Game Designer Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Game Designer make?

The average salary for a Game Designer is $85,479 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Game Designer positions, showing an average salary of $85,479 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Game Designer positions, showing an average salary of $85,479 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Game Designer positions, showing an average salary of $85,479 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Game Designer positions, showing an average salary of $85,479 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Game designers create the rules, stories, and fun in video games. They work in a creative field that pays well. The average yearly salary for a game designer is around $85,479. This means most game designers earn between $26,000 and $198,000 a year. The exact salary can depend on the designer's experience, the company, and the game's complexity.

Game designers often start with lower salaries. As they gain experience, their pay increases. Some designers work for big companies and earn more. Others work for smaller studios and earn less. The type of game also matters. Designers for popular games or big franchises often earn higher salaries. The location of the job also affects pay. Cities with many tech companies, like San Francisco, often have higher salaries.

What are the highest paying cities for a Game Designer?

Game designers can find some of the best pay in Los Angeles, California, where the average salary reaches $126,000. Seattle, Washington, offers a strong market with an average salary of $117,322. Las Vegas, Nevada, provides another lucrative option with an average salary of $102,571. Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, also offer competitive salaries for game designers, with averages of $83,792 and $43,881, respectively. These cities provide diverse opportunities for those in the field.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Game Designer jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $126,000 and Atlanta, GA with the lowest at $43,881.

Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $126,000
In Los Angeles, creative minds thrive in the game design world. With major studios like Blizzard and Ubisoft, opportunities abound. The city's vibrant culture fuels innovative game ideas.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $117,322
Seattle offers a unique blend of nature and tech in game design. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon Games provide a dynamic work environment. The city's tech-savvy community supports creative growth.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $102,571
Las Vegas is a hub for entertainment and gaming. Designers here work with companies like MGM and Caesars. The city's fast-paced environment encourages quick thinking and creativity.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $83,792
Austin is known for its live music and tech scene. Game designers here collaborate with companies like PopCap Games. The city's friendly atmosphere fosters teamwork and innovation.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $43,881
Atlanta is a growing center for game design. Companies like Turner and Cox Media Group offer exciting projects. The city's diverse culture brings fresh perspectives to game development.
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What are the best companies a Game Designer can work for?

Game designers can find excellent opportunities at Hasbro, Inc., where the average salary is $123,576. This company offers a competitive pay package and a chance to work on popular games. Electronic Arts also provides a strong salary of $101,359, making it another top choice for those in the field. HII and Activate Games offer lower average salaries, but they still provide valuable experience and growth opportunities.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Game Designer jobs, highlighting Hasbro, Inc. with the highest at $123,576 and Activate Games with the lowest at $28,682.

Hasbro, Inc.
Average Salary: $123,576
Hasbro, Inc. offers exciting Game Designer roles. They focus on creating innovative board games and digital experiences. Their headquarters is in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, with offices in various locations worldwide.
Electronic Arts
Average Salary: $101,359
Electronic Arts is a leading video game developer. They offer Game Designer positions that involve creating engaging gameplay experiences. They have offices in Redwood City, California, and many other locations globally.
HII
Average Salary: $57,302
HII, or Huntington Ingalls Industries, provides Game Designer jobs with a focus on simulation and training games. They operate in Newport News, Virginia, and other locations in the United States.
Activate Games
Average Salary: $28,682
Activate Games offers Game Designer roles that focus on creating interactive experiences. They are based in Seattle, Washington, and have a growing presence in the gaming industry.

How to earn more as a Game Designer?

Game designers have the exciting task of creating the worlds and rules that players interact with. To earn more in this field, consider these key factors. Focusing on these areas can help increase earning potential and job satisfaction.

First, gaining specialized skills can lead to higher pay. Skills such as proficiency in programming languages, 3D modeling, and game engine software are highly valued. Designers who master these tools can take on more complex projects and command higher salaries. Second, earning advanced degrees or certifications can also boost earnings. A master's degree in game design or a related field can open doors to senior positions. Certifications from recognized institutions can further enhance credibility and earning power. Third, gaining experience in different types of games can make a designer more versatile and valuable. Working on a variety of projects, from mobile games to AAA titles, can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay.

Fourth, networking within the industry can lead to better job offers. Attending game conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other designers on social media can create valuable opportunities. Building a strong professional network can lead to higher-paying positions and collaborations. Lastly, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in game design can keep a designer competitive. The gaming industry evolves quickly, and designers who keep up with new tools and techniques can offer more to their employers and earn more as a result.

By focusing on these factors, game designers can enhance their skills and marketability, leading to higher earnings and more fulfilling careers.

Gain specialized skills in programming, 3D modeling, and game engines.
Earn advanced degrees or certifications in game design.
Gain experience in different types of games and projects.
Network within the industry through conferences and professional organizations.
Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in game design.

How much does a Game Designer make?

What are the highest paying cities for a Game Designer?

What are the best companies a Game Designer can work for?

How to earn more as a Game Designer?

Currently 57 Game Designer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Game Designer in the US?

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