Ruby Development

TL;DR

What it is: Ruby development as a side hustle means building web applications, APIs, SaaS products, and backend systems using Ruby and the Ruby on Rails framework. Despite declining in general popularity, Ruby remains a high-paying technology with steady demand driven by thousands of existing Rails applications that need maintenance, upgrades, and new features.

What you'll do:

• Build web applications and SaaS products using Ruby on Rails
• Develop and maintain RESTful APIs and backend systems
• Upgrade and migrate legacy Rails applications to newer versions
• Create MVP prototypes for startups
• Integrate third-party services and payment systems

Time to learn: 6-12 months of consistent practice at 10-15 hours/week if starting from scratch. 2-4 months if you already program in another language.

What you need: A computer, a code editor, Ruby installed, and internet access. All free to start.

Note: Platforms may charge fees or commissions. We don't track specific rates as they change frequently. Check each platform's current pricing before signing up.

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Ruby occupies an unusual position in the freelance development market. It's no longer the trendy framework that every startup reaches for, but the ecosystem built around Ruby on Rails remains one of the most productive environments for web application development. Over 22,000 companies globally run production Rails applications, and those applications need developers to maintain, extend, and upgrade them.

The supply-demand dynamic works in your favor if you have the skills. As fewer new developers enter the Ruby ecosystem, experienced Ruby developers face less competition than their counterparts in Python or JavaScript. Companies that depend on Rails applications compete for a shrinking talent pool, which keeps rates high relative to other web technologies.

What This Actually Is

Ruby development as a side hustle means writing Ruby code, primarily within the Rails framework, to build and maintain web applications for clients. The work falls into distinct categories, and most freelancers settle into one or two.

Web application development is the core category. Ruby on Rails is a full-stack MVC framework that handles everything from database management to HTML rendering. You build SaaS platforms, marketplace applications, content management systems, internal business tools, and customer-facing web products. Companies like GitHub, Shopify, Basecamp, and Airbnb built their platforms on Rails, and thousands of smaller companies followed the same path.

MVP and prototype development is a consistent source of freelance work. Rails' convention-over-configuration philosophy and vast gem ecosystem let you build functional prototypes faster than most other frameworks. Startups with limited budgets hire Ruby freelancers to get a working product in front of users quickly, then decide whether to scale it or rebuild.

Legacy application maintenance and upgrades represent a growing portion of available work. Rails has been around since 2004, and many applications are running on older versions. Upgrading from Rails 5 to Rails 7, refactoring legacy codebases, fixing security vulnerabilities, and improving performance on aging applications are steady work that requires deep Rails knowledge.

API development powers mobile applications and frontend-heavy architectures. You build the backend services that React, Vue, or mobile apps consume. Rails API mode strips away the view layer and focuses on JSON endpoints, authentication, and data management.

E-commerce development uses Rails with gems like Spree Commerce or integrations with platforms like Shopify. Custom storefronts, inventory systems, and payment processing implementations are common project types.

What You'll Actually Do

Day-to-day work depends on the project type, but common activities include writing and testing Ruby code, configuring Rails applications, designing database schemas with ActiveRecord migrations, building controller actions and routes, debugging production issues, and communicating with clients about requirements and progress.

For a typical Rails web application project, you start by understanding the business requirements and data model. You generate models, set up associations, write migrations, build controllers with proper actions, create views or API endpoints, implement authentication using a gem like Devise, add background job processing with Sidekiq, write RSpec tests, and deploy to a hosting platform.

For legacy upgrade work, the process is more investigative. You audit the existing codebase, identify deprecated code and broken dependencies, create an upgrade plan across Rails versions, update gems incrementally, fix breaking changes, run the test suite after each step, and verify everything works in a staging environment before deploying.

For API projects, you'll design endpoint structures, implement serialization for JSON responses, build authentication with tokens or OAuth, handle rate limiting and pagination, write integration tests, and document the API for frontend developers or third-party consumers.

Across all project types, client communication takes more time than you'd expect. Understanding what clients actually need, translating business requirements into technical decisions, and setting realistic expectations about timelines and complexity are skills that directly affect project success.

Skills You Need

Core Ruby proficiency is the foundation. You need solid understanding of object-oriented programming, blocks, procs, lambdas, modules, mixins, error handling, and working with Ruby's standard library. Ruby's syntax is expressive and readable, but writing idiomatic Ruby requires understanding conventions that tutorials don't always cover.

Ruby on Rails knowledge is essential for the majority of freelance work. The framework is opinionated, and clients expect you to follow Rails conventions:

• ActiveRecord for database interactions, associations, validations, and migrations
• Action Controller for handling HTTP requests, routing, and responses
• Action View for server-side rendering (or API mode for JSON-only backends)
• Active Job and Sidekiq for background processing
• Action Mailer for email delivery

Testing with RSpec is a baseline expectation in the Ruby community. The culture around testing is stronger in Ruby than in many other ecosystems. Clients and collaborators expect tested code, and many codebases you'll work on will have existing test suites you need to maintain and extend.

