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Entry Level Game Developer Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Game Developer information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$35.6K

$118.7K

$196.9K

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

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game developer in Tacoma, WA is $118,667.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $135,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Tacoma, WA? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Tacoma, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Tacoma, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Developer jobs in Tacoma, WA are:
What cities near Tacoma, WA are hiring for Entry Level Game Developer jobs? Cities near Tacoma, WA with the most Entry Level Game Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Developer job openings in Tacoma, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,667 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

Enrichment Instructor - Foreign Language

YMCA of Greater Kansas City

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$18.03 - $18.67/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking a Foreign Language Enrichment Instructor to join our team!
The YMCA focuses on empowering people in all forms, by improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across our neighborhoods.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading non-profit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
The Enrichment Instructor provides direct leadership, instruction and motivation for program participants in the Expanded Learning Opportunity (ELO) classes. Providing a quality experience for elementary school participants in this afterschool program, that is delivered through several different instructional programming and activities.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Prepare lesson plans with a natural progression appropriate to the age and ability of the student, in conjunction with support from Y experts as needed/required.
  • Complete program training along with site staff in preparation for program session.
  • Responsible for the instruction of appropriate programming - as designated by skillset, experience, and supervisor. (Ex: Creative Arts Instructor, Youth Activities Instructor, Gymnastics Instructor, Chess Instructor, etc.)
  • Provide entry level foreign language instruction twice a week to elementary school age children.
  • Plan, lead, and assist group activities
  • Enforce all safety rules.
  • Implement the provided Social Emotional Learning (SEL) provided curriculum.
  • Ensure that all equipment and supplies are available and maintained throughout the program.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and requirements.
  • Keep accurate records of class attendance and participant's progress throughout each session.
  • Communicate with parents and supervisor regarding participant's performance.

Are you a good fit?
  • Minimum age of 18 or older.
  • Six months or more of related experience preferred.
  • Must be bilingual (English at a spoken and written professional level and additional language at a spoken and written minimum elementary level
  • Positive attitude and previous experience with children and diverse populations.
  • Knowledge and skills in the area of agreed upon instruction and related equipment set-up, as well as the ability to instruct participants in age appropriate techniques.
  • Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.

Wage: $18.03 to $18.67 per hour, (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the posted wage range)
Hours: Part-Time, Up to 25 hours per week
Location: Tacoma School District, Tacoma, WA
Benefits:
All YMCA Employees receive the below benefits:
  • A Personal YMCA membership and YMCA360 virtual streaming membership
  • Flexible scheduling around school and extracurricular activities Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program, and LifeMart employee discount center
  • Professional training, education, and certification opportunities
  • 20% discount on YMCA programs, childcare services and merchandise

Part-Time employees who work more than 20 hrs./week are eligible for the below voluntary benefit options:
  • HealthiestYou: by Teladoc (24/7 virtual general medical care access for non-emergency conditions)
  • Willamette Dental Plan
  • VSP Vision Plan

Ignite your Passion, Live the Y Cause, and Join our Team! To apply visit our website at www.ymcapkc.org.
Please note that employment with the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is contingent upon successfully completing post-offer requirements, which may include age verification, reference checks, and state and national background checks. All inquiries and checks are conducted only after a conditional offer of employment is made.
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled.
Expanded Learning Opportunity (ELO) Enrichment Instructor Job Description
Position Summary
The Enrichment Instructor provides direct leadership, instruction and motivation for program participants in the Expanded Learning Opportunity (ELO) classes. Providing a quality experience for elementary school participants in this afterschool program, that is delivered through several different instructional opportunities at the school site. These programs could be, though not limited to, Creative Arts, Youth Games, Gymnastics, and Outdoor Environmental Education. Provides a quality experience to children and parents focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.
Key Responsibilities
• Prepare lesson plans with a natural progression appropriate to the age and ability of the student, in
• conjunction with support from Y experts as needed/required.
• Complete program training along with site staff in preparation for program session.
• Responsible for the instruction of appropriate programming -- as designated by skillset, experience, and
• supervisor. (Ex: Creative Arts Instructor, Youth Activities Instructor, Gymnastics Instructor, and Naturalist,
• etc.)
• Plan, lead, and assist group activities
• Enforce all safety rules.
• Implement the provided Social Emotional Learning (SEL) provided curriculum.
• Ensure that all equipment and supplies are available and maintained throughout the program.
• Keep accurate records of class attendance and participant's progress throughout each session.
• Communicate with parents and supervisor regarding participant's performance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and requirements.
• Meet performance measurement by telling the Y story and raising charitable dollars to fulfill our mission.
• Assist staff leadership team in reaching campaign goals through recruiting campaigners, making personal asks
• and supporting branch events
• Cleaning and sanitation protocols will be required of all staff.
• Staff will be responsible for frequent touchpoint cleaning and sanitizing in specific areas.
• Staff are expected to adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including the use of PPE.
• Embraces and actively promotes an inclusive and equitable work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
• Minimum age of 16 or older.
• Six months or more of related experience preferred.
• Positive attitude and previous experience with children and diverse populations.
• Knowledge and skills in the area of agreed upon instruction and related equipment set-up, as well as the
• ability to instruct participants in age appropriate techniques.
• Complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day. Complete other online and in-person training as required.
Working Conditions/Physical Demands
• Regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger,
• handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision,
• depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally may need to plan and participate in programming outdoors.
• Ability to lead classes.
Employee Acknowledgement
This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions expected of this position. This document is not an exhaustive list and other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or assigned at any time with or without advanced notice.
This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties may exercise employment-at-will rights at any time.
By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read the document in its entirety and that you understand the requirements, essential functions, and job duties of this position. Further, you acknowledge that you are able to perform the duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation(s), and that should you need assistance, that you are responsible for notifying your Director, Executive Director, and/or Human Resources.