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Entry Level Game Programmer Jobs in Columbus, OH

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Entry Level Game Programmer information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$10.3K

$86.6K

$162.1K

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game programmer in Columbus, OH is $86,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22,400.00 and $135,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level game programmer do?

An entry-level game programmer works to develop application code for video games. Your duties in this career include coding different complex sequences and algorithms that can adapt to video game design. You can choose to work in a specialty of video game programming, such as graphics, network creation, artificial intelligence, or building the user interface. You take the design team’s ideas and assist them in bringing the content to life in a way that a computer understands. Other responsibilities may include trying out a prototype, testing the software for bugs and code errors once the team completes it, communicating with the designers, artists, and writers, and helping to integrate functions into the game.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Game Programmer, you need a solid grasp of programming languages such as C++ or C#, basic game development principles, and often a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine and version control systems such as Git is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with designers and artists. These combined skills enable you to contribute efficiently to game development projects, troubleshoot issues, and work productively within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges entry level game programmers face when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level game programmers often encounter challenges such as adapting to large codebases, understanding existing game engines, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. It can be overwhelming to navigate legacy code or pick up new tools quickly. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to ask questions, seek mentorship from senior developers, and actively participate in code reviews. Building strong communication skills and regularly studying project documentation also play a key role in ensuring a smooth transition into professional game development.

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

AspectEntry Level Game ProgrammerJunior Game Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Programming skillsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, basic programming knowledge
Work EnvironmentGame studios, software companiesGame studios, tech firms
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in gaming industry for entry rolesUsed interchangeably in gaming and software development
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level programming roles in gamingExploring junior development positions in game development

Entry Level Game Programmers and Junior Game Developers often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, the term 'Entry Level Game Programmer' typically emphasizes programming skills specifically for game development, while 'Junior Game Developer' may include broader responsibilities like design and testing. Both roles serve as starting points in the gaming industry, with overlapping skills but slightly different focus areas.

Is it hard to get a job as an entry level game programmer?

Entry level game programmers typically need a strong foundation in programming languages like C++ or C#, along with knowledge of game engines such as Unity or Unreal. Competition can be high, but building a portfolio with personal projects or internships can improve chances of securing an entry-level position.
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Entry Level Game Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Programmer job openings in Columbus, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,554 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Associate Data/ Metadata Analyst

OCLC, Inc.

Dublin, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Together we make breakthroughs possible.
At OCLC, we build technology with a purpose: to connect libraries and make knowledge accessible worldwide, because we believe that what is known must be shared. Our teams work with complex global datasets, AI and machine learning, hybrid cloud solutions, and other technologies that connect people and organizations to the information they need. We value the power of unique perspectives and experiences to unlock innovation. At OCLC, your ideas matter, whether you have two years of experience or 20. You'll learn, create, and problem-solve with technologists, product developers, librarians, researchers, marketing pros, and support teams around the world.
Why join OCLC?
OCLC is consistently recognized as a best place to work by several independent programs. We recognize and reward people and results with a comprehensive Total Rewards package. This means competitive compensation that reflects your unique contributions-performance, experience, and skills-along with exceptional benefits, including best-in-class health coverage, retirement plans with generous company contributions, and a commitment to your overall well-being.
  • We know the best ideas don't always happen at a desk. Take a walking meeting around our 100-acre campus or enjoy lunch on the patio. We're committed to your success-both personally and professionally. Hybrid work environment: For many roles, three days a week on-site, with occasional additional days based on business needs.
  • Free use of our on-site fitness center, gym sports, group exercise classes, and game room
  • Onsite catering and cafeteria subsidized by OCLC
  • Health and wellness events
  • Work environments with individual and team spaces and the latest technology tools
  • Paid parental leave and adoption assistance
  • Tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
  • Company-subsidized pricing on local tickets and memberships

Join us in transforming how people everywhere access information and be part of a mission-driven team that makes a global impact.
The job details are as follows:
The Associate Data Analyst/Metadata Analyst manages the lifecycle of bibliographic and holdings data, ensuring accuracy and integrity through evaluation, transformation, and maintenance. This entry-level role combines metadata expertise with developing technical skills in scripting, automation, and AI-assisted workflows. Working under regular supervision, the Associate will transition from executing well-defined tasks to taking ownership of complex data projects. This is an opportunity to develop expertise at the intersection of library data, modern data engineering, and emerging AI - in a team that invests in the growth of its people.
Responsibilities:
Data Operations & Quality
  • Data Lifecycle Management: Perform data ingest, normalization, enrichment, and matching according to established standards (e.g., MARC, KBART).
  • Quality Assessment: Profile incoming data to identify and resolve structural issues, encoding errors, and tagging discrepancies.
  • Troubleshooting: Investigate and resolve data quality issues, escalating complex problems to senior staff as needed.
  • Vendor Communication: Coordinate with external data providers and partner institutions regarding routine data specifications and quality issues.
Technical Solutions & Automation
  • Pipeline Support: Apply existing scripts and automated workflows to process data; identify inefficiencies and suggest process improvements.
  • Data Visualization: Use and interpret dashboards (e.g., Power BI) to monitor data quality trends and communicate findings.
  • AI Integration: Utilize AI-assisted tools for record matching and field mapping; contribute structured feedback that helps improve AI model accuracy over time.
Collaboration & Documentation
  • Knowledge Management: Document data source profiles, processing decisions, and technical workflows to ensure team-wide knowledge sharing.
  • Team Support: Execute foundational tasks to support senior analysts and participate in platform improvement projects.

Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, statistics, or related field and internship experience with data analysis or creation of library data.
  • Entry-level analytical and communication skills, with attention to data quality while working under regular supervision.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
  • Metadata Standards: Foundational knowledge of MARC, Dublin Core, KBART, or BIBFRAME.
  • Technical Tools: Exposure to scripting languages (Python, SQL, or XSLT) and data transfer protocols (SFTP, APIs, or AWS S3).
  • Data Platforms: Conceptual familiarity with cloud data stores (e.g., Snowflake) and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Streamlit).
  • Emerging Tech: Interest in applying AI and linked data concepts (e.g., Schema.org) to library data challenges.

Working Conditions: Normal office environment.
ADA/EAA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

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