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Independent Freelance Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

Incumbent independently performs complex editing and writing tasks. Under general direction ... May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among ...

We are seeking talented and professional Nail Technicians to join our community of freelance pros ... Be an independent contractor and work when and where you want * Have the freedom to work for other ...

We are seeking talented and professional Makeup Artists to join our community of freelance pros in ... Be an independent contractor and work when and where you want * Have the freedom to work for other ...

We are seeking talented and professional Hair Stylists to join our community of freelance pros in ... Be an independent contractor and work when and where you want * Have the freedom to work for other ...

We are seeking talented and professional Nail Technicians to join our community of freelance pros ... Be an independent contractor and work when and where you want * Have the freedom to work for other ...

We are seeking talented and professional Hair Stylists to join our community of freelance pros in ... Be an independent contractor and work when and where you want * Have the freedom to work for other ...

We are seeking talented and professional Makeup Artists to join our community of freelance pros in ... Be an independent contractor and work when and where you want * Have the freedom to work for other ...

Roadside Assistance Side Gig

MD

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

... freelancers, on-demand seasonal workers and many others who have an affinity for cars (experienced or entry-level). What's in it for you? * Extra Income, mobile independent contractor opportunity

Coordinate with producers and freelance editors to help maintain production schedules. * Provide ... Ability to work independently while taking direction and incorporating feedback. * Interest in ...

Close disbursement partnerships with gig and freelance platforms that have high concentrations of ... High independence, structured communication, and a builder's mindset - the playbook doesn't fully ...

Showing results 21-40

Independent Freelance information

See Reston, VA salary details

$15

$49

$137

How much do independent freelance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent freelance in Reston, VA is $49.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $64.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent freelance?

Independent freelancers are self-employed professionals who offer their skills and services to clients on a project-by-project or contractual basis, rather than working as employees for a single company. They often work in fields such as writing, graphic design, programming, marketing, and more. Freelancers manage their own schedules, negotiate rates, and handle their own taxes and business expenses. This career path offers flexibility and the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, but also requires self-motivation and business management skills.

How do independent freelancers typically manage client relationships and project timelines?

Independent freelancers are responsible for not only executing project work but also managing client communications and setting realistic project timelines. This usually involves regular updates, clear proposals, and setting expectations early to avoid misunderstandings. Most freelancers use project management tools, calendars, and communication platforms to stay organized and keep clients informed. Building strong relationships through professionalism and reliability can lead to repeat business and positive referrals.

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

To thrive as an Independent Freelancer, you need strong expertise in your chosen field, a proven portfolio, and often relevant educational background or credentials. Familiarity with project management tools, invoicing software, and online collaboration platforms is highly beneficial. Excellent self-motivation, communication, and time-management skills help freelancers stand out in managing client relationships and meeting deadlines. These skills ensure consistent high-quality work, client satisfaction, and the ability to secure ongoing projects in a competitive marketplace.

What is the difference between Independent Freelance vs Contract Worker?

AspectIndependent FreelanceContract Worker
CredentialsVaries; often self-taught or specialized certificationsTypically requires specific certifications or skills
Work EnvironmentSelf-managed, remote or client sitesUsually on-site or remote, depending on contract
Employer/Industry UsageUsed across creative, tech, consulting fieldsCommon in IT, construction, and professional services
Search/Comparison IntentHigh overlap in freelance platforms and job searchesOften compared in project-based work contexts

Independent Freelance and Contract Worker both operate on a project basis, but freelancers typically work independently across various clients without long-term commitments, while contract workers are hired for specific projects by a single employer or agency. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right opportunities based on work style and industry needs.

What job categories do people searching Independent Freelance jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Freelance jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Independent Freelance jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Independent Freelance job openings:
Infographic showing various Independent Freelance job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,235 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

$73K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary:
Edits text and graphics for publication, including articles, manuscripts, reports, websites, journals, magazines, and/or brochures. Reads and evaluates reports and/or other materials and documents to determine the extent of editorial problems and shortcomings. Looks for inconsistencies of thought, development, or organization. Confers with authors and recommends treatment of material. Reorganizes, cuts, or rewrites as necessary. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, and format. Works with editorial and production staff and contractors to guide manuscripts through to publication. May contribute original material where appropriate, writing about topics for a variety of audiences in multiple media formats.
Incumbent independently performs complex editing and writing tasks. Under general direction, applies specific professional-level functional knowledge to solve complex problems and has authority to deviate from standard practices, but must advise superiors of such action as well as non-routine matters. May hire, train, supervise, and evaluate support staff or serve in a lead capacity.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
  • Edits reports, articles, etc. and may help to shape presentation, restructuring and rewriting as needed. Marks up for composition. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, accessibility, and format. Works with designers, graphic artists, layout specialists, web developers, marketing, and production staff on all aspects of production.
  • Negotiates revisions with authors. May network with prospective authors, scientific advisers, and news media.
  • Advises staff and authors on editing and publishing options. Holds meetings to discuss current and future projects. Answers editorial questions. Consults with staff about the progress of reports, articles, or other publications.
  • May have supervisory responsibility for editorial assistants, including hiring, training, and evaluation of work.
  • May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among freelancers.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Edits reports, articles, etc. and may help to shape presentation, restructuring and rewriting as needed. Marks up for composition. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, accessibility, and format. Works with designers, graphic artists, layout specialists, web developers, marketing, and production staff on all aspects of production. Negotiates revisions with authors. May network with prospective authors, scientific advisers, and news media. Advises staff and authors on editing and publishing options. Holds meetings to discuss current and future projects. Answers editorial questions. Consults with staff about the progress of reports, articles, or other publications. May have supervisory responsibility for editorial assistants, including hiring, training, and evaluation of work. May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among freelancers.
NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proficiency in Microsoft Word (including track changes and styles). Practical knowledge of WordPress or other content management system, HTML, and CSS desired. Ability to solve problems of variety and complexity. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of problems and issues. Ability to operate independently and exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment, discretion, and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field, or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience.
Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to Director or other higher level editorial position. General supervision is provided. May supervise junior staff.
Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $73,760 - $92,190. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range. This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. For more information, please click here.
Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.
Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units
Job Family:
PUBL
Employee Type:
Employee
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
City/State:
Washington, District of Columbia