Database skills are required for virtually all Rails work. PostgreSQL is the dominant database in the Rails ecosystem. You need to write SQL, design schemas, understand indexing, and work effectively with ActiveRecord's query interface. Redis knowledge is needed for caching and background job queues.

Git version control is non-negotiable. You'll work with repositories, write meaningful commits, handle branching strategies, and collaborate through pull requests.

For higher-paying work, full-stack capabilities matter. Many Rails clients expect end-to-end delivery, which means working with frontend technologies. Hotwire (Turbo and Stimulus), the default frontend approach in modern Rails, or JavaScript frameworks like React or Vue are common requirements. Docker, cloud deployment (AWS, Heroku, DigitalOcean), and CI/CD setup open up additional project types.

Getting Started

Build a portfolio of 3-5 projects that demonstrate practical Rails capabilities. Focus on solving real problems rather than tutorial recreations:

• A SaaS-style application with user authentication, role-based access, and a dashboard
• A REST API with proper authentication, pagination, and documentation
• A project using background jobs, scheduled tasks, or real-time features with Action Cable
• At least one project deployed to a production environment, not just running locally

Host your code on GitHub with clean, well-documented repositories. Include clear READMEs that explain what each project does, how to set it up, the technical decisions you made, and the test coverage.

Start with smaller projects on freelance platforms. Bug fixes on existing Rails apps, adding features to established codebases, and small API projects are accessible entry points. Price these modestly to build reviews and a track record.

Specialize early. "Ruby developer" is too generic. "Rails developer who builds SaaS backends" or "Ruby developer specializing in legacy Rails upgrades" gives clients a reason to choose you over other options. The Rails ecosystem is niche enough that further specialization helps you stand out.

Contributing to open-source Ruby projects builds visibility in the community. Even small contributions to popular gems or Rails itself signal competence and commitment to the ecosystem.

Income Reality

Income depends on your specialization, experience, portfolio strength, client base, and time commitment. These are market observations, not guarantees.

Some developers handling basic Ruby work (bug fixes, small feature additions, simple scripts) report earning $500-1,500/month working part-time on freelance platforms.

Intermediate developers building complete Rails applications, maintaining production systems, or handling Rails version upgrades report $2,000-5,000/month.

Experienced developers working on complex SaaS backends, architecting systems, or consulting on Rails performance and scaling report $5,000-10,000/month or more.

Hourly rates in the market range from $30-150/hour depending on experience, specialization, and client type. General Rails development sits in the middle range. Specialized work like performance optimization, security auditing, or complex system architecture commands the higher rates.

The supply-demand dynamic in Ruby works differently than in more popular languages. While there are fewer total job postings compared to Python or JavaScript, there are also proportionally fewer available developers. Experienced Rails developers report less competition for contracts compared to equivalent work in other ecosystems.

Your actual income varies based on skill, niche, effort, location, and market conditions.

What Different Work Actually Pays

Not all Ruby work pays the same. Understanding the landscape helps you decide where to focus.

Bug fixes and small feature additions are the most accessible projects. Individual fixes and minor features on existing Rails apps are quick to complete but don't generate substantial income individually. They're useful for building a track record on freelance platforms.

Full Rails application development is where the steady work lives. Building complete web applications from requirements to deployment represents the bulk of available Rails freelance work. Project values vary significantly based on complexity.

Legacy Rails upgrades and migrations command premium rates because the work is tedious, risky, and requires deep framework knowledge. Few developers want to do it, which keeps rates high. Companies with Rails 4 or 5 applications that need to reach Rails 7 will pay well for someone who can do it without breaking their production system.

SaaS backend development is a growing niche within Rails. Building multi-tenant applications with subscription billing, user management, and API access is specialized work that pays well when you have a track record.

Performance optimization and scaling represents the highest-paying specialty. When a Rails application is slow or can't handle load, companies pay premium rates for developers who can identify bottlenecks, optimize database queries, implement caching strategies, and restructure code for better performance.

Geographic location affects rates. Developers in North America and Western Europe command higher rates on global platforms, but strong portfolios and specialization narrow the gap.

Where to Find Work

For developers building their portfolio:

• Upwork and Freelancer for general Rails project listings
• GitHub contributions to open-source Ruby and Rails projects
• Developer communities focused on Ruby and Rails
• Local tech meetups, startup events, and hackathons

For intermediate developers:

• PeoplePerHour for project-based engagements
• Wellfound for startup-focused freelance and contract work
• Niche job boards dedicated to remote Ruby and Rails positions
• Direct outreach to startups and companies with existing Rails applications
• Referrals from previous clients

For experienced developers:

• Toptal and similar vetted platforms for premium engagements
• Long-term retainer agreements with companies running Rails in production
• Direct client relationships built through networking and community reputation
• Consulting engagements where you architect systems and guide development teams

Startups are a particularly strong market for Rails freelancers. The framework's rapid development speed makes it ideal for early-stage companies that need a working product without hiring a full engineering team.

