Game Designer Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Game Designer make?

The average salary for a Game Designer is $83,090 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Game Designer positions, showing an average salary of $83,090 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Game Designer positions, showing an average salary of $83,090 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Game Designer positions, showing an average salary of $83,090 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Game Designer positions, showing an average salary of $83,090 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Game designers create the rules, stories, and fun elements of video games. They work in a creative field that combines art, technology, and storytelling. The average yearly salary for a game designer is around $83,090. This means that many game designers earn a good living from their work.

The salary for game designers can vary based on experience, location, and the type of game they work on. Some designers earn less than $41,636, while others make over $198,000. Here are some common salary ranges for game designers:

25th percentile: $26,000
50th percentile: $57,273
75th percentile: $119,818
90th percentile: $151,091
95th percentile: $166,727
99th percentile: $198,000

What are the highest paying cities for a Game Designer?

Game designers can find some of the best pay in Reno, NV, where the average salary reaches $134,616. Los Angeles, CA, offers a strong market with an average salary of $124,367. Seattle, WA, provides another excellent opportunity with an average salary of $110,914. These cities present lucrative options for those in the game design industry.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Game Designer jobs, highlighting Reno, NV with the highest at $134,616 and Atlanta, GA with the lowest at $44,932.

Reno, NV
Average Salary: $134,616
In Reno, game creators thrive in a vibrant tech scene. Companies like 100 Thieves and others offer exciting opportunities. The city's growing industry provides a dynamic environment for innovation.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $124,367
Los Angeles is a hub for game design, with major studios like Blizzard and Ubisoft. Job seekers can find diverse roles and a creative atmosphere. The city's entertainment industry offers unique collaboration opportunities.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $110,914
Seattle, home to Microsoft and Amazon Game Studios, offers a strong market for game designers. The city's tech-savvy culture fosters a supportive environment for growth. Opportunities for indie and AAA game development are plentiful.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $109,166
Las Vegas is a growing center for game design, with companies like MGM Interactive. The city's entertainment industry provides unique opportunities for creativity. The gaming culture here offers a dynamic backdrop for innovation.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $86,320
Austin boasts a thriving tech scene with companies like PopCap Games. The city's vibrant culture and supportive community make it ideal for game designers. Opportunities for indie and AAA game development are abundant.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $44,932
Atlanta is home to Turner Broadcasting and other game design firms. The city's growing tech industry offers diverse opportunities. Atlanta's creative environment supports innovation and collaboration.
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What are the best companies a Game Designer can work for?

Game designers can find top-paying jobs at Hasbro, Inc., where the average salary reaches $121,136. This company offers a competitive salary and a chance to work on popular game brands. Activate Games also provides opportunities for game designers, with an average salary of $28,812. This company focuses on creating engaging and innovative games.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Game Designer jobs, highlighting Hasbro, Inc. with the highest at $121,136 and Activate Games with the lowest at $28,812.

Hasbro, Inc.
Average Salary: $121,136
Hasbro, Inc. offers exciting opportunities for Game Designers in their offices across the United States. They focus on creating innovative board games, toys, and entertainment. Designers work in teams to develop new game concepts and improve existing ones. Locations include Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and various offices in California.
Activate Games
Average Salary: $28,812
Activate Games provides Game Designer positions in their offices in the United States. They specialize in creating interactive and engaging games for various platforms. Designers collaborate with artists, programmers, and other creatives to bring game ideas to life. They have offices in Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California.

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 experience in the industry is crucial. Designers who work on multiple projects build a strong portfolio. This portfolio showcases their skills and versatility. Employers value candidates with a proven track record. Second, mastering popular game design software and tools is important. Familiarity with programs like Unity or Unreal Engine can make a designer more valuable. Third, developing a strong understanding of game mechanics and storytelling can set a designer apart. This skill helps create engaging and memorable games. Fourth, networking with other professionals in the industry can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Attending game design conferences and joining online communities can be beneficial. Lastly, pursuing advanced certifications or degrees in game design can lead to better-paying positions. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to the craft.

Consider these factors to enhance earning potential as a game designer. Each step can lead to more rewarding career opportunities.

Gain experience on multiple projects.
Master popular game design software.
Develop strong understanding of game mechanics and storytelling.
Network with other industry professionals.
Pursue advanced certifications or degrees.

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 46 Game Designer job openings, nationwide.

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

Win at hiring.