The key is to stop playing a volume game and start building a profile that hiring managers ... The program is designed to close the skills-to-employment gap -especially for candidates who need ...
The key is to stop playing a volume game and start building a profile that hiring managers ... The program is designed to close the skills-to-employment gap -especially for candidates who need ...
Engineering Apprentice
Cary, NC · On-site
$19 - $19.25/hr
This is a paid, entry-level opportunity designed for recent graduates or early-career professionals ... our game changing clients and further advance your already valuable experience in the telecom ...
Quick apply
Engineering Apprentice
Cary, NC · On-site
$19 - $19.25/hr
This is a paid, entry-level opportunity designed for recent graduates or early-career professionals ... our game changing clients and further advance your already valuable experience in the telecom ...
Entry Level Game Designer information
See Raleigh, NC salary details
$45.7K - $55.3K
1% of jobs
$55.3K - $64.9K
0% of jobs
$64.9K - $74.6K
0% of jobs
$74.6K - $84.2K
0% of jobs
$84.2K - $93.8K
1% of jobs
$93.8K - $103.5K
1% of jobs
$103.5K - $113.1K
0% of jobs
$113.1K - $122.7K
0% of jobs
$122.7K - $132.4K
3% of jobs
$132.4K - $142K
0% of jobs
$143.9K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$142K - $151.6K
94% of jobs
$45.7K
$151.6K
How much do entry level game designer jobs pay per year?
As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game designer in Raleigh, NC is $144,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,700.00 and $150,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Entry Level Game Designer vs Junior Game Developer?
| Aspect | Entry Level Game Designer | Junior Game Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Degree in game design, computer science, or related field; portfolio | Degree in computer science, software engineering, or related; coding skills |
| Work Environment | Design studios, game companies, remote | Development teams, coding environments, collaborative |
| Industry Usage | Design-focused roles, concept creation | Programming, coding, implementing game features |
| Common Search Intent | Entry level design roles, game design careers | Starting 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 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 does an entry level game designer do?
An entry level game designer assists in creating and developing the concepts, mechanics, and rules for video games. They often work on tasks such as designing levels, writing documentation, and helping to balance game play. Entry level designers typically collaborate with artists, programmers, and senior designers to implement features and ensure the game is fun and engaging. This role is a great starting point for those looking to build a career in the game industry, offering opportunities to learn from experienced professionals while contributing creative ideas.
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 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.
More about Entry Level Game Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Game Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Game Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Entry Level Game Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Entry Level Game Designer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Entry Level Game Designer job openings:
Job description
Fresh Graduate to Full-Time Offer: A Job Search Strategy That Respects Your Timeline."
For students and professionals who recently graduated, the job search pressure is different. You're not just looking for a great role-you're racing a timeline. And when applications don't convert to interviews, it can feel like you're running out of runway. The key is to stop playing a volume game and start building a profile that hiring managers recognize as job-ready.
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SynergisticIT also helps candidates navigate the employment journey with support for STEM extension processes, and guidance for H-1B and green card filing pathways through the employment lifecycle (actual sponsorship and filing depend on employer policy and role). If you're on OPT, what you need is a program that aligns your skills with the positions employers are actively hiring for today-and that helps you move faster from preparation to interview to offer.
Helpful links:
For students and professionals who recently graduated, the job search pressure is different. You're not just looking for a great role-you're racing a timeline. And when applications don't convert to interviews, it can feel like you're running out of runway. The key is to stop playing a volume game and start building a profile that hiring managers recognize as job-ready.
SynergisticIT has supported candidates since 2010, helping them land full-time positions with offers commonly ranging from $90,000 to $154,000, based on role and skill depth. JOPP candidates have landed at companies such as Google, Apple, PayPal, Visa, Western Union, Wells Fargo, Client, Client, Banking, Client, Walmart Labs, AutoZone, Client, and more. The program is designed to close the skills-to-employment gap-especially for candidates who need strong projects, interview readiness, and structured placement support.
SynergisticIT supports hiring pipelines for roles including entry-level software programmers, Java full stack developers, Python/Java developers, data analysts, data engineers, data scientists, and machine learning engineers. The primary focus areas are Java / Full Stack / DevOps and Data tracks (Analytics/Engineering/Science/BI) + Machine Learning/AI. This matters for OPT candidates because many employers want candidates who can contribute across multiple layers-backend + cloud + data + pipelines-rather than a narrow toolset.
Many candidates come to SynergisticIT after trying other routes. around 30% of JOPP participants have already completed other bootcamps or online platforms like Udemy and Coursera, or university bootcamps, but still didn't land jobs. The common reason: those programs often emphasize learning, but not placement execution-resume positioning, interview readiness, and employer-facing preparation.
SynergisticIT also helps candidates navigate the employment journey with support for STEM extension processes, and guidance for H-1B and green card filing pathways through the employment lifecycle (actual sponsorship and filing depend on employer policy and role). If you're on OPT, what you need is a program that aligns your skills with the positions employers are actively hiring for today-and that helps you move faster from preparation to interview to offer.
Helpful links:
- Job Placement Program: https://www.synergisticit.com/job-placement-program/
- Java DevOps Full Stack JOPP: https://www.synergisticit.com/java-devops-full-stack-job-placement-program/
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- Event videos (OCW / JavaOne / Gartner): https://fast.wistia.com/embed/channel/k4mlq69ekl
- USA Today feature: https://www.usatoday.com/story/special/contributor-content/2023/08/08/how-synergisticit-is-changing-how-tech-companies-source-talent/70550058007/
- Contact: https://www.synergisticit.com/contact-us/