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Entry Level Game Developer Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

McClure Engineering is seeking entry-level Electrical and Mechanical Drafters to work alongside ... summer softball games, barbecues, corporate massages, traveling nurses and cardio, weight ...

Entry Level Game Developer information

See Missouri salary details

$30.5K

$101.7K

$168.8K

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

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game developer in Missouri is $101,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $116,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 30 too old to get into game dev?

Entry level game developers come from diverse backgrounds and ages, and starting at 30 is not too late. Success depends on acquiring relevant skills such as programming, design, or art, and building a portfolio to demonstrate your abilities. Many employers value experience and passion over age, making it possible to enter the field at any age with dedication.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level game developers when working on their first projects?

Entry level game developers often encounter challenges such as balancing creative ideas with technical limitations, adapting to collaborative workflows, and managing tight deadlines. Learning to navigate large codebases, understanding version control systems, and effectively communicating with designers, artists, and senior programmers are key aspects of the role. Overcoming these hurdles requires a willingness to learn, ask questions, and seek feedback from teammates, which helps foster both technical and interpersonal growth within a supportive game development environment.

What Does an Entry-Level Game Developer Do?

As an entry-level game developer, your responsibilities revolve around programming the algorithms and code that control video games. Your duties are to develop action sequences in games, graphical user interfaces, and other basic tools that allow seamless gameplay. You must be conscious of console or computer requirements, such as memory usage and graphics chip limitations, and you should be able to identify and fix glitches in the game quickly. You work closely with other programmers and QA testers to ensure that you deal with these issues systematically.

What is the 80 20 rule in game development?

In game development, the 80/20 rule suggests that roughly 80% of the game's value comes from 20% of the features or work. Entry level game developers often focus on core mechanics and essential assets first to maximize impact and efficiency during development cycles.

Is AI replacing game devs?

AI is increasingly used in game development to assist with tasks like procedural content generation and testing, but it does not replace entry level game developers. Developers are needed to design, program, and oversee AI tools, ensuring creative and technical quality. Skills in programming, game engines, and AI integration remain essential for game development roles.

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

AspectEntry Level Game DeveloperJunior Game Programmer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related fieldBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentGame studios, indie developers, or freelance projectsGame development teams, software companies, or indie studios
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in gaming industry for entry rolesOften used interchangeably with Entry Level Game Developer in job listings
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in a related field and involve working in game development environments. While the titles may differ slightly, they often refer to similar entry-level positions focused on coding, debugging, and supporting game projects. The main difference lies in terminology preference among employers, but both roles serve as starting points for a career in game programming.

What does an Entry Level Game Developer do?

An Entry Level Game Developer assists in the creation and implementation of video games by writing code, debugging, and collaborating with other team members such as artists and designers. They typically work under the supervision of senior developers and are often responsible for smaller features or specific tasks within a larger project. Their work may include programming gameplay mechanics, fixing bugs, and learning new tools and technologies used in game development. This role is an excellent starting point for those looking to gain experience and grow within the gaming industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Game Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Game Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages like C++ or C#, basic game design principles, and typically a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems like Git, and basic graphic or animation tools is highly beneficial. Creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that help you collaborate and adapt in dynamic development environments. These skills ensure you can efficiently contribute to game projects, meet technical requirements, and work well within multidisciplinary teams.

How to be a game developer with no experience?

Entry level game developers typically start by learning programming languages such as C# or C++, and gaining familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. Building a portfolio with small projects, participating in game jams, and pursuing online courses or certifications can help demonstrate skills to employers without prior professional experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Missouri? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Missouri are:
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Entry Level Game Developer jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Entry Level Game Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Developer job openings in Missouri as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,746 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Drafter

Drafter

McClure Engineering

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Description:

McClure Engineering is seeking entry-level Electrical and Mechanical Drafters to work alongside other talented engineers and designers dedicated to engineering excellence on a wide range of projects involving complex building and campus systems!

As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, this position is responsible for providing mechanical, electrical or plumbing design support on a wide range of projects involving complex building and campus systems solutions. You will work closely with engineers and other team members to ensure that designs are accurate, functional, and meet project specifications.


Drafters have the ability to meet fast-paced deadlines while maintaining quality design, adapt to changes in plans and communicate clearly in both oral and written communication


Key Responsibilities:

  • Create detailed electrical and mechanical drawings using CAD/Revit software.
  • Collaborate with engineers to develop and modify designs.
  • Ensure that all drawings comply with industry standards and regulations.
  • Review and revise drawings based on feedback from engineers and clients.
  • Maintain accurate records of all drawings and revisions.
  • Assist in the preparation of project documentation and reports.


Educational Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Associate's degree or higher in Drafting, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
  • Proficiency in CAD/Revit software (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.).
  • Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience in an engineering or construction environment is a plus.


Work Environment:

· Work environment is primarily indoors at firms’ facility, with approximately 10% of time spent indoors/outdoors at project or construction sites where hard-hat and other safety gear is often required. (PPE is provided by firm.)

· While performing field work associated with this position employee will be required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl and carry and/or climb ladders of varying heights.


Benefits:

· Medical, Dental & Vision insurance (100% company paid for the employee)

· Health Savings Account – $1300 annual employer contribution

· Flexible Spending Account

· Long-term/Short-term disability coverage

· Life/ AD&D Insurance

· 401K Plan with Safe Harbor Match

· Employee Stock Purchase

· Annual Discretionary Profit Sharing for all employees

· Company provided Identity Theft Projection through NortonLifeLock

· Paid Parking

· Annual Wellness Reimbursement $300

· On-site fitness center

· On-site Showers & Lockers

· Employee Assistance Program

· Paid Vacation, Sick Time & Holidays (including a personal float holiday)

· Continuing Education & Professional Memberships

· Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave

· Flexible Hours that include the ability to schedule 1-day remote per week


McClure Engineering is an "Employer of Choice" repeatedly named one of St. Louis' Top Workplaces and Healthiest Employers!

While being a leader in the engineering industry, McClure's corporate culture promotes work-life balance and fun with a wide-array of company sponsored activities such as annual float trips, summer softball games, barbecues, corporate massages, traveling nurses and cardio, weight & relaxation rooms with on-site showers available to employees and their families. Additionally, McClure offers an extremely comprehensive benefits package, generous paid time-off, support for on-going learning and development, superior wellness program, casual dress work environment, hybrid remote work schedule, and stable retirement (401k) plan and stock purchase program to promote financial security.


McClure Engineering values diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Requirements: