Introduction
Video game designers are responsible for creating the characters, storylines, and artwork that make video games come alive. They work in a highly competitive industry that values creativity and innovation. If you're considering a career in video game design, one of the first questions you may have is: what is the median video game designer salary?
What is a Median Salary?
Before we dive into the specifics of video game designer salaries, it's important to understand what we mean by "median salary." The median salary is the point at which half of workers in a particular occupation earn more and half earn less. This is different from the average salary, which takes into account all salaries in an occupation and can be skewed by a small number of high earners.
Video Game Designer Salary Range
The median video game designer salary in the United States is $65,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salaries can range from $35,000 to $130,000 or more, depending on factors such as experience, location, and the size of the company. Entry-level video game designers can expect to earn on the lower end of the salary range, while those with more experience or working for larger companies can earn significantly more.
Experience
Experience is one of the biggest factors that can impact a video game designer's salary. Entry-level designers can expect to earn around $35,000 to $50,000 per year, while those with several years of experience can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $80,000 per year. Senior designers with 10 or more years of experience can earn upwards of $100,000 per year.
Location
The location of a video game designer's job can also impact their salary. Salaries tend to be higher in cities with a high cost of living, such as San Francisco or New York City. In these cities, entry-level designers can earn around $50,000 to $70,000 per year, while senior designers can earn upwards of $120,000 per year. In contrast, video game designers working in smaller cities or rural areas may earn less, with entry-level salaries starting around $35,000 to $40,000 per year.
Company Size
The size of the company a video game designer works for can also impact their salary. Larger companies tend to pay higher salaries and offer more benefits, while smaller companies may offer lower salaries but more opportunities for creative control and ownership over projects. Entry-level video game designers working for large companies can expect to earn around $50,000 to $70,000 per year, while those working for smaller companies may earn closer to $35,000 to $50,000 per year.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for video game designers is positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 9% growth rate in employment from 2016 to 2026. As the video game industry continues to expand, there will be increasing demand for skilled designers who can create engaging, innovative games. This means that video game designers can expect to enjoy a stable job market and potential for career advancement in the coming years.
Education and Skills
Most video game designers have a bachelor's degree in computer science, graphic design, or a related field. In addition to formal education, video game designers need to have strong creative and problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of the gaming industry and the ability to stay up-to-date with technological advances. Successful video game designers also need to be able to work collaboratively with other designers, programmers, and artists to create cohesive, engaging games.
Conclusion
If you're interested in a career in video game design, it's important to understand the median video game designer salary and the factors that can impact it. Salaries can range from $35,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, location, and company size. While the job outlook for video game designers is positive, competition for jobs can be fierce, so it's important to have a strong education, skills, and portfolio to stand out in the field.
