The Differences And Similarities Between Freelance And Full-Time Developers
The Differences and Similarities between Freelance and Full-Time Developers
There are numerous job opportunities for developers with programming skills who are capable of developing products such as websites, applications, and computer systems. You can work as a freelance developer or as a full-time developer for an employer. If you're considering a career in development, it's beneficial to understand the distinctions and overlaps between freelancers and full-time developers. We explain what freelance and full-time developers do in this article, discuss the similarities and differences between these jobs, and offer advice on which job you might prefer.
What is the definition of a freelance developer?
A freelance developer is a self-employed programmer who works on various projects for clients. These programmers write code for the programming projects they accept. Freelancers establish their own requirements for each job, including their working hours and payment rates. Numerous independent developers work on a variety of projects because they have the freedom to choose which ones to accept. Freelancers frequently complete projects for smaller businesses that are either unable to hire full-time developers or lack the volume of work to justify hiring one.
What does it mean to be a full-time developer?
A full-time developer is a programmer who works for an employer on projects such as software development or maintenance. These individuals conduct user research, write code, and test products for their employer. With the advancement of technology, many employers are looking for developers with strong programming skills. Employers in a variety of industries may hire developers, including engineering, manufacturing, finance, insurance, and software publishing.
Developers who work freelance vs. those who work full-time
While a freelance developer is their own employer and works independently on projects, full-time developers work for employers and frequently collaborate with other team members. Despite their distinctions, the two jobs have a great deal in common in terms of responsibilities, required skills, and ongoing training. The following are some frequent parallels and distinctions between freelance and full-time development jobs:
1. Job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for full-time developers is expected to grow at a rate of 22% between 2019 and 2029, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. The agency attributes this growth to a number of factors, including the increased demand for new smartphone and tablet applications, the growth of health insurance software as a result of new policy enrollments, and the anticipated investment in security software to protect computer networks. This industry expansion is likely to affect freelance developers as well, though their job prospects will be more dependent on their ability to find and accept new projects.
2. Duties
Both freelance developers and full-time developers use programming languages such as C++ or Java to create computer applications or software that enable users to perform specific tasks. To meet production deadlines, full-time developers may work on multiple ongoing projects for their company. However, a freelance developer may have a variety of additional responsibilities outside of development projects. For instance, freelancers may develop and implement marketing strategies in order to attract new clients, negotiate contracts, perform administrative tasks, and manage their finances.
3. Skills
Both freelance and full-time development positions frequently require the same set of skills, including proficiency with programming languages, database knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, a freelance developer can benefit from developing sales and marketing skills in order to effectively market their services to potential clients. However, a full-time developer typically possesses exceptional teamwork abilities necessary for collaboration with other developers or teams involved in the software development life cycle.
4. Salary
A full-time developer earns an average salary of $50,911 per year. This varies according to factors such as geography and experience. Numerous businesses also provide benefits to their employees, including health insurance and retirement plans. Because freelance developers can set their own payment rates, the average salary varies. Typically, as freelance developers gain experience and skills, they can earn more money for their work.
5. Education
Many employers prefer that full-time developers possess a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related field, such as software engineering. While a bachelor's degree can be beneficial for freelance developers, some prefer to self-learn coding skills or complete a professional certification to acquire relevant programming skills. For freelance developers without a bachelor's degree, having a professional portfolio of completed projects can demonstrate to potential clients that they possess the necessary skills and qualifications to complete a job effectively.
6. Work environment
A freelance developer can work from virtually anywhere, including their homes. Certain freelance developers prefer to work in coworking spaces, which are shared workspaces for professionals equipped with standard office amenities like printers and conference rooms. Typically, full-time developers work in offices alongside other professionals. If a business has a development team, they typically work in the same area to share ideas and keep others informed of their progress. Certain full-time developers may be able to work remotely if their employer permits it.
7. Ongoing training
Ongoing training is critical for freelance and full-time developers to assist them in learning new programming languages or software development tools. Freelance developers are proactive in monitoring emerging trends and frequently acquire new skills on their own. In comparison, full-time developers can receive ongoing training from their employer. They frequently complete this training in collaboration with other team members, where they can exchange questions and aid one another in comprehending the new concepts.