Common Challenges

The "Is Ruby dead?" narrative is a persistent perception problem. Ruby has dropped in general popularity rankings, and some potential clients question whether Rails is still a viable choice. You'll occasionally need to educate prospects about the continued strength of the ecosystem and the companies that still rely on it.

Competition from newer frameworks is real. Node.js, Python, and Go attract more attention from developers entering the market, which means fewer new Rails projects start from scratch compared to a decade ago. The work shifts toward maintaining and extending existing applications rather than greenfield development.

Full-stack expectations are common. Unlike ecosystems where backend and frontend are cleanly separated, many Rails clients expect you to handle both. Knowing Hotwire, or at least being comfortable with JavaScript frameworks, is increasingly necessary even if you prefer backend work.

Keeping up with Rails evolution requires ongoing effort. The framework continues to evolve with new releases, and gems update frequently. Staying current with Rails 7+ conventions, Hotwire, and the modern Rails stack takes deliberate investment.

Scope creep is a consistent business challenge. Clients request additional features, pages, and functionality beyond the original agreement. Clear contracts, detailed project scopes, and the willingness to flag additional work protect your time and income.

Debugging unfamiliar codebases is a common reality. Many projects involve extending or fixing existing Rails applications written by other developers. Working with poorly structured, under-tested, or outdated Rails code is a skill you'll exercise regularly.

Tips That Actually Help

Specialize within the Rails ecosystem. "I upgrade legacy Rails applications to Rails 7" or "I build SaaS backends with multi-tenant architecture" wins more projects than "I know Ruby on Rails." Clients hire specialists when they have specific problems.

Write tested code from the start. The Ruby community values testing more than most. Strong RSpec coverage in your work builds client trust, reduces bugs, and makes your code easier for other developers to maintain. This directly generates referrals.

Learn to estimate accurately and then add buffer. Rails' productivity can make projects seem simpler than they are. Edge cases, gem compatibility issues, and integration complexity eat into timelines. Padding estimates by 20-30% prevents missed deadlines.

Master ActiveRecord performance patterns. N+1 queries, missing indexes, and inefficient database access are the most common performance problems in Rails applications. Understanding eager loading, query optimization, and database-level solutions makes you significantly more valuable.

Communicate proactively. Send progress updates before clients ask. Flag potential issues early. Ask clarifying questions when requirements are ambiguous. Good communication is the single biggest factor in client satisfaction.

Build reusable project templates. A Rails starter with your preferred authentication setup, background job configuration, and deployment pipeline saves meaningful time on new projects. The speed advantage compounds over time.

Invest in deployment and DevOps skills. Many Ruby developers can build applications but struggle with production deployment. Knowing how to set up Docker containers, configure cloud hosting, manage database backups, and set up monitoring makes you a more complete developer than someone who only writes application code.

Learning Timeline Reality

This is an estimate, not a guarantee. Your pace depends on prior experience and hours invested.

If you already program in another language, expect 2-4 months at 10-15 hours/week to become productive in Ruby and Rails. Ruby's syntax is readable and you'll pick it up quickly. Rails conventions and the gem ecosystem take longer to internalize.

If you're starting from scratch with programming, expect 6-12 months at 10-15 hours/week before you're ready for paid client work. The first 2-3 months focus on Ruby fundamentals: syntax, object-oriented programming, and core libraries. The next 2-3 months cover Rails itself: MVC architecture, ActiveRecord, routing, and views. The remaining time goes toward building portfolio projects, learning testing with RSpec, and deploying applications.

The gap between completing a tutorial and delivering a production-ready application to a client is substantial. Building complete projects, handling edge cases, writing tests, and managing deployment environments is where the real learning happens.

Start applying for smaller projects once you have a working portfolio, even if you don't feel fully ready. Real client work teaches things that tutorials can't: scoping projects, managing expectations, working with existing codebases, and handling ambiguous requirements.

Is This For You?

Ruby development works well as a side hustle if you enjoy building web applications and value developer productivity. Rails' conventions handle many common decisions for you, letting you focus on solving business problems rather than debating architecture choices. If you find that appealing rather than constraining, you'll enjoy the work.

The ecosystem rewards depth over breadth. Unlike languages where you need to piece together a framework, ORM, testing library, and deployment tool from scratch, Rails provides an integrated stack. Going deep on that stack pays off more than spreading thin across multiple technologies.

Be realistic about the market trajectory. Ruby isn't growing the way Python or JavaScript are. The opportunity lies in the gap between continued demand for Rails developers and the shrinking supply of them. This dynamic favors experienced developers more than newcomers.

If you're already a developer in another language, Ruby is a practical addition to your freelance toolkit. The language is pleasant to write, the framework is productive, and the market pays well for competent Rails developers. The transition from languages like Python or JavaScript is relatively smooth.

If you're new to programming entirely, Ruby is a solid first language with clear syntax and a welcoming community. Just understand that the path to freelance income takes time, and the market increasingly rewards experience. The first months are about learning, not earning.