Are you looking for a part-time programming job? If so, the prospects have never been better. With the growth of technology in virtually every industry and sector, there are multiple ways to find work as a programmer.
But with all these options available, it can be hard to find the right one that fits your needs and goals. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to find part-time programming jobs in 2023. In this article, we’ll discuss five key strategies for finding part-time programming jobs that fit your skillset and help you reach your career goals. Let’s dive right in!
1. Convert Your Current Full-Time Job to Part-Time
Now, this will obviously only work if you already possess a full-time programming job. If you do, this is the easiest way to start working part-time.
Basically, this involves going to your manager and asking them to reduce your hours (with a concurrent reduction in pay). Companies are typically afraid of losing their established employees, as they have already proven themselves useful and have projects that depend on them.
Thus, your manager is likely to accept your request to reduce your hours and continue working on your current projects as a part-time employee. I have personally encountered many examples of this strategy, which proves to be successful more often than not.
Your have better chances of success if you have already worked at said company for a year or more, as this would make you an experienced developer within their organization.
Consider suggesting reduced hours during a personal development review if you’re offered an increased salary. You could say something like, “What would the terms be if I worked less instead?” Doing this may make your request appear more appealing to your employer and simplify negotiations.
2. Online Job Boards
The internet is a great place to find part-time programming jobs. Job boards like Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor are popular for searching for open positions; you can find a multitude of different job postings on each platform.
Be sure to use keywords related to your area of expertise when doing an online search (such as “part-time programming jobs” or “part-time software development”). Indeed currently lists 2,379 jobs for these keywords across the platform.
You should also check out niche job boards such as FlexJobs that specialize in part-time programming jobs.
Keep in mind that part-time programming jobs on online job boards are competitive, so you will likely be one of many applicants for such positions. Nevertheless, it is a great way to browse this specific query and find out all the part-time opportunities that exist our there.
3. Networking
Compared to online job boards, networking provides you with better chances to find a job faster and with a higher application-to-offer rate.
There are several ways to utilize your network to get part-time programming job leads. They all, however, include reaching out to your acquaintances (new or old) and letting them know you are looking for a part-time opportunity.
LinkedIn, local meetups, conferences, professional groups, and industry events are all great ways to network. The easiest outreach you could is by sharing a LinkedIn post stating that you are looking for part-time programming jobs and would like some help from your connections.
You never know who may be in need of or knowledgeable of someone who is hiring for part-time developer jobs.
The more you put yourself out there and leverage your network, the higher chances you have of getting a lead for a great part-time programming job.
4. Freelance
There are currently over 118,002 freelance software developers employed in the United States. In fact, 33% of Fortunate 500 companies employ freelancers.
This mode of work is popular among developers as it lets you pick your own projects, work according to your own hours, and find clients from all over the world.
The number of platforms offering freelance jobs in a variety of industries is on the rise – not only do these sites provide employment, but they also offer tools and resources for contractors to help them achieve success. Some of the most common freelance platforms include:
These resources are great for finding part-time programming jobs that fit your skillset and schedule.
Keep in mind that freelancing market among software engineers is becoming somewhat oversaturated, so in order to find success and earn good money consistently, you may need to build up a solid portfolio and database of client testimonials.
You may do so by offering low rates for your first several gigs and doing an amazing job at all of your orders. Make sure to ask for reviews from your clients!
5. Internships
If you are still a student or a new graduate, internships can be a great way to find part-time programming jobs.
These opportunities allow you to gain real-world experience, learn new skills, and secure a part-time job after the internship is done.
While summer internships are usually full-time, internships that are conducted throughout Fall or Spring are often part-time. Besides, it is very common for summer interns to agree with the companies to continue working on their projects part-time alongside with their university courses throughout the academic year.
Part-time internships and job that lead to such opportunities following a summer internship are a great way to gain experience and earn money while still in school or just after graduation.
You can find internship opportunities at job boards, startup websites, and even through networking. If you have the right qualifications and a positive attitude, you can find a great part-time programming job through internships.
How Many Hours Is Considered a Part-Time Programming Job?
Anything below the traditional 40 hr/week can be considered part time. Usually, people work from 8 to 25 hours as part-time employees.
Part-time programming jobs can range from developing simple websites to more complex projects that require a lot of hours and attention. It all depends on the type of programming job you find and the hours you can commit or agree to it.
For example, freelancing part-time programming jobs may require fewer hours than regular part-time jobs as you can find yourself working on the projects you choose at the times you choose to work on them. Besides, you can say “no” to any projects you consider overly intensive.
Advantages of Part-Time Programming Work
What are some of the advantages of part-time work as a software developer? Let’s consider a few:
1. Flexible Hours
As a part-time software engineer, you often get to choose your own working hours. This is especially true for freelance work, where you can find projects that fit into your lifestyle and schedule. This is an advantage if you want to spend more time with family and friends or pursue other hobbies.
2. Remote Work
Many part-time programming jobs can be done remotely, helping you find clients from all over the world and avoid long commutes. Working remotely is associated with lower stress levels, improved productivity, and increased job satisfaction.
3. Better Work-Life Balance
Part-time programming jobs give you the opportunity to find a balance between work and life. You can find work that fits into your lifestyle and schedule, allowing you to find both job satisfaction and time for yourself.
4. Get Paid for What You Know
As a part-time programmer, you get paid for the skills and knowledge you have. This means that you don’t need to go through long training processes and can start working immediately. You also get to perfect the skills you already have while gaining new ones, helping you find more work in the future.
Disadvantages of Part-Time Programming Work
While part-time work clearly presents some nice perks and advantages, it also has some potential downsides.
