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Almost every industry looks for the services of a developer. Whether they need a developer to create a digital storefront or build an app for their clients, developers are almost indispensable.

With that said, if you recently discovered the lucrative career of developers or fell in love with lines of code, you may wonder what freelance developer career is best for you. Here are some of the best freelance developer careers based on potential earnings and job responsibilities.

1. Freelance Web Developer

Boy coding on PC at home

As a freelance web developer, your core responsibility is to create websites and web applications for businesses and organizations. These websites and web applications serve a variety of purposes, such as promoting products and services, providing information, and processing transactions.

To do this, you can either become a full-stack developer or learn either back-end or front-end development and team with someone else to create responsive websites. Does this career interest you, but you don’t know how to code, or you’re currently working on something else?

No problem! You can easily learn to code with the best coding bootcamps for career changers. Some of these coding bootcamps can tailor a part-time program to make learning coding easy for you, even while working a job.

2. Freelance Mobile App Developer

Mobile app developer using code to create a mobile app

Have you ever wondered who created your favorite app? Mobile app developers are the creative minds behind the apps you enjoy and love. As one, you will use programming languages and tools to design apps for smartphones and tablets.

These apps can do all sorts of things, from helping users order food and play games to connecting with friends. For instance, the Upwork app was created by a mobile app developer to help anyone find and hire freelance coders and programmers.

But being a mobile app developer goes beyond just creating the app. You must also ensure the app is compatible with devices, has an easy-to-use interface, and is user-friendly. Consequently, you are an artist who makes digital experiences addictive and enjoyable.

3. Freelance Game Developer

A gamer setup with a microphone

Have you ever wondered how complex games are put together? It's no more than the result of the effort of game developers who put in countless hours of work to deliver entertaining games. A game developer is an expert who turns creative game concepts into reality and interactive experiences anyone can enjoy.

To do this, they work with programming languages like C++, Java, Python, and more programming languages to create fun games. If you are an ardent video game lover and enjoy coding, a career in game development surely holds immense allure for you.

With this role, you get to work on different aspects of game development, such as programming, art and graphics, sound design, game logic, or design, leaving you with many options. What's more? You can work for yourself or multiple game production companies as a freelance game developer.

4. Freelance DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineer giving instructions during meeting

A DevOps Engineer is a professional who combines both software development and IT practices to simplify the software creation and functioning process. For newbies, DevOps simply stands for Development Operations. It basically sums up the duties of DevOps engineers.

Basically, DevOps work as project managers in coding teams. They are skilled enough to write codes to simplify and automate operations concerning software functioning, and they are also cognizant of IT practices to facilitate optimal user experience.

This way, they can manage and spearhead a team of developers to deploy reliable and efficient software when needed urgently. As a freelancer, you should look out for green flags in freelancer clients, so you can decipher what they need, and this is the core of the job of DevOps engineers.

DevOps engineers often get called in to enhance software operations. Most times, the present software could be too slow or non-functional. In this type of scenario, DevOps engineers collect feedback to analyze what needs enhancement, and they create software and operating systems that will solve the problems at hand.

5. Freelance Cloud Infrastructure Developer

cloud computing simplified in diagram

A freelance cloud Infrastructure developer is a professional who helps businesses set up and manage the components of cloud-based systems. To take up this cloud professional job, you must be proficient in utilizing cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud for clients.

With your proficiency, you will help businesses store and use their data and programs online without needing physical servers. Similarly, you will be responsible for measuring service indicators—checking how well a company’s service is doing.

These indicators, like how fast they respond, how happy customers are, and how often errors occur, help to see if the services are working okay. By monitoring these indicators, you can determine what is going well, what needs improvement, and how to ensure seamless operation.

6. Freelance Blockchain Developer

crypto exchange on multiple devices

A freelance blockchain developer is a professional who builds on blockchain technology for different projects. To become one, you have to learn how to store data on the blockchain and build useful programs on it, known as smart contracts.

These smart contracts help in managing processes on the blockchain without any middlemen. Hence, your job is to build, improve, and safeguard these systems while ensuring they stay reliable and trustworthy. As a freelance blockchain developer, you can help multiple businesses utilize blockchain technology for safer and faster transactions.

7. Freelance AR/VR Developer

Person wearing VR headset with controllers at an event

As an AR/VR developer, your core responsibility revolves around using Javascript to create augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences and technologies. These technologies blend digital elements with the real world and immerse users in virtual environments.

To achieve this, you must design and build applications, games, simulations, and interactive content that anyone can experience through AR glasses, VR headsets, or mobile devices.

Likewise, you must be proficient at using coding languages, 3D modeling, and specialized software to bring these experiences to life while working on projects that involve entertainment, education, training, or other innovative ways to engage users.

The best part of this all? As a freelance AR/VR developer, you can work anytime, even at night, as it is one of the perfect jobs for night owls.

Freelance Developer Jobs for Anyone

Freelance developer jobs are highly rewarding in comparison to other freelancer jobs. As rewarding as they are, they are not difficult to learn as anyone can learn them with the help of free resources or paid bootcamps. If you're looking to create games, utilize blockchain technology, or manage teams of developers, there's a freelance developer job for you.