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Entry Level Game Programmer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

North Water District Lab

Lab Technician

Conroe, TX · On-site

$14/hr

... engineering firms, municipalities, school districts, government agencies, industrial facilities ... Perform entry-level chemical analysis according to clearly prescribed procedures and laboratory ...

All JobsGame Programmer JobsEntry Level Game Programmer JobsEntry Level Game Programmer Jobs in Houston, TX

Entry Level Game Programmer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$10.5K

$88.5K

$165.7K

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

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game programmer in Houston, TX is $88,465.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22,900.00 and $138,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 does an entry level game programmer do?

An entry level game programmer is responsible for assisting in the development of video games by writing, testing, and debugging code under the guidance of senior developers. They typically work on specific features such as gameplay mechanics, user interfaces, or artificial intelligence, and help ensure the game's codebase is functional and efficient. This role is ideal for individuals who are new to the industry and want to gain hands-on experience while learning from more experienced team members.

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 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.

More about Entry Level Game Programmer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programmer jobs in Houston, TX? The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Game Programmer jobs in Houston, TX? For Entry Level Game Programmer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Programmer jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Programmer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Entry Level Game Programmer jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Entry Level Game Programmer job openings:
Entry Level Game Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Programmer job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,465 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Lab Technician

North Water District Lab

Conroe, TX • On-site

$14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

North Water District Laboratory Services (NWDLS) is currently searching for a Lab Technician.

The schedule for this role has various start times with a 1 hour scheduled lunch period. Overtime work may occasionally be required.

About North Water District Laboratory Services (NWDLS):

In business since 1974, North Water District Laboratory Services, Inc. provides superior service and quality analysis for inorganic and organic constituents in tissue, aqueous, and solid matrices for engineering firms, municipalities, school districts, government agencies, industrial facilities, and individuals throughout the state of Texas.

What the Lab Technician is responsible for:

  • Analyze samples according to approved test methods and SOPs.
  • Prepare standard solutions and reagents for use in testing.
  • Work directly with Department Supervisor and Lab Manager to ensure accurate, timely, and complete results are provided on all samples.
  • Utilize LIMS (Promium Element) functions including generating queries to monitor and prioritize analyses.
  • Perform routine laboratory maintenance and calibration of equipment
  • Maintaining cleanliness of lab and work environment (wipe down, maintaining supplies,)

A successful Lab Technician NWDLS will:

  • Perform entry-level chemical analysis according to clearly prescribed procedures and laboratory techniques.
  • Place an emphasis on attention to detail, data entry tasks, keeping open lines of communication, fostering a cohesive team environment, and possesses a sense of urgency to complete tasks by established deadlines
  • Have prior experience working in a lab, or is willing to learn lab safety policies and procedures
  • Able to work occasional overtime and/or weekends when needed.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

Other position specific requirements:

  • Vision sufficient to read and interpret chemical and reagent labels, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, laws, spreadsheets, computer screens and printed items, business correspondence, and other documents encountered in the course of work (including analyzing graphs, colors, and shapes)
  • Hearing sufficient to hear conversation levels in person and via telephone
  • Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in front of groups, over the telephone, in meetings, and during training sessions
  • Mobility sufficient to safely move in an environmental laboratory
  • Dexterity sufficient to safely operate office equipment, including computers and specialized tools and equipment utilized during lab and office work
  • Strength sufficient to safely lift and carry sample containers, office supplies, materials, equipment, and other related materials weighing up to 25 pounds
  • Endurance sufficient to stand, sit, and bend from the waist for long periods of time

Why join the NWDLS team?

Employees of NWDLS enjoy on-site work in a cohesive team environment. The office and lab location is in Conroe, Texas and the site contains a gym (currently under construction), full kitchen, break room with arcade games, modern furnishings and finishes, and a large, wooded campus for employees to enjoy. Hands-on training is provided for most positions available at NWDLS, and advancement opportunities are available for those that wish to advance their career with NWDLS.

Full-time employees are eligible for benefits that include:

  • The option to participate in health, dental, and vision plans after 60 days of employment.
  • Accrual of PTO (up to 80 hours per year) staring after 90 days of employment (pro-rated for the 1st year of employment).
  • The option to participate in a 401K plan (employer matching contributions of 100% match for 4% of base salary contribution and 100% vested immediately).
  • Educational assistance of up to 8K/year (please request to see additional requirements for eligibility specifics).

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

Experience:

  • Laboratory: 1 year (Preferred)