How to land a freelance tech gig

Freelancing in tech isn’t just for digital nomads living their best lives on beaches with Wi-Fi. It’s a flexible, lucrative career path that’s gaining serious traction. Whether you’re fresh out of school, pivoting careers, or just tired of the 9-to-5 grind, the freelance tech world has plenty of room for you. The trick? Knowing where to start—and how to stand out.

Why freelance tech gigs are worth your time

Freelancing in tech has a lot going for it:

Flexibility: Work when you want, where you want (as long as there’s Wi-Fi).
Earning potential: Skilled freelancers can easily out-earn their salaried counterparts (plus, they set their own rates).
Variety: One day you’re designing an app, the next you’re building a data dashboard. Boredom? Not a chance.

The demand for tech freelancers is only growing. According to Upwork’s Freelance Forward 2023 report, 39% of the U.S. workforce freelanced in 2023, contributing $1.35 trillion to the economy.

If you want a piece of that pie, here’s your roadmap.

Step 1: Build the right skills

Freelancing is competitive. If you want to land gigs, you need marketable tech skills. The good news? You don’t need a four-year computer science degree to get started. Our tech programs, ranging from six-hour workshops to full time bootcamps, are designed to fast-track you into tech with practical, hands-on experience.

Key skills to prioritize:

Coding: Front-end languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are essential for web projects. Back-end skills like Java, Python, and SQL open up even more opportunities. Explore our coding courses
Data skills: Businesses are drowning in data—and they’re willing to pay for someone who can make sense of it. Learn Python, data visualization, and analytics to become that person. Explore our data programs
UX design: Digital products need intuitive, user-friendly designs. If you’re creative and love problem-solving, UX design could be your golden ticket. Explore our UX design programs

Step 2: Build a portfolio that proves your skills

Clients don’t just want to know what you can do—they want to see it. A strong portfolio shows off your best work and proves you can deliver results.

What to include in your portfolio:

Real-world projects (even if they’re from class assignments)
Case studies that break down your process
Results that demonstrate impact (like increased conversions or improved user engagement)

All of our courses focus on project-based learning, so you’ll graduate with a portfolio that turns heads.

Step 3: Establish your online presence

Freelancers live and die by their digital footprint. To stand out, you’ll need profiles on top freelancing platforms like:

Upwork: Ideal for finding a wide range of tech gigs. Our partnership with Upwork can help you connect with clients faster.
Fiverr: Perfect for short-term or entry-level projects.
Toptal: A platform for experienced tech freelancers ready to command higher rates.

A personal website that showcases your portfolio, skills, and contact info is a must, too. Bonus points if you include testimonials from happy clients or classmates.

Step 4: Network like your career depends on it (because it does)

The freelance world thrives on connections. Here’s how to get your name out there:

Tap into GA’s alumni network: Thousands of GA grads are already thriving in tech—and they know people who are hiring.
Join tech communities: Sites like GitHub, Behance, and Reddit are great places to showcase your work and connect with peers.
Attend industry events: Whether online or in person, networking events are goldmines for meeting potential clients.

Step 5: Land your first gig

Getting your first freelance job can feel like climbing Everest. Start with smaller projects to build experience and credibility.

Tips to land that first gig:

Write personalized proposals that highlight your skills and show you understand the client’s needs.
Offer competitive (but fair) rates to gain momentum early on.
Focus on delivering incredible value to secure repeat clients and referrals.

Step 6: Keep learning and improving

Tech moves fast, and freelancers who stay ahead of trends win. Continually upskill by taking workshops and courses that keep your skills sharp and in demand.

Recommended resources:

Ready to start freelancing in tech?

Whether you’re eyeing coding gigs, UX design work, or data analysis projects, freelancing offers endless opportunities to flex your skills and build a rewarding career. With our practical, hands-on courses and workshops—plus the employer connections and strong alumni network that come with graduating from a bootcamp—you’ll have the support you need to land your first (and second, and third) tech gig.

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March 21, 2025