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Entry Level Game Developer Jobs in Zion, IL (NOW HIRING)

All JobsEntry Level Game Developer JobsEntry Level Game Developer Jobs in Zion, IL

Entry Level Game Developer information

See Zion, IL salary details

$31.3K

$104.3K

$173.1K

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

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game developer in Zion, IL is $104,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $119,300.00 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.
More about Entry Level Game Developer jobs
What cities near Zion, IL are hiring for Entry Level Game Developer jobs? Cities near Zion, IL with the most Entry Level Game Developer job openings:
Entry Level Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Developer job openings in Zion, IL 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 $104,330 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Graduate Assistant: Athletics Administrative Positions

Wisconsin

Kenosha, WI • On-site

$9.0K/mo

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Position Title:Graduate Assistant: Athletics Administrative PositionsJob Category:OtherEmployment Type:Terminal (Fixed Term)Job Profile:Ad Hoc Program SpecialistJob Duties:

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is proud to offer the graduate assistant coaching positions for the2026-27academic year. These graduate assistants will gain valuable experience in Wisconsin's NCAA Division II athletics department.

The successful candidates willworka 10-month appointment for the2026-27academic year with the opportunity for renewal of a second year 12-month appointment. Each graduate assistant will receive a full tuition waiver and an annual stipend of $9,000, paid monthly. These positions will remain openuntilfilled. Anticipated start date for the positions will be August 1, with the potential for amutually-agreedupon earlier start date and summer employment.

The athletics administration graduate assistants will also assist with the operations of the Sports & Activity Center and Wellness Center functions. To be eligible, students must be admitted to the in-person Master of Sport Management Program (MSSM) at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Appointments are contingent upon maintenance of minimum credit requirements and good standing in the MSSM program.

UW-Parkside isa great placeto start or enhance your career. The campus is nestled in700 acresof woodland and prairie and two miles west of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, WI. At Parkside we offer competitive pay and benefits, as well as an engaging and supportive work environment. Parkside is a communitythat'seasy to call home. Find out why!

Available Position:

  • Marketing & Fan Experience

  • Event Operations

  • Student-Athlete Success & Compliance

  • Creative Content & Administration

  • Strength & Conditioning

Key Job Responsibilities:

Marketing & Fan Experience
The marketing & fan experience graduate assistant will report directly to the Associate AD for External Operations with duties including but not limited to:

  • Coordinate and direct all in-game entertainment and promotions for athletics events.

  • Assist with the development and execution of the marketing plans for all sports.

  • Coordinate all grassroots/community outreach, partnerships, and campus activations.

  • Assist with revenue generation activities and special events.

  • Collaborate with University units on student promotions, events, and initiatives (i.e. Homecoming, New Student Orientations, Welcome Days, Parkside Day, etc.).


Event Operations
The event operations graduate assistant will report directly to the Assistant AD for Event Operations with duties including but not limited to:

  • Assist with the coordination of game day and event operations for both athletics events and external facility rental events.

  • Oversee operations of auxiliary functions including concessions and retail store.

  • Assist with the coordination of ticket operations and sales both on gameday and in advance.

  • Assist with facility set up, breakdown, and operational functions of events.

  • Work closely with gameday and event staff.


Student-Athlete Success & Compliance
The student-athlete success graduate assistant will report directly to the Deputy AD with duties including but not limited to:

  • Develop and activate student-athlete development programming.

  • Assist with NCAA compliance fulfillment and educational efforts.

  • Assist with the athletics certification process.

  • Assist with student-athlete mental health and wellness efforts.

  • Work closely with RSAAC.


Creative Content & Administration
The creative content & administration graduate assistant will report directly to the Associate AD for External Operations with duties including but not limited to:

  • Lead graphic designer and video content producer for the department.

  • Lead gameday creative content creation - home events and select road events.

  • Develop short- and long-form digital storytelling - video, graphics, etc.

  • Collaborates with staff, coaches, and sport programs to ensure quality and creative social media content.

  • Provide support to the HKSM department and handle administrative functions for both HKSM and Athletics.


Strength & Conditioning
The strength & conditioning graduate assistant will report directly to the Head Coach - Strength & Conditioning with duties including but not limited to:

  • Collaborate with sport coaches to design and execute programming and schedule team workouts for each sport.

  • Assist in providing continual education of student-athlete skill development and mental/motivating techniques for competition.

  • Designs and implements strength and conditioning programs, which include power, strength, speed, agility, flexibility, nutrition, and conditioning for assigned team.

  • Monitors, documents, and reports student-athletes' progression.

  • Collaborates with athletic training staff in development of rehab protocols for injured athletes

Key Job Responsibilities:Department:

Athletics

Compensation:

$9,000 plus full tuition waiver

Employment Type:

Initial 10-month contract with a renewable 12-month second contract

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree.

  • Experience as a student-athlete, student worker or intern in college athletics, high school, professional sports or relevant equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Relevant experience in marketing, events, facilities, academic services, graphic design, and/or video production.

  • Demonstrate the ability to be strategically organized and think innovatively.

How to Apply:

To apply, click the Apply button at the top of this page. Please upload the following application materials with your application:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter -indicate which graduate assistantship you are applying for
Contact Information:

Adam Schemm, schemma@uwp.edu

Legal Notices and Important Information

Employment will require a criminal background check in accordance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.(see TC1 - App. 4 and p. 12)

Note: Criminal Background Check - The Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division prohibits employers from using criminal background check information, policies or practices that have a "disparate impact" and is not "job-related and consistent with business necessity" in hiring decisions. All information used to screen or hire job applications should relate to the duties of the job.

Reasonable Accommodations

It is the policy of UW-Parkside to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 262-595-2204. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to provide reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual with a disability.

Parkside Crime Statistics Report

In compliance with the Clery Act of 1998, the University of WisconsinParkside Crime Statistics Report is available here. Call the UW-Parkside Campus Police Office at (262) 595-2455 for a paper copy of the annual report.

Transcript Requirement

Please note: Transcriptions will be required upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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