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Freelance Level Designer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

AKQA

Freelance Design Lead

Seattle, WA · Remote

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Design Lead to support one of the most globally recognized ... Actively mentor and support junior and mid-level designers, fostering collaboration, accountability ...

All JobsLevel Designer JobsFreelance Level Designer JobsFreelance Level Designer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Freelance Level Designer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$16

$54

$150

How much do freelance level designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance level designer in Seattle, WA is $54.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $70.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance level designer?

Freelance level designers are independent professionals who create, plan, and implement levels or environments for video games. They work on a contract or project basis for game studios, indie developers, or other clients, rather than being employed full-time by a single company. Their responsibilities often include designing maps, building game worlds, balancing gameplay, and ensuring levels are engaging and functional. As freelancers, they manage their own schedules, workflows, and client relationships, often working remotely. This role requires a strong understanding of game design principles, creativity, and proficiency with relevant design tools.

How do freelance level designers typically collaborate with game development teams during a project?

Freelance level designers often work remotely and collaborate with game development teams using digital tools like project management software, version control systems, and communication platforms. They participate in regular meetings, share progress updates, and receive feedback from lead designers or producers. Clear communication and adaptability are essential, as freelancers must integrate their work with the broader vision of the team while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards. Building strong professional relationships can also open doors for future projects and referrals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance level designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Level Designer, you need a strong grasp of game design principles, spatial reasoning, and experience with level editing software, often demonstrated through a robust portfolio. Familiarity with technical tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and version control systems is typically required, along with knowledge of scripting languages like C# or Blueprint. Creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills help you collaborate effectively with clients and other team members while meeting project goals. These skills ensure you can deliver engaging, well-constructed levels that meet client expectations and enhance player experiences.

What is the difference between Freelance Level Designer vs Level Designer?

AspectFreelance Level DesignerLevel Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, experience, possibly certifications in game designDegree in game design, computer science, or related field; portfolio
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteEmployed by a game studio, working in a team environment
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance platforms, independent contracts, multiple clientsGame development companies, studios, internal teams
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance opportunities, flexible workSeeking full-time or in-house roles in game design

In summary, Freelance Level Designers work independently on various projects, often remotely, and manage their own clients. In contrast, Level Designers employed by studios work within a team environment on company projects. Both roles require strong design skills and portfolios, but their work settings and employment structures differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Level Designer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Level Designer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Level Designer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Freelance Level Designer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Level Designer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Level Designer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Freelance Level Designer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Freelance Level Designer job openings:

Freelance Level Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Level Designer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,927 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Freelance Design Lead

Seattle, WA • Remote

AKQA
Specialized Design Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about AKQAexternal

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.

Design Leads at AKQA bring artistry, craft, and creative vision to complex digital challenges. They inspire and guide designers, champion design systems, and ensure creative excellence across all deliverables. Hands-on and deeply thoughtful, they shape the look, feel, and coherence of digital experiences from early concept through final delivery, elevating both the work and the people around them.

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Design Lead to support one of the most globally recognized consumer brands in the world, a company with an enormous and deeply loyal customer base whose digital products and services touch millions of people every day. In this role you will guide and inspire designers, lead the evolution of complex design systems, and ensure creative excellence across a flagship digital product experience. This is a remote freelance role from ASAP through September 30, 2026.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

  • Provide hands-on leadership and creative direction, guiding a team of designers to produce world-class digital product experiences
  • Oversee the creation, maintenance, and evolution of complex design systems, ensuring scalability, consistency, and craft at every level
  • Shape the creative vision for digital platforms and products, aligning with client goals and the needs of a diverse, loyal user base
  • Collaborate closely with UX, strategy, and development teams to deliver cohesive, high-quality solutions
  • Present creative concepts and design solutions to clients with clarity, confidence, and strategic insight
  • Actively mentor and support junior and mid-level designers, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
  • Contribute to a culture of creative excellence, pushing for the most distinctive and effective solutions at every stage of the work

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

  • 6+ years of experience in UI design, art direction, or a related field, with a strong portfolio showcasing digital platforms and products
  • Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, with a track record of mentoring and elevating designers
  • Deep expertise in creating and evolving design systems, with a focus on scalability, consistency, and innovation
  • Strong working knowledge of user interface, application, mobile, and responsive design principles
  • Expert proficiency in Figma, including advanced component and library management
  • Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to present and defend creative work to clients and stakeholders
  • Experience collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, including UX and development, to deliver integrated solutions
  • A proactive mindset and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of technology and design
  • A strong point of view and the ability to promote and encourage conceptual thinking across the team

Location & Commitment

  • Remote (United States only); Seattle-based candidates are especially welcome; there will be regularly scheduled onsite client visits and meetings
  • ASAP through September 30, 2026
  • 40 hours/week
  • Expected weekly compensation: 2,500 to 3,000 USD

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