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Independent Contractor Software Developer Jobs in Dearborn, MI

Software QA Intern

Sterling Heights, MI ยท On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Collaborate with software developers to resolve issues * Conduct regression testing to ensure ... Ability to work independently and in a team environment * Good communication and interpersonal ...

Software QA Intern

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Collaborate with software developers to resolve issues * Conduct regression testing to ensure ... Ability to work independently and in a team environment * Good communication and interpersonal ...

Software QA Intern

Rochester Hills, MI ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Collaborate with software developers to resolve issues * Conduct regression testing to ensure ... Ability to work independently and in a team environment * Good communication and interpersonal ...

Software QA Intern

Warren, MI ยท On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Collaborate with software developers to resolve issues * Conduct regression testing to ensure ... Ability to work independently and in a team environment * Good communication and interpersonal ...

Showing results 41-60

Independent Contractor Software Developer information

See Dearborn, MI salary details

$44.2K

$102.9K

$152.8K

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor software developer in Dearborn, MI is $102,948.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $119,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Developer jobs in Dearborn, MI? The most popular types of Software Developer jobs in Dearborn, MI are:
What cities near Dearborn, MI are hiring for Independent Contractor Software Developer jobs? Cities near Dearborn, MI with the most Independent Contractor Software Developer job openings:

$90K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

MS2 is a national leader in transportation data management and analysis and has the largest traffic count database in North America. More than 270 agencies in 31 US States, and 3 Canadian Provinces, including 28 state Departments of Transportation, are using MS2 software to manage their transportation data.
MS2 is located in the beautiful city of Ann Arbor, Michigan, the home of high-tech industries and the University of Michigan. Residents of the city enjoy beautiful parks, mature neighborhoods, amenities of the Huron River and easy access to downtown Detroit or to colorful "Pure Michigan" woods and waterways.
MS2 is a friendly, open team working to support our clients' software needs. Staff members work on a variety of tasks and are given a high degree of responsibility. We offer an excellent environment for transportation professionals and Software Engineers with competitive compensation and benefit packages. We're a small team and you'll have an opportunity to make a big impact!
We are seeking a Software Engineer who can reliably deliver features end-to-end with occasional direction, while growing toward the independence and ownership expected of an Senior Engineer. You will contribute across the SDLC, collaborate closely with product, QA, and other engineers, and steadily take on more complex work over time.
Responsibilities:
  • Deliver small to moderately complex features across the SDLC, from understanding requirements through implementation, testing, and release.
  • Write clean, maintainable, and testable code, following team standards and established patterns.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders and other engineers to clarify requirements and translate them into workable technical tasks (including constraints, risks, and tradeoffs).
  • Contribute to system reliability and supportability through automated tests, debugging, and incremental improvements.
  • Triage and resolve defects in production and non-production environments, escalating and pairing as needed.
  • Participate in code reviews as both author and reviewer, and incorporate feedback to improve engineering quality.
  • Create and maintain lightweight technical documentation (implementation notes, runbooks, and operational considerations).
  • Grow ownership over one or more modules, workflows, or services over time, including knowledge sharing with the team.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 3+ years of professional software engineering experience (or equivalent demonstrated capability).
  • Experience with TypeScript, JavaScript and React
  • Experience building production software with C#/.NET.
  • Working knowledge of SQL and relational databases (writing queries, understanding schemas, and using SQL to troubleshoot issues).
  • Experience identifying and resolving application performance bottlenecks through profiling, data access optimization, and responsiveness improvements.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to learn unfamiliar systems.
  • Clear written and verbal communication.

Preferred:
  • Experience working on systems with large datasets, ETLs, or complex data workflows.
  • Experience writing and maintaining automated tests (unit and/or integration), plus comfort working in CI workflows.
  • Experience with Git / GitHub workflows and pull-request-based collaboration.
  • Experience with ASP.NET (Web Forms, MVC, or Core).
  • Experience with GIS systems including ESRI and map visualization tools such as Google Maps or Mapnik.

Benefits
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
We promote a strong work/life balance at MS2. We encourage our employees to pursue their professional interests and take ownership of projects from start to finish. You'll be working with big data and cloud-based solutions using the latest technologies as part of a fun and energetic team. We get along so well, we even have regular nights out and company sponsored dinners to celebrate our successes! It's a great place to work.
Salary:
$90,000 - $112,000 a year, to be determined based on candidate's individual skills and experience.
Benefits:
  • Participation in the company's annual bonus program
  • 401(k) with matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Disability insurance
  • Vision insurance

We Want You to Be You at MS2.
At MS2 a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one where all employees, whatever their race, gender, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, disability, religion, or veteran status, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments and programs. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.
MS2 is committed to maintaining a welcoming environment with equitable treatment for all, and we strive to:
  • Provide a working environment where all employees feel safe, comfortable, and valued.
  • See diversity, inclusion, and equity as connected to our mission and critical to ensure the well-being of our staff and the agencies we serve.
  • Examine and dismantle any inequities within our policies, systems, programs, and services, and continually update and report our progress to our employees.
  • Explore potential underlying, unquestioned assumptions that interfere with inclusiveness.
  • Encourage company-wide thinking about how systemic inequities impact our organization's work, and how best to address that in a way that is consistent with our mission.
  • Help to challenge assumptions about what it takes to be a strong leader at our organization, and who is well-positioned to provide leadership.
  • Practice and encourage respectful and transparent communication in all interactions.
  • Commit time and resources to expand more diverse leadership at all levels of our organization.
  • Lead with respect and tolerance. We expect all employees to embrace this notion and to express it in workplace interactions and through everyday practices.

MS2 wants every employee to feel our commitment to showing respect for everyone, and we encourage open communication that enables each person to be their best self.
MS2 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Hybrid work
We expect staff to work from our office in Ann Arbor generally at least one day per week. Relocation assistance is available to successful candidates who are interested in moving to the Ann Arbor area.