To work a freelance job no matter the niche you decide on means you pick your hours and rate of pay. You are essentially your boss to some extent. It is no surprise that freelance tech jobs are becoming very popular for these reasons. You may find yourself wondering just how you become a freelance SQL developer.
To become a freelance SQL developer, you will need extensive knowledge of information technology. Many companies require a bachelor’s degree though some may get an entry-level job. You will need to build a good resume and market yourself well to get as many job opportunities as possible.
Once you have the knowledge of being a SQL developer the freelance part will be the easier part. It will take time to build up your portfolio and land the jobs you are wanting to, do not become discouraged. Read on to not only find out how to become a freelance SQL developer but tips along the way to give your new career a jump start.
A freelance SQL developer is someone who has knowledge in SQL (standard query language) and uses this knowledge to work with a company’s software. To analyze the company's database and keep their information secure you will need to have knowledge of quite a few different applications in order to do this job. A freelance SQL developer may:
The task of a freelance SQL developer will be the same as your typical developer. The main difference is you will set your own rules on how you will do business with companies. You will also not be tied to only one company. Freelance SQL developers can have many small jobs with different companies. You can work as little or as much as you would like.
When wanting to become a freelance SQL developer you will need to make some ground rules for how you run your business. As a freelancer, you become your boss which seems simple enough but if you do not set certain standards in the beginning you may end up doing jobs you didn’t want to or accepting lower pay. Some ground rules to think about are:
Becoming a freelancer is all about doing what you want to do and not being tied to any one company or boss. You should not stray from your goals as once you give in to lower rates or doing certain jobs others will want the same deals. Remember you are offering them a service, they need you and should pay you what you deserve.
If you want to stand out among other freelance SQL developers a great portfolio is the first start. A prospective client wants to look through a portfolio with skill levels they need for their company. The bigger your portfolio is the easier it will be to get new clients.
Creating a portfolio is hard when you are just starting so you will need to make a name for yourself by marketing yourself for clients to find you. It may be hard to find the first client but reaching out, sending resumes, and building a professional website will be the first step.
Companies do not want to put their business in the hands of someone with no skills. Pack your resume with everything you possibly can before you build your portfolio this will be what lands you your first clients. Thankfully a couple of clients are all you need to start.
New clients will not only add to your portfolio, but word of mouth is the best, the free advertisement you can get as a freelancer. When you do a great job clients will talk about it, With their backing new clients will start to emerge.
Freelance SQL developers can make anywhere from $25,000 up to $150,000. The average income is around $100,000 or about $50 an hour. The larger range of income is because of the different skill levels for freelancers in different areas of the U.S.
The best thing about being a freelancer in any job profession is the ability to name your price. If you work for a company, they will have a certain salary for each type of job. If you work for yourself, you can set your price and let the clients come to you. It is important to know the value of your work. Set your rates based on your experience and the services you offer.
As you perfect your skills or acquire new skills you will be able to raise your prices. It is also important to look up rates in your area. If you are double the cost of every other freelancer in your area chances, are you will not get as many jobs. It is ok to be above the other freelancers if your skills are there but are careful about raising them too high.
It will require patience when starting as a freelance SQL developer. You will need to build a client list and word of mouth will hopefully help it grow. Putting yourself out there often for the world to see who and what you are doing is the best thing you can do. Being a freelancer in any profession can be difficult as you are your own company and will need to work harder.