Syntactically, yes, Apex is similar to Java. If you can program in Java, you are really close to being a freelance Apex developer! But no, this is not Java. It is compiled like Java; it has a Java Virtual Machine in the background and somewhere, but it's not a full-fledged VM, only the part of it. If you want to get hired as a freelance Apex developer, then you must develop some essential skills, like: Fundamental object-oriented programming concepts. Basic knowhow of C# and JavaScript. MVC style of designing. Data management, modelling. Visualforce and Apex fundamentals. Lightning framework. Developer console. Web services, SQL, Salesforce Object Query Language. You can get lucrative Apex projects on Eiliana.com, where top global clients hire Apex developers for challenging projects. Sign up with Eiliana today! Read more - https://eiliana.com/technology/hire-apex-developers