How to Become a Freelance Software Engineer in 2024

If you’re interested in working as a Software Engineer, one potential career path you may wish to explore is working in a freelance capacity. Freelance Software Engineers perform many of the same tasks as in-house Software Engineers, including creating and developing applications for clients and maintaining or modifying existing software. This career path provides the additional flexibility of allowing freelancers to work remotely, be their own boss, and select the clients they work with and the projects they take on. Read on to find out more about the steps needed to pursue a Freelance Software Engineering position, as well as whether this career path is right for you.

Freelance vs. In-house Software Engineer

There are several important differences between working as an In-House Software Engineer and a Freelance Software Engineer. Those who opt to work in-house in software engineering can choose from career paths in a range of industries, including healthcare, cybersecurity, or finance. They can pursue a role as a Front End or Back End Engineer or opt to explore a career in full stack engineering. These individuals may choose to seek a job at an electronic product manufacturing company or computer systems design firm. Others work in application development offices or for software publishers. These individuals typically work a standard full-time day, though they may have to work extra hours during coding sprints or to meet a fast-approaching deadline for a client. In-house employment has the benefit of stability. Full-time software engineering jobs typically include benefits, paid time off, and the promise of regular work.

Freelance Software Engineers, on the other hand, operate as their own bosses. These individuals enjoy many perks that come along with this role. They can select which projects they want to work on at any time, which allows them more creative freedom than those who work in-house. These professionals may opt for one large project that takes several months (or even longer to complete) or select several shorter projects that require only weeks of time and can be worked on simultaneously. Freelancers also have the ability to decide when and where they’d like to work. Whether they wish to write code at the local coffee shop or from the comfort of their own home, the bottom line for these professionals is that they complete the tasks they’ve agreed to do and adhere to the timeline provided by their client. However, with this flexibility comes certain concessions, such as no benefits or paid time off. It’s essentially up to the Freelance Software Engineer to continue finding work and budgeting for variables like healthcare or days off.

Benefits & Potential Challenges of Software Engineer Freelancing

There are a range of benefits and challenges to pursuing a career in freelance software engineering. It’s up to each individual to weigh each carefully to decide if this career path is a match for them. 

Freelance Software Engineers enjoy the creative freedom to decide which projects to pass on and which to tackle. This allows them to tailor their work around what they enjoy doing most, as well as what they’re best at, and avoid projects that don’t feel like they’re a good match. Some people may prefer to devote their entire focus to one project that will take many months to complete, such as creating an elearning platform. They may wish to spend 40 hours a week on this work alone and do so for the project’s duration. Other individuals may like to change things up and tackle several smaller projects at the same time. For others still, a less demanding work schedule may be more appealing and working only 15 or 20 weeks as a part-time Freelance Software Engineer may be preferable. 

Picking and choosing freelance work presents its unique challenges. While it’s a great way for the individual to take ownership and control over their work, it also means that they are tasked with securing continuous employment. Some people may find the stress of constantly having to apply for new work undesirable since there is no guarantee that projects will be steadily available. Others, though, prefer this flexibility and can build on their reputation to gain referrals for new work. Freelance Software Engineers also negotiate their pay rates on a per-project basis, which allows them to opt for work that adequately compensates them and turn down other projects. However, when work options aren’t coming through, they may need to settle for lower-paying gigs to pay bills.

Another appealing aspect of freelance work, in general, is that it allows the individual to decide when they wish to work, as well as where they would be most comfortable doing so. Some Freelancers may prefer to work three long days a week, whereas others may find it more suitable to their schedule to spread a full-time workload out over six days. Freelance Software Engineers can take days or even weeks off as they see fit for travel or other commitments. However, this time off is not paid. This means that they must be good at budgeting to account for periods of non-work. Additionally, since freelance roles don’t provide benefits, it’s up to the individual to set money aside from various projects to purchase healthcare and devote funds to retirement. 

For self-motivated individuals who prefer being their own boss, freelance work has many appealing aspects. To succeed in this role, you must be self-motivated and able to handle a range of business management responsibilities that an in-house employer would otherwise take care of. You must also be willing and able to seek new work opportunities as necessary and promote yourself regularly with a current resume and LinkedIn profile. Those who prefer this work environment and have the motivation to work on a freelance basis can find many high-paying professional options awaiting them.

What is a Software Engineer?

