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Entry Level Game Programmer Jobs in Naperville, IL

Faithtechnologies

Solar Electrician

Chicago, IL · On-site

Cares about leading the way in construction, engineering, manufacturing and renewable energy. Cares ... Benefits are the Game-Changer We provide industry-leading benefits as an investment in the lives of ...

Faith Technologies

Solar Electrician

Chicago, IL · On-site

Cares about leading the way in construction, engineering, manufacturing and renewable energy. Cares ... Benefits are the Game-Changer We provide industry-leading benefits as an investment in the lives of ...

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All JobsGame Programmer JobsEntry Level Game Programmer JobsEntry Level Game Programmer Jobs in Naperville, IL

Entry Level Game Programmer information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$11K

$92.5K

$173.2K

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game programmer in Naperville, IL is $92,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,000.00 and $145,300.00 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 Naperville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,840 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Expression of Interest: 2027 Trading Sneak Peek Weeks

Akuna Capital

Chicago, IL • On-site

$2.2K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Register your interest for our 2027 Trading Sneak Peek Weeks! 

Thank you for your interest in Akuna's Trading internship! We are excited to share that we will be hosting multiple Trading Sneak Peek Weeks throughout 2027, rather than a traditional summer internship. These one-week micro-internships are designed to provide an accelerated, hands-on introduction to the tools, skills, and knowledge our trading teams use to drive success every day. With this new format, we are excited to welcome even more trading-focused interns to our office in 2027! By submitting this application, you'll be added to our list of interested candidates and will be notified as soon as the roles goes live.

About Akuna:

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker - meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies and mathematical models. 

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm's first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world - Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London and Singapore. 

What you'll do as a Trading Sneak Peek Week Participant:

As a Trading Sneak Peek Week participant, you will be enrolled in a crash course on the exciting world of options. You'll start the week collaborating with our dedicated trader trainers, as they teach you risk management, game theory, and optimal decision making. Outside the classroom, you'll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real time. Does mastering the educational trading games and simulations used by our entry-level traders sound like fun? Would you like to shadow our trading desks to learn about Akuna's unique approach to acting as a global liquidity provider/market maker? If your answer is yes, Sneak Peek Week is right for you!  

 Additional program perks: 

  • AkunaU lectures from the firm's leaders 
  • Roundtable networking sessions
  • Fun events dedicated to showcasing our firm and the beauty of Chicago 
  • Transportation and accommodation provided by Akuna 
  • Competitive stipend 

 Qualities that make great candidates: 

  • Graduating between December 2027 - August 2028 
  • Pursuing a BS/MS/ PhD in engineering, economics, statistics, mathematics, computer science, actuarial science or a related/equivalent field 
  • Able to attend program in person at Akuna's Chicago headquarters 
  • Entrepreneurial self-starter ready to work in a fast paced, collaborative, team environment 
  • Strong math, numerical, and quantitative skills 
  • Demonstrable interest in trading and the financial markets 
  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment including F-1 students using OPT or STEM 

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the total pay for this one-week program is $2,250. The total pay herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.

Apply