While the video game industry thrives on creativity, the people who create the magic are often highly trained. To prepare for a career in the video game design field, it's helpful to know the design specialties and salaries.

By Amelia Gray
RWM Columnist
July 29, 2006

The world of video game design is a growing industry with many attractive career options. A degree might lead the way to one of many careers within this fascinating field.

While the video game industry thrives on creativity, the people who create the magic are often highly trained. Many hold the bachelor's degree in game design. To prepare for a career in the video game design field, it's helpful to know the design specialties and salaries.

Jobs in the Video Game Design Field

Graphic Design Specialist: While you could guess that a game would require plenty of art, you might not realize exactly how important game art design is to the process. Graphic design artists work to make the environment and the character details look natural.

Average Salaries for Game Art Designers:

• New York, NY:   $51,500
• Los Angeles, CA:   $49,200
• Seattle, WA:   $47,900
• Chicago, IL:   $47,000
• Houston, TX:   $45,100
• Miami, FL:   $43,500
• Phoenix, AZ:   $43,500
• Charlotte, NC:   $43,500

Game Audio Technician: As an audio technician, you'll record, edit, and place audio clips in the game to fit flawlessly with the art design.

Average Salaries for Game Audio Techs:

• New York, NY:   $49,500
• Los Angeles, CA:   $47,300
• Seattle, WA:   $46,100
• Chicago, IL:   $45,200
• Houston, TX:   $43,500
• Miami, FL:   $41,900
• Phoenix, AZ:   $41,800
• Charlotte, NC:   $41,800

Technical Writer: Technical writers work to document game manuals and related articles. You'll need to communicate the details of the game's world for this job.

Average Salaries for Game Technical Writers:

• New York, NY:   $49,700
• Los Angeles, CA:   $47,500
• Seattle, WA:   $46,300
• Chicago, IL:   $45,400
• Houston, TX:   $43,600
• Miami, FL:   $42,000
• Phoenix, AZ:   $42,000
• Charlotte, NC:   $42,000

Producer: Every video game development team needs a strong leader. As a game producer, you'll oversee every aspect of the design process.

Average Salaries for Video Game Producers:

• New York, NY:   $52,100
• Los Angeles, CA:   $49,800
• Seattle, WA:   $48,500
• Chicago, IL:   $47,600
• Houston, TX:   $45,700
• Miami, FL:   $44,100
• Phoenix, AZ:   $44,000
• Charlotte, NC:   $44,000

Computer Programmer: All that great game art design and storyline would be frozen in space without the people who move the pixels. This job might require a bachelor's degree.

Average Salaries for Game Programmers:

• New York, NY:   $60,400
• Los Angeles, CA:   $57,700
• Seattle, WA:   $56,200
• Chicago, IL:   $55,100
• Houston, TX:   $53,000
• Miami, FL:   $51,100
• Phoenix, AZ:   $51,000
• Charlotte, NC:   $51,000

Web Software Developer: Wherever gamers go on the internet, web software developers follow. In this career, you'll use programming and design skills to create an online interface for your users.

Average Salaries for Web Game Software Developers: :

• New York, NY:   $82,500
• Los Angeles, CA:   $78,800
• Seattle, WA:   $76,800
• Chicago, IL:   $75,300
• Houston, TX:   $72,400
• Miami, FL:   $69,900
• Phoenix, AZ:   $69,700
• Charlotte, NC:   $69,700

Benefits of a Bachelor's Degree
In the competitive field of game design, every edge you get can help. Game developers often look for well-rounded students with knowledge of math, science, and literature. A bachelor's degree program specializing in game design could be your key to the next level.

Useful Links
Salary Search
"Working so others can play: Jobs in video game development" Occupational Outlook Quarterly

About the Author
Amelia Gray is a teacher and freelance writer in San Marcos, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University.