Because many businesses across different sectors rely on software for their daily operations, Software Engineers are hired to work in many industries, including retail, cybersecurity, healthcare, and finance. These professionals help their organization create, develop, and test computer systems and software applications. To succeed in software engineering, it’s essential to be familiar with a range of programming languages, platforms, and architectures, as well as their uses, to develop products like network control systems or computer games. In addition to creating their own systems, Software Engineers may also be asked to improve or test the software created by other Engineers. Those who have well-developed analytical skills and are good at solving problems would be a good match for this profession.

On a daily basis, the tasks a Software Engineer performs depend on their industry of employment (healthcare vs. retail, for example, will have very different requirements), as well as their place of employment and current project. Some common daily tasks Software Engineers perform include creating and maintaining software systems, writing code, studying and testing new software, ensuring software is scalable and performing at a good speed, meeting with stakeholders like security specialists or clients, and creating presentations on new software features. They also assist with tasks like researching current technological developments for use in projects, designing prototypes, locating and fixing bugs, and performing A/B testing.

Most Software Engineers are employed full-time; some work onsite, whereas others have remote positions. Lucrative freelance Software Engineering roles are also available, which provide the Engineer with the flexibility of being their own boss and selecting their own projects. Software Engineers who work full-time typically collaborate with other team members on projects, including Developers, UX and UI Designers, Managers, and those from various sales teams. Some Software Engineers focus on one component of a project, whereas others see the project out in its entirety from start to finish or even multi-task on several concurrent projects. Deadlines usually drive this field. Most Software Engineers work a typical 40-hour workweek but may have to commit additional hours during coding sprints.

What is Software Engineering Freelancing Like?

Once you’ve decided to explore freelance software engineering as a viable professional track, you may wonder what a day in the life is like for someone with this job. Each freelance role differs from others, depending on the project the individual is involved with, their employer’s needs, and the industry in which they’re working. For example, designing new software for healthcare providers is a very different freelance job than testing and debugging programs for a video game provider. 

Generally speaking, Freelance Software Engineers will need to wear many hats. In addition to performing daily tasks that their current client requires, these individuals must also perform other roles apart from engineering. Freelance work isn’t the same as a steady, 40-hour week of in-house employment; instead of a boss assigning a project, it’s up to the Freelancer to line up their own work. Some projects are easier to come by, especially for those with a solid reputation in this field and a client base willing to provide recommendations. Others who are newer and less established may find it harder and more time-consuming to continuously seek out new work. This process involves having a current resume and cover letter, an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, and a professional portfolio ready to share with prospective clients.

Once a Freelance Software Engineer establishes a relationship with a client, the next thing they will have to do is negotiate a contract. Each new freelance project will require this step. The Freelance Software Engineer will have to agree to (or negotiate) a pay rate, a timeframe within which the project will be complete, and the general requirements they must perform to be paid. This contract may also include information pertaining to when payment will be sent and how it will be delivered. They will then need to remain in contact with the client as often as necessary during the work process. Some clients may prefer to have regular progress updates, whereas others may find it sufficient to allow the Software Engineer to work independently so long as they can be trusted to meet the deadline.

Is Software Engineering Freelancing Right for Me?

Deciding whether freelance work is a good option for you will depend on many factors. While some thrive in this role, freelance work isn’t for everyone. Anyone hoping to succeed as a Freelance Software Engineer will need to be a self-motivated individual. This means constantly finding time to seek out new work and apply for new projects, as well as completing the ones you already have going. It’s also important to have up-to-date job application materials at all times that reflect your best work and the reasons why you’re a good candidate for jobs. These materials will likely need to be tailored to each role you’re applying for, which can require additional time and effort.

Freelancers also must be able to perform business tasks like budgeting for dry spells at work, travel, or illness. They may also have to know how much money to set aside for healthcare-related costs, retirement, or other factors that would be covered by full-time, in-house employment. This means juggling several balls at once while working during this time. To succeed in this role, therefore, it’s important to be a highly motivated individual who doesn’t require the stability of a 40-hour workweek every week and who can live with a little bit of uncertainty in exchange for the flexibility of being their own boss.

