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Entry Level Game Designer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Game Designer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$44.9K

$149K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game designer in Houston, TX is $142,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,000.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level game designer do?

A game designer is involved in creating the concept, story, and characters of a video game. While lead game designers are experienced professionals with previous experience, entry-level game designer jobs include positions such as level designer, video game artist, or programmer. The duties of an artist involve designing the game's visual elements, while level designers produce the story elements and gameplay mechanics. Programmers use existing game engines or frameworks to translate the artistic vision of their team into a playable game, and programming specialists may even create new game engines from scratch.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Game Designer, you need a solid understanding of game mechanics, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree or coursework in game design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine, basic scripting, and prototyping software is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and an eagerness to learn make candidates stand out in collaborative development environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to engaging games and integrating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level game designer expect to work on during their first year?

As an Entry Level Game Designer, you’ll typically start by assisting senior designers with tasks such as brainstorming game concepts, designing levels, playtesting, and balancing gameplay mechanics. You may also be responsible for documenting design ideas, creating simple prototypes, and providing feedback on game features. Collaboration is key—you’ll work closely with artists, programmers, and producers to bring ideas to life, learn about the development pipeline, and gradually take on more responsibilities as you build experience. This hands-on involvement helps you develop a broad understanding of both creative and technical aspects of game development.

What is the difference between Entry Level Game Designer vs Junior Game Developer?

AspectEntry Level Game DesignerJunior Game Developer
Required CredentialsDegree in game design, computer science, or related field; portfolioDegree in computer science, software engineering, or related; coding skills
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, game companies, remoteDevelopment teams, coding environments, collaborative
Industry UsageDesign-focused roles, concept creationProgramming, coding, implementing game features
Common Search IntentEntry level design roles, game design careersStarting coding roles, game development jobs

While both roles are entry-level positions in the game industry, an Entry Level Game Designer primarily focuses on creating game concepts, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. In contrast, a Junior Game Developer emphasizes coding, implementing features, and technical development. Both roles often require related degrees and are part of collaborative game development teams, but they serve different functions within the game creation process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Designer jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Game Designer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Game Designer jobs in Houston, TX?

For Entry Level Game Designer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Designer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Designer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Entry Level Game Designer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Entry Level Game Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Designer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,403 per year, or $68.5 per hour.

Survey Intern (Summer 2027)

KCI Technologies Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Temporary

Posted 4 days ago


KCI Technologies rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

242nd of 452 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Join us as we Rise to the Challenge

At KCI, we're building an enduring community that provides unparalleled value to our employee-owners. We make our mark designing and delivering our world-class solutions, so we invest deeply in supporting and developing our team. We reward integrity and commitment, and when we do well, you do well. Our employee's have the freedom to innovate, unlimited growth, a voice that matters, a lifestyle that works, and skin in the game. Achievements are shared and celebrated. As a team, we are motivated to better ourselves, each other, and the world around us. 

 

THE COMPANY

KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States. KCI is recognized as an industry leader, employing cutting-edge technologies, management practices and strategic growth initiatives. Employee ownership fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, encourages technical expertise, and shapes strategic planning.

KCI is currently ranked #50 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 design firms in the nation.

KCI BENEFITS INFORMATION

We offer a competitive compensation package, family friendly benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the training, mentoring and resources you need to advance in your career.

We understand that you have choices, and we know that together we will make a great team!

KCI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

KCI Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Duties, Responsibilities & Other

KCI is seeking a motivated student for a Survey Internship to join our team for Summer 2027. This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and develop technical skills in surveying. Under the guidance of a dedicated supervisor, you will contribute to data collection, processing, and analysis tasks essential for successful project completion. Summer interns will work a 40-hour week, with at least 10 weeks of work required during the period from mid-May to August. Interns will be assigned a dedicated supervisor and mentor, are required to attend planned activities. Responsibilities include:

  • Conduct site visits to gather necessary data, including measurements, sketches, notes, and photographs.
  • Process field data and draft base plans for project use and reference.
  • Prepare topographic survey plots to aid in project development and planning.
  • Attend bi-weekly or more frequent meetings with project teams to discuss progress and address any issues.
  • Operate within specified corporate or project budget parameters.
  • Complete other duties as required or assigned.

* Essential Duties and Responsibilities are the basic job functions that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

Education and/or Skills Required:

  • This is an entry level position where no previous experience is required.
  • Currently enrolled in a college Engineering or Science program.

Education and/or Work Experience Preferred:

  • 3.0 GPA or higher preferred
  • ArcGIS, CADD programs and Microsoft Office experience

Certificates, licenses, and/or Registrations Required:

  • Valid Driver's License

Pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment. Motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position.

Employment Type: TEMPORARY

What KCI Technologies employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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