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Entry Level Video Game Programmer Jobs in Illinois

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Champaign, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Normal, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Dekalb, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game ... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ...

Treasury Analyst

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$50K - $62K/yr

... distributed gaming operator in the United States, as well as a developer of brick-and-mortar ... video game machines, gaming software, and amusements to authorized non-casino locations including ...

Highlights of our programming include the following: * Daily 80-minute blocks of Language Arts and ... Video Game Design, Career Cruising, Civics, SEL, and many more! * Gradel-level student support ...

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Entry Level Video Game Programmer information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$89.8K

$168.1K

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

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level video game programmer in Illinois is $89,766.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23,300.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEntry Level Video Game ProgrammerJunior Software Developer
Required CredentialsDegree in Computer Science, Programming, or related field; basic knowledge of game enginesDegree in Computer Science or related field; foundational programming skills
Work EnvironmentGame development studios, indie companies, or freelance projectsSoftware companies, tech startups, or corporate IT teams
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming industry, focusing on game mechanics and graphicsAcross various industries including finance, healthcare, and tech

While both roles involve programming and require similar educational backgrounds, an Entry Level Video Game Programmer specializes in game development, working with game engines and graphics, whereas a Junior Software Developer has a broader focus on general software applications across multiple industries.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level video game programmers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level video game programmers often encounter challenges such as understanding large, complex codebases and adapting to fast-paced development cycles. They may also need to learn unfamiliar game engines or tools quickly and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams like artists and designers. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to actively seek mentorship, regularly review and document code, and participate in code reviews. Keeping open communication with team members and dedicating time to continuous learning can accelerate skill development and integration into the team.

What does an entry level video game programmer do?

An entry level video game programmer assists in developing and implementing the software that runs video games. They typically work on coding basic gameplay mechanics, fixing bugs, and supporting senior developers with various tasks. Their responsibilities may include writing code in languages like C++ or C#, collaborating with designers and artists, and testing game features to ensure quality. It's a foundational role that offers hands-on experience and skill development in the gaming industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Video Game Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Video Game Programmer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages such as C++ or C#, basic computer science principles, and often a relevant degree or coursework in computer science or game development. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine and version control systems such as Git is typically expected. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with designers and artists. These skills are crucial for building functional, engaging games and efficiently contributing to multidisciplinary development teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Programmer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Video Game Programmer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Video Game Programmer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Video Game Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Video Game Programmer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,766 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Video Game Design Instructor

Skill Sprout

Springfield, IL

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Skill Sprout provides In-Home ABA services throughout the state of Illinois, Indiana
and Texas as well as clinic-based services. 

Job Description

- Summer Camp in July and August

- Monday-Friday 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M., 1:00-4:00 P.M.

- Instructing students on video game design

- Preparing students for individual project where they will create a video game

- Teaching all necessary theory associated with the topic

- Seasonal, but could turn into position for FALL

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a four-year college with a focus on Science, Technology, Math, Engineering or other highly relevant field; or 3 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; At least one year's experience teaching related programing to school-aged children in a group setting. Experience with Lego Mindstorms and Robotics programing strongly preferred. 

Additional Information

Apply Online at http://wwwskillsprout.virb.com/employment