Video Game Designers
SOC code 15-1255 · O*NET-SOC 15-1255.01 · Considerable preparation needed · Computer and IT
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Video Game Designers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$104,000
a year
Hourly
$50.00
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$117,490
$56.49 per hour
Middle 50%
$73,290 – $158,820
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$53,750 – $201,550
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
113,330
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Web and Digital Interface Designers”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $53,750
- $25.84/hr
- 25th percentile
- $73,290
- $35.24/hr
- Median percentile
- $104,000
- $50.00/hr
- 75th percentile
- $158,820
- $76.36/hr
- 90th percentile
- $201,550
- $96.90/hr
What does a video game designer do?
Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
- Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.
- Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
- Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.
- Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.
- Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.
- Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.
- Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.
How to become a video game designer
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 55% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree55%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)15%
- Less than a High School Diploma10%
- Some College Courses10%
Common questions
How much does a video game designer earn?
The national median is $104,000 a year. The full range runs from $53,750 at the 10th percentile to $201,550 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a video game designer without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Active Learning3.5/5
- Writing3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- Design4.3/5
- Computers and Electronics4.2/5
- Communications and Media3.5/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
- Psychology3.3/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Engineering and Technology2.8/5
- Sociology and Anthropology2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Programming, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis, Time Management.