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

Entry Level Game Programmer information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$12K

$101.3K

$189.8K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game programmer in Tacoma, WA is $101,344.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26,300.00 and $159,200.00 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 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.

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Programmer jobs in Tacoma, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Programmer jobs in Tacoma, WA are:

What cities near Tacoma, WA are hiring for Entry Level Game Programmer jobs?

Cities near Tacoma, WA with the most Entry Level Game Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Programmer job openings in Tacoma, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,344 per year, or $48.7 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 5 days ago


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.