Freelance vs full-time remote tech work
How the freelance and full-time tracks differ for remote tech workers.
Option A
Freelance / contract
Option B
Full-time employed
## Income
Freelance day rates are typically 1.5 to 2x the equivalent annual full-time rate divided by working days. Variance is much higher.
## Benefits
Full-time roles include health insurance, retirement and equity. These narrow the apparent income gap materially.
## Project depth
Full-time roles allow deeper ownership of long-running systems. Freelance roles tend toward shorter scoped engagements.
## Tax
Freelance allows business expense deductions but typically pays more in social charges.
## Time to first contract vs first job
Freelance contracts can convert faster initially but compound more slowly. Full-time roles compound career capital faster at established employers.