Steps to Become a Freelance Software Engineer

If you’re ready to pursue a freelance software engineering career, you may wonder what steps are involved in this process. Although all learners differ in the path they take to pursue this career, there are several core steps most individuals will need to complete to be viable job applicants. First, you will need to brainstorm the type of job they hope to pursue that falls under the larger software engineering umbrella. While most coding skills can be transferred between various professional engineering roles, other forms of training are more specific to certain career paths. For example, learners may need to decide whether they wish to focus on creating and implementing computer software or if they’d like to devote their efforts to other related roles, such as those in web development that involve creating and maintaining all aspects of a website, such as its layout, functions, and navigation capabilities. These require slightly different skill sets.

The next step in pursuing a freelance software engineering career is to decide on the best training format for you. Bootcamps and certificate programs are great learning opportunities for aspiring professionals because they combine hands-on training with professional support. Noble Desktop provides many exciting learning opportunities for those who are new to software engineering and coding, as well as those who already have prior experience and want to take their skills to the next level. Aspiring professionals may find Noble’s Software Engineering Certificate especially useful since it covers both front end and back end skills and also includes personal mentoring sessions.

Next, it’s important for most prospective Freelance Software Engineers to gain hands-on experience in this field. This experience can take many forms, including personal projects, internships, or volunteer work. Many employers will find it impressive if a job applicant can demonstrate that they have coding experience that extends beyond the walls of a classroom. These opportunities can also be a great opportunity to develop a professional portfolio, which is crucial for landing a job in software engineering.

Although it’s not required by all prospective employers, seeking certification in software engineering can also be an asset for those on the job search. Certifications require passing a challenging exam that tests the students on the types of skills they’ll need in the workplace. Some popular certifications for aspiring Software Engineers are the AWS Certified Developer, the Professional Scrum Developer, and Java Certification.

Once you’ve decided on a career path, taken coursework to help you learn software engineering skills, and gained hands-on training in a real-world setting, it’s time to begin applying for freelance jobs. This final stage of the process involves tasks like pairing your career goals with the jobs you feel qualified to pursue based on your experience. It’s also important to have an updated resume, an engaging and professional LinkedIn profile, a professional portfolio, and any other application materials the employer may require. This material should be readily available at all times to be sent out immediately when new job opportunities arise.

Finally, a Freelance Software Engineer needs to be business-savvy. In addition to possessing all the skills and training required to perform as an in-house Software Engineer, future Freelance Software Engineers will need to learn skills to run their own business (such as finance and contract law) and market it (such as web design and social media marketing). Even Freelance Software Engineers who plan to contract consultants to help run their small business should have a basic understanding of these areas in order to understand what kind of outsourcing they need to support their freelance work.

Learn the Skills to Become a Software Engineer at Noble Desktop

Those interested in pursuing a career in software engineering can receive hands-on training by enrolling in one of Noble Desktop’s in-person or live online software engineering courses. Noble currently offers a Software Engineering Certificate that provides hands-on training in front end and back end web development. Participants in this rigorous program begin by exploring how to use HTML to mark up webpages, CSS to style them, and GIT for version control. The second part of this program teaches core JavaScript programming skills, such as data types, variables, DOM, and loops. Instruction is provided on using the React library to create a fully working desktop application and deploy it to Amazon Web Services. Next, those enrolled explore Python concepts like its basic syntax, custom functions, sorting algorithms, and dictionaries. Learners then progress into object-oriented programming, APIs, and database querying with SQL. By course completion, participants will be familiar with Django and Django REST. In addition to comprehensive in-class training, this certificate includes 12 1-on-1 mentoring sessions for all students, which can be devoted to professional portfolio development, resume work, or LinkedIn profile updates.

Noble also offers a Python Developer Certificate that prepares students for a career as a Python Developer. This intensive course teaches concepts like Python programming basics, as well as how to use Django and Django REST for web development. All participants leave this course with a professional portfolio that highlights their best work from the program. As a prerequisite, students should have prior knowledge of basic CSS and HTML coding. It’s also helpful, though not required, to have experience with an additional programming language prior to enrolling. This certificate includes four 1-on-1 mentoring sessions.

Learners who want to become proficient in front end and back end web development can enroll in Noble’s Full Stack Web Development Certificate. This program will prepare students to create and maintain various web applications. Through project-oriented instruction, those enrolled explore how to code websites, program their visual appearance, and create the infrastructure that helps them function. Instruction is provided in coding languages like JavaScript and HTML/CSS. Students also work with the MERN tech stack, server environments like AWS, and APIs. All participants leave with a portfolio to share with prospective employers. Ten 1-on-1 mentoring sessions are provided along with tuition.