1. Often No Benefits
Part-time jobs are often associated with no benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans. If you find a part-time job at a company, make sure to find out what benefits are included in your salary package.
2. Less Job Security
Part-time programming jobs are often associated with less job security than full-time jobs. This means that you may find yourself without a job if the projects finish or the company decides to go in a different direction.
3. Lower Pay Rate
Since part-time programming jobs often require fewer hours, you may find the pay rate to be lower than what you would find in a full-time job. This means that you may need to find more gigs or find higher paying ones to make ends meet.
4. More Difficult to Find Work
Finding part-time jobs is often more difficult than finding full-time ones as you may find yourself competing with experienced professionals. You need to find creative ways to find gigs, such as networking and online job sites.
Overall, part-time programming jobs are a great way to find work that fits into your lifestyle while gaining experience and adding to your resume. It’s important to find a job that fits into your schedule and pays you enough for the hours you commit.
You should also find out what type of benefits you get and find ways to find work that fits into your lifestyle. With the right approach, part-time programming jobs can be a great way to find job satisfaction and manage your work-life balance.
How Much Does a Part-Time Programming Job Pay in 2023?
The average pay rate for part-time programming jobs in 2023 varies based on factors such as the type of job, experience level, and the number of hours you work.
Generally, the hourly rate for part-time programming jobs is between $15 and $80 per hour, with more experienced developers typically earning more. You can find part-time programming jobs that pay a fixed rate or an hourly rate, depending on the project and client.
In general, Zippia has found that part-time developers make between $74,000 and $87,000 per year, although the exact hour range are not mention in their survey.
If you decide to do freelancing work, especially through popular freelance platforms, you may encounter rates that are lower than typical hourly wages for full-time software engineers.
According to Upwork, median hourly rates for developers range from $15 to $40. However, wages for certain high-expertise niche subfields in programming such as AR/VR, cryptocurrency, and visual object recognition get much higher hourly rates that exceed $150/hr.
How Hard Is It to Find Part-Time Programming Jobs in 2023?
In general, it is harder to find part-time jobs than to get full-time employment as a software developer. Only a fraction of all software engineer job postings are for part-time positions.
This is mostly due to the fact that many companies find it more cost efficient to hire full-time software engineers than part-time ones.
It is also more difficult to find part-time programming jobs in 2023 due to competition from experienced professionals who are also looking for work. Finding part-time jobs may require more creativity and networking than full-time jobs.
That said, there are still lots of opportunities for part-time programming work if you know where to look. Online job boards such as Indeed and Monster offer postings for various types of part-time programming jobs, including freelancing gigs.
You should also reach out to your network and find creative ways to find gigs, such as attending meetups and events related to software engineering.
In general, it is easier to find part-time programming jobs if you are an experienced developer rather than a junior engineer. Gaining more experience and showcasing your skills can help you find part-time programming jobs that fit into your lifestyle.
Tips for Finding a Part-Time Programming Job
To help you find a part-time programming job, we would like to offer you some tips:
- Have a rich portfolio or preferably a portfolio website – if you are a freelancer, make sure that you have a good portfolio website or CV in which you display your skills and experience to your potential clients.
- Network! Reach out to people in the software engineering community and find ways to find gigs. Attend hackathons, meetups and conferences to find connections that may lead to a job.
- Take advantage of LinkedIn – use LinkedIn to find connections and find potential employers interested in part-time jobs.
- Build up a good rating – by charging less at first and doing a great job with each order if you are freelancing. This will help you build up a good rating and find more clients in the long run.
- Be proactive – don’t wait for job postings to find you. You should reach out to potential employers and find ways to find the right job for you.
- Be patient – it may take some time to find the right part-time programming job for you. Don’t give up and keep searching until find one.
Finding a part-time programming job can be difficult, but with the right approach and a little bit of luck you will find one that suits your needs.
Alternatives to a Part-Time Programming Job
If you would like to make extra money on your own terms while using your coding skills, part-time jobs and freelancing are not the only answer. There are several other options that you can use to find work as a programmer.
1. Online a course on Udemy
If you are interested in teaching software engineering, you can create your own online course on Udemy. This way, you will have the freedom to create your own course and set your own prices.
2. Create a plugin or app
You can also use your coding skills to develop plugins and apps for platforms such as WordPress and Shopify. This way, you will have the license to sell your own products and make money from them.
3. YouTube channel
Another great way to make money using your coding skills is by creating a YouTube channel. By creating tutorials and educational videos, you can find an audience and make money from ads.
4. Blogging
You can also find success by creating and running your own blog. You can write about software engineering topics that interest you, and make money from ads and affiliate links.
5. Write a book
Writing a book about software engineering can be a great way to find success and make money. You can find an audience by writing about your own experiences and offering your expertise.
6. Provide other tech-related services
You can also find success by offering other tech-related services, such as web design and development, app development, cloud computing setup, etc.
7. Invest
Finally, you can find success by investing your money in stocks and mutual funds. This way, you can make your money work for you and find success in the long term.
At the end of the day, finding a part-time programming job or alternative can take some time and effort. But with the right approach and some luck, you can find success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding part-time programming jobs in 2023 will require a combination of effort, persistence, and luck.
By taking advantage of the 5 ways to find part-time programming jobs, as well as tips on how to secure them that we have listed above, you should find yourself able to find the perfect part-time job for you.
Start by networking with other developers and expanding your reach through job boards and platforms, keep an eye out for companies hiring freelancers and internships, find mentors to help guide you in the right direction, and lastly, find a job you love that works for the lifestyle you want.
Good luck!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.
