ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Video Game Level Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gearbox

Level Designer

Frisco, TX · Remote

$102K/yr

... video games. Our games are entrenched with rich universes that are expanded upon via transmedia ... Level Designers are responsible for owning the vision of their levels, and working with a variety ...

Warnerbros

Level Designer, Missions

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$105K/yr

We've been in the video game business since 1995, creating interactive experiences for fans of the ... Avalanche, a division of WB Games Inc., is seeking a Mission Level Designer to join our team of ...

Filmless

Freelance Video Producer

Manhattan, NY · Remote

... level of success. Check out the videos on our website before applying so that you know what kind of ... best freelance video producers to help us create custom videos for clients ranging in size from ...

Spellbrush

Level Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$128K/yr

Collaborate closely with other game designers, artists, and engineers on the team. Help engineers improve the level design tooling that you are using. Maintain knowledge and context of all of the ...

Filmless

Freelance Video Producer

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

... level of success. Check out the videos on our website before applying so that you know what kind of ... best freelance video producers to help us create custom videos for clients ranging in size from ...

Spellbrush

Level Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$128K/yr

Collaborate closely with other game designers, artists, and engineers on the team. Help engineers improve the level design tooling that you are using. Maintain knowledge and context of all of the ...

Filmless

Freelance Video Editor

Manhattan, NY · Remote

... level of success. Check out the videos on our website before applying so that you know what kind of ... the best freelance editors to help us create custom videos for clients ranging in size from ...

Filmless

Freelance Video Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

... level of success. Check out the videos on our website before applying so that you know what kind of ... the best freelance editors to help us create custom videos for clients ranging in size from ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFreelance JobsArts And Entertainment JobsArts JobsGame Designer JobsFreelance Video Game Level Designer Jobs

Freelance Video Game Level Designer information

See salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do freelance video game level designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance video game level designer in the United States is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance video game level designer do?

A freelance video game level designer creates the layouts, environments, and gameplay experiences for individual levels or sections within a video game. They work independently or on contract, collaborating with game developers and artists to design engaging and playable spaces. This involves planning the flow of the level, placing obstacles and rewards, and ensuring the level fits the game's overall mechanics and story. Freelance designers often use specialized software and must adapt to different project requirements and styles.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Video Game Level Designer, you need strong skills in game design principles, spatial reasoning, and proficiency with industry-standard level editing tools, typically supported by a portfolio of completed projects. Familiarity with engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as knowledge of scripting languages and version control systems, is often expected. Creativity, strong communication, and the ability to interpret feedback help freelancers stand out when collaborating remotely with clients and teams. These skills are crucial for delivering engaging, functional game levels that meet client specifications and enhance player experience.

What are some common challenges freelance video game level designers face when collaborating remotely with development teams?

Freelance video game level designers often collaborate with teams across different time zones and disciplines, which can make communication and feedback loops slower than in-house work. Managing version control and ensuring design consistency can also be challenging when working remotely. It's important to use collaboration tools effectively, maintain clear documentation, and proactively communicate to stay aligned with the team's vision and deadlines. Building strong relationships with producers, artists, and programmers helps streamline the workflow and ensures your contributions fit seamlessly into the final game.

What is the difference between Freelance Video Game Level Designer vs Freelance Game Environment Artist?

AspectFreelance Video Game Level DesignerFreelance Game Environment Artist
Primary FocusDesigning gameplay levels and layoutsCreating visual environments and assets
Skills RequiredLevel design, scripting, gameplay flow3D modeling, texturing, environment art
Work EnvironmentGame studios, freelance projectsGame studios, freelance projects
Common CertificationsGame design courses, level design experience3D art certifications, environment design

While both roles work within the game industry and often collaborate, a Freelance Video Game Level Designer focuses on designing engaging levels and gameplay experiences, whereas a Freelance Game Environment Artist specializes in creating the visual environments and assets that bring game worlds to life.

More about Freelance Video Game Level Designer jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Video Game Level Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Video Game Level Designer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Level Designer jobs?

The most popular types of Video Game Level Designer jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Video Game Level Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Video Game Level Designer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Video Game Level Designer jobs?

For Freelance Video Game Level Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Freelance Video Game Level Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Video Game Level Designer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,600 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Level Designer

Frisco, TX • Remote

Gearbox
See more jobs at Gearboxexternal

$102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

The Gearbox Entertainment Company is home to a world-class team that entertains the world with award-winning and genre-defining video games. Our games are entrenched with rich universes that are expanded upon via transmedia storytelling, live experiences, and consumer products. Gearbox Entertainment has become widely known for developing successful game franchises such as Borderlands, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, and Brothers in Arms, as well for continued development of acquired properties including Duke Nukem, Risk of Rain, and Homeworld.

The company was founded as Gearbox Software in 1999 by a team of industry veterans and is headquartered in Frisco, Texas. The Gearbox Entertainment Company is proud to be part of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

For more information, visit www.GearboxSoftware.com.

What We Are Looking For

Gearbox Software is looking for a passionate level designer to join us in crafting upcoming first and third person shooters. This role involves working with the Lead Level Designer and Creative Director to pitch, build, polish, and ship levels using Unreal Engine. Level Designers are responsible for owning the vision of their levels, and working with a variety of other departments to see that vision come to fruition. It involves close collaborative work with artists, mission designers, writers, coders, and a variety of other disciplines to ensure the level ships on time at a high standard of quality, while also being fun and memorable to players.

Responsibilities

  • Develop single player and cooperative levels based on existing game design documents, direction from project leadership, and collaboration with peers. This involves taking a design all the way from a paper design to a shipping product, iterating over time based on feedback, creative goals, and project deadlines.
  • Prototype, iterate, and polish moment-to-moment gameplay while working with narrative designers, enemy designers, artists, and other disciplines to ensure quality combats and mission experiences for the final customers.
  • Mentorship and sharing of expertise with junior level designers and other design staff. Ability to model a positive tone and work ethic to junior members of the team. Ability to provide and receive good feedback when iterating levels.
Qualifications

  • Proven track record of building and shipping large level environments. Should include videos or screenshots of shipped levels, and any additional documentation showing design and iteration process.
  • Understanding of modern level design practices, including layout, pacing, technical implementation, and above all else creating fun experiences for players.
  • Strong eye towards aesthetics, with an ability to work hand-in-hand with art teams. Previous experience in an art role is a plus.
  • Excellent documentation, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to maintain focus and self-motivation towards the current project goals.
  • Have shipped a AAA title, with a preference towards Unreal technology and first person shooters.
Nice-to-Haves

  • Shipped games using Unreal 4 or 5 technology.
  • Experience with the certification and shipping process on modern consoles.
  • Experience working with large inter-disciplinary teams.
  • Co-op and/or Online Multiplayer experience.
  • Previous leadership experience.
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Gearbox Entertainment is committed to ensuring that all team members work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment, and one that reflects the diversity of the world it strives to entertain. As an equal opportunity employer, Gearbox Entertainment does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Gearbox Entertainment is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, and to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by individuals without disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point during the job application process, please contact us for more information.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

Please note that Gearbox is unable to provide visa sponsorship or assistance for this position. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in United States without requiring current or future employer sponsorship.

#LI-Remote


Apply