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Entry Level Video Game Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Entry Level Video Game Programmer information

See salary details

$11K

$92.6K

$173.5K

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

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level video game programmer in the United States is $92,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,000.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities are hiring for Entry Level Video Game Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Video Game Programmer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Programmer jobs? The most popular types of Video Game Programmer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Video Game Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Video Game Programmer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Video Game Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 9% Physical, 64% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,636 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Video Game Design Tutor

$40/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago


Varsity Tutors rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 21 rated private schools and tutoring


Job description

About the Job
The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Video Game Design tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the flexibility to set your own schedule, earn competitive rates, and make a real impact on students' academic success and understanding. All from the comfort of your home.
Why Join Our Platform?
  • Earn incrementally higher pay for each session with the same student, reaching up to $40/hour.
  • Get paid up to twice per week, ensuring fast and reliable compensation for the tutoring sessions you conduct and invoice.
  • Set your own hours and tutor as much as you'd like.
  • Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live Learning Platform. No commuting required.
  • Get matched with students best-suited to your teaching style and expertise.
  • Our AI-powered Tutor Copilot enhances your sessions with real-time instructional support, lesson generation, and engagement features, helping you save prep time and focus on impactful teaching.
  • We handle the logistics—you just invoice for your tutoring sessions, and we take care of payments.

What We Look For In a Video Game Design Tutor
  • Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game loop architecture, player psychology, balancing mechanics, and iterative design while preparing students for game development careers and interactive media programs.
  • Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions. Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts, storytelling, and user experience design disciplines.
  • Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with game design curricula and common challenges such as scope management for game projects, learning game engine interfaces, and balancing game mechanics. Adapts instruction using game engine tutorials, design document templates, and progressive project milestones to support students from aspiring designers exploring concepts through advanced developers building playable game prototypes and portfolio pieces.
  • Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple approaches, and adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs and styles.
  • Strong communication skills and a friendly, engaging teaching style.
  • Ability to adapt to different learning styles and student needs.

Ways To Connect With Students
  • 1-on-1 Online Tutoring - Provide personalized instruction to individual students.
  • Instant Tutoring - Accept on-demand tutoring requests whenever you're available.

About Varsity Tutors And 1-on-1 Online Tutoring
Our mission is to transform the way people learn by leveraging advanced technology, AI, and the latest in learning science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students receive customized instruction that helps them achieve their learning goals. Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a passion for learning.
Please note: Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia or Puerto Rico.

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