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Entry Level Game Design Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Game Design information

See Arkansas salary details

$38.9K

$129K

How much do entry level game design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game design in Arkansas is $123,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,200.00 and $128,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I get into entry level game design with no experience?

Entry level game design positions often do not require extensive professional experience and may accept candidates with relevant skills such as basic programming, understanding of game engines like Unity or Unreal, and a portfolio of personal projects. Building a strong foundation in game development tools, creating a portfolio, and gaining knowledge through online courses can improve chances of entry into the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level game designer?

Entry Level Game Designers need a solid understanding of game mechanics, creativity, and basic programming or scripting knowledge, often supported by a degree in game design, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as tools such as Photoshop or Maya, is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help individuals collaborate effectively and adapt to feedback. These skills and qualities are essential for creating engaging gameplay experiences and contributing successfully to multidisciplinary development teams.

What is an entry level game designer?

Entry level game designers are professionals who assist in the creation and development of video games, usually as part of a larger design team. They often focus on tasks such as designing levels, creating game mechanics, writing documentation, and playtesting. These positions are typically suitable for recent graduates or individuals with limited industry experience who want to start a career in game design. Entry level game designers collaborate closely with artists, programmers, and senior designers to bring ideas to life and improve gameplay. Strong creativity, communication skills, and a passion for gaming are important for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level game designers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level game designers often face challenges such as balancing creative ideas with practical limitations like budget, technology, and deadlines. They may also need to adapt quickly to feedback from team members and learn industry-standard tools and workflows. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to stay open to collaboration, actively seek mentorship from experienced designers, and continuously build technical and communication skills. Embracing constructive criticism and being willing to iterate on designs will help you grow and contribute effectively to the team.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Design jobs in Arkansas? The most popular types of Game Design jobs in Arkansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Game Design jobs in Arkansas? For Entry Level Game Design jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Design jobs in Arkansas look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Design jobs in Arkansas are:
What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Entry Level Game Design jobs? Cities in Arkansas with the most Entry Level Game Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Design job openings in Arkansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,306 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Assistant Sports Performance Coach

Ball State University

State University, AR • On-site

$40K - $43K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Ball State University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

531st of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:
Assistant Sports Performance Coach
Compensation:
$40,000 - $43,750
Department:
Football_B
About this opportunity:
Ball State Athletics is seeking a motivated and collaborative professional to join our Championship Performance team as an Assistant Sports Performance Coach. This position provides a unique opportunity to make a direct impact on the development and success of Division I student-athletes by designing and implementing comprehensive strength and conditioning programs while fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.
What you'll do and what you'll bring:
Position Function:
The Assistant Sports Performance Coach plays a critical role within the sports performance department, reporting to the Assistant Director of Sports Performance, under the area of Championship Performance. The position focuses on the direct oversight, programming, and carrying out an annual training plan for their assigned sports. The Assistant Sports Performance Coach will adhere to the highest standards of safety and compliance as outlined by the NCAA, MAC, and the CSSCa/NSCA.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Design & Team Support
  • Performance Training: Provide direct oversight, program design, and implementation of comprehensive, year-round physical development programs for assigned athletic teams.
  • Coaching: Commit to daily coaching of proper techniques, safety protocols, and proper use of training implements.
  • Sport Oversight: Manage and oversee additional sports programs as assigned.
  • Recruiting Support: Play an active, collaborative role in the student-athlete recruiting process when requested by sports coaching staff.
  • Reporting: Prepare and deliver detailed, end-of-semester sport-specific reports to the Director of Sports Performance.
  • Travel and Practice Attendance Expectations: Be available to assist at practices and travel to away games (sport dependent).
  • Operational Support: Support the daily operations of the weight room through setup, breakdown, restocking the Fueling Station, and upkeep of equipment.

Compliance, Policy, & Collaboration
  • Regulatory Compliance: Adhere strictly to all sports performance staff policies, ensuring full compliance with NCAA recommendations, Mid-American Conference (MAC) regulations, and NSCA/CSCCa guidelines.
  • Departmental Support: Execute other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Sports Performance, including stepping into a designated secondary role for the Sports Performance area when needed.
  • Collaboration/Injured Student-Athlete Support: Work effectively with Athletic Training staff and sports staff to make adjustments for injured student-athletes to bridge the gap between rehab and performance.
  • Academic Intern/Observation Coordinator: Work alongside our academic programs to place entry-level students for observation hours.

  • Additional Assigned Duties: Perform additional duties that relate to the sports performance department as assigned by the Assistant Director of Sports Performance.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Science, or a related field from an accredited institution.
  • Either 1) a completed Graduate Assistantship in the strength and conditioning field or 2) Two years of experience in designing and implementing year-round physical development programs at the collegiate or professional level.
  • Must possess and maintain professional certifications in good standing as required by the NCAA, MAC, and the institution (e.g., NSCA-CSCS or CSCCa-SCCC).
  • Proven understanding of NCAA rules, recommendations, and industry-standard safety guidelines (NSCA/CSCCa).
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with coaches, medical staff, and athletic department stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Exercise Science or a related discipline.
  • Additional years of experience in a collegiate athletic setting with a proven track record of developing student-athletes.

How to apply:
Please apply via the online Ball State University job portal.
Please list three professional references within the online application.
Supporting Documents Upload Instructions:
Important: Do not use the Autofill feature when uploading your resume.
Required Document:
Resume
Optional Document:
Cover Letter detailing your qualifications for the position.
What we offer:
At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.
When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. We do the same for you. In fact, we'll cover 100 percent of the tuition costs for you to earn your undergraduate degree and 80 percent of your graduate tuition. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.
Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.
Curious about our excellent benefits package?
We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits. Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Professional and download the spreadsheet. If you are applying for a 10-month position or one with Burris or Indiana Academy, please select the corresponding calculator.

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