Video games have become increasingly popular in recent years, with millions of people worldwide playing them for hours on end. As a result, video game development has become a highly sought-after profession. But how much do video game developers actually make per hour? In this article, we will explore the salaries of video game developers and provide some insights into their earning potential.
How much do game designers make per hour?
Game designers are responsible for creating the concept, mechanics, and overall design of a game. They use their creativity and technical skills to bring a game to life. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a game designer in the United States is around $92,000 per year, or about $450 per hour. However, this is just an average and can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and company size.
How much do programmers make per hour?
Programmers are responsible for coding and programming the game’s functionality. They use their technical skills to ensure that the game runs smoothly and functions as intended. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a game programmer in the United States is around $106,000 per year, or about $525 per hour. Again, this is just an average and can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and company size.
How much do artists make per hour?
Artists are responsible for creating the visual elements of a game, such as characters, backgrounds, and effects. They use their artistic skills to bring a game’s world to life. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a game artist in the United States is around $71,000 per year, or about $345 per hour. However, this is just an average and can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and company size.
How much do producers make per hour?
Producers are responsible for overseeing the development of a game from start to finish. They manage budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure that the project stays on track. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a game producer in the United States is around $107,000 per year, or about $535 per hour. However, this is just an average and can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and company size.
How much do testers make per hour?
Testers are responsible for finding and reporting bugs and issues in a game. They use their technical skills to ensure that the game is free of defects and functions as intended. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a game tester in the United States is around $49,000 per year, or about $238 per hour. Again, this is just an average and can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and company size.
Factors that affect salaries
There are several factors that can affect the salary of a video game developer. These include:
- Experience: The more experience a developer has, the higher their salary is likely to be. This is because experienced developers have a proven track record of success and are considered more valuable to employers.
- Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on where the developer works. Developers in major cities or tech hubs may earn more than those working in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Company size: Larger companies tend to offer higher salaries, as they have more resources and a wider pool of talent to choose from. Smaller companies may not be able to compete with larger ones on salary, but they may offer other benefits such as flexible work schedules or equity options.
- Type of game: The type of game being developed can also affect salaries. For example, developers working on blockbuster games may earn more than those working on indie games.
Final thoughts
The salaries of video game developers can vary widely depending on a variety of factors.