Need a freelance Payload CMS developer to extend your team’s capacity? I work with agencies, dev teams, and designers who need senior-level Payload expertise without the overhead of a full-time hire.
Payload CMS Development for Agencies and Dev Teams
You’ve already decided on Payload. You know why it’s the right choice for the project. You just need a developer who can hit the ground running without hand-holding. That’s where I come in.
I’ve spent 17+ years building for the web across WordPress, Shopify, and now Payload CMS. I understand the full stack, from collection configs and access control through to Next.js frontends and production deployment. I work white-label, direct, or as a subcontractor depending on what your project needs.
What I Build
Collections, Fields, and Data Modelling
Custom collection configs, complex field types, conditional logic, relationship fields, polymorphic blocks, and array fields. I’ll translate your data requirements into a clean Payload schema that generates exactly the admin experience your client needs.
Access Control and Authentication
Role-based access control, field-level permissions, collection-level policies, and custom auth strategies. Multi-tenant setups where different user groups see different content and have different editing capabilities.
Hooks, Plugins, and Custom Logic
beforeChange, afterChange, beforeRead hooks for custom business logic. Data validation, automated workflows, third-party API integrations, and event-driven processing. Custom Payload plugins when the project calls for reusable functionality.
Next.js Frontend Development
Server components, dynamic routing, ISR, image optimisation, and responsive layouts. I build the frontend to match your designs pixel-accurate, pulling content from Payload’s REST or GraphQL APIs. TypeScript throughout for type safety from CMS to component.
Headless CMS and API Layer
Payload as a headless backend powering multiple frontends. REST and GraphQL API configuration, custom endpoints, webhook integrations, and content delivery to web, mobile, or any other channel.
Migration from WordPress or Other Platforms
Content migration scripts, data transformation, URL mapping, and redirect handling. I’ve built on WordPress for 17 years so I know exactly what’s involved in moving a complex site to Payload without losing content or search rankings.
Deployment and Infrastructure
Vercel, Railway, Docker, or your preferred hosting. CI/CD pipelines, staging environments, preview deployments, and production monitoring. PostgreSQL or MongoDB depending on project requirements.
How I Work With Agencies
- White-label: I work under your brand. Your client never knows I exist.
- Subcontract: I slot into your project team as an external Payload developer. Direct communication with your PM or tech lead.
- Full build: You hand me the spec and designs, I deliver the finished Payload application.
- Augmentation: Your team handles the frontend, I build the Payload backend. Or vice versa.
I’m based in Perth (AWST/UTC+8), available for async collaboration across timezones, and comfortable working in your project management tools, Git workflows, and communication channels.
Pricing
Discovery/scoping session: from $150
I’ll review your project requirements and provide a clear estimate for the Payload development work. If you’ve already got a detailed spec, this can be quick.
Project work: from $1,500
Scoped and quoted after discovery. Complexity, number of collections, custom functionality, and frontend requirements all factor into the estimate.
Ongoing/retainer: from $125/hr
For agencies that need regular Payload development capacity. Flexible hours, no long-term lock-in.
Why Work With a Freelance Payload Developer
- Senior developer, direct access: No account managers or junior devs. I write the code.
- Fast ramp-up: I know the Payload ecosystem. No onboarding time wasted.
- Full-stack: Payload backend, Next.js frontend, deployment, and infrastructure. One person, end to end.
- No agency markup: Freelance rates for senior-level capability.
- 17+ years building for the web: WordPress, Shopify, Payload. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t across platforms.
- White-label available: Happy to work invisibly under your brand.
Related Reading
- Why I Chose Payload CMS Over WordPress for Custom Projects
- Stop Converting Figma Designs to WordPress. There Is a Better Way.
- Figma to Payload CMS Service
Let’s Talk About Your Payload Project
Whether you need a full Payload build, backend development to complement your frontend team, or ongoing capacity for Payload projects, I’d like to hear about it.
Freelance Payload CMS developer in Perth, Australia | Available for white-label and subcontract work