If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a video game programmer, you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to earn. While the salary for this profession varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of game you’re working on, there are some general trends that can give you an idea of what to expect.

Salary Ranges for Video Game Programmers

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a video game programmer in the United States is around $89,000 per year. However, this figure can vary widely depending on your level of experience and the type of game you’re working on.

For entry-level positions, you can expect to earn around $67,000 per year. As you gain experience and take on more responsibility, your salary will typically increase. Experienced programmers with over 10 years of experience can earn upwards of $125,000 per year.

Location is also a factor that can affect your salary as a video game programmer. In major cities like San Francisco and New York, you can expect to earn more than in smaller towns.

The average salary for a video game programmer in San Francisco is around $127,000 per year, while in New York it’s $113,000.

Type of Game You’re Working On

The type of game you’re working on can also affect your salary as a video game programmer. For example, programmers who work on mobile games tend to earn less than those who work on console or PC games.

Programmers who work on AAA (triple-A) games, on the other hand, can expect to earn more than those who work on indie games. AAA games are large-scale, highly polished productions that require a significant amount of resources and expertise to develop. Programmers who work on these games typically have more experience and skills, which translates into higher salaries.

Factors That Influence Video Game Programmer Salaries

There are several factors that can influence the salary of a video game programmer, including:

• Experience: The more experience you have as a video game programmer, the more you can expect to earn. Experienced programmers with over 10 years of experience can earn significantly more than entry-level programmers.
• Skills: Programmers who have specialized skills in areas such as AI, graphics programming, or network programming can earn more than those who only have basic programming skills.
• Company Size: Larger companies tend to offer higher salaries for video game programmers than smaller companies. This is because larger companies have more resources to invest in their employees and are often willing to pay a premium for top talent.
• Location: As mentioned earlier, location can also affect your salary as a video game programmer. Programmers who work in major cities like San Francisco or New York tend to earn more than those who work in smaller towns.
• Type of Game: The type of game you’re working on can also influence your salary as a video game programmer. AAA games and mobile games tend to pay less than console or PC games.

Real-Life Examples of Video Game Programmer Salaries

To give you a better idea of what you might be able to earn as a video game programmer, let’s take a look at some real-life examples:

• John Smith is a senior programmer with over 15 years of experience working on console games. He currently works for a large gaming company in San Francisco and earns an annual salary of $170,000.