE designing and implementing distributed backend services for large-scale enterprise products using Java, Spring Boot, and RESTful standards; developing multi-service architectures with secure service-to-service communication; leveraging cloud services and relational databases with Java persistence technologies including JPA and Liquibase; utilizing Spring ecosystem components including Spring Batch and Spring Security; handling both synchronous and asynchronous workflows; and ensuring system reliability, performance, and fault tolerance in cloud-based environments.

  • DE implementing secure CI/CD pipelines for cloud-deployed systems using Jenkins, Github, Docker, and Kubernetes; and enforcing enterprise security requirements for secure management of secrets, credentials, and environment configurations.

  • DE participating in driving end-to-end completion of discrete software features, facilitating technical implementation, and creating architectural diagrams.

Salary: $186,160.00 to $190,000.00/year.
#PE1M2
#LI-DNI
Fidelity's Onsite Working Model
Fidelity is transitioning to a full-time onsite working model through a phased rollout across regions and roles. Currently, some roles and locations require 100% onsite presence, while others require less. Onsite expectations are likely to evolve as the rollout continues. This transition does not apply to fully remote roles.
Certifications:
Category:
Information Technology
Please be advised that Fidelity's business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.

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