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Freelance Video Game Level Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Velan Studios

Level Designer (Senior+)

Troy, NY · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

We make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. If you're curious, you'll be in good company. Are you a level designer with experience creating procedural environments? Have ...

Velan Studios

Level Designer (Senior+)

Troy, NY · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

We make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. If you're curious, you'll be in good company. Are you a level designer with experience creating procedural environments? Have ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Level Designer

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Level Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for blocking out the world and ... Shipped at least one AAA title as a designer. * 5+ years professional experience in video game ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Level Designer

Novato, CA

$100K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Level Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for blocking out the world and ... Shipped at least one AAA title as a designer. * 5+ years professional experience in video game ...

Velan Studios

Level Designer (Senior+)

Troy, NY

$100K - $150K/yr

We make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. If you're curious, you'll be in good company. Are you a level designer with experience creating procedural environments? Have ...

AGBO

Senior Level Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

... Prime Video's visceral thriller The Bluff and the global Citadel franchise. Citadel Season 2 ... You will design and build gameplay spaces, including test maps and sandbox environments, that ...

AGBO Films LLC

Senior Level Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

... Prime Video's visceral thriller The Bluff and the global Citadel franchise. Citadel Season 2 ... You will design and build gameplay spaces, including test maps and sandbox environments, that ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Minneapolis, MN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user ... Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Lawrenceville, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user ... Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Kingsport, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user ... Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Indianapolis, IN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user ... Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

NM · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user ... Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Paramus, NJ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user ... Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Fayetteville, AR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user ... Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Glendale, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user ... Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Edina, MN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user ... Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Winston Salem, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user ... Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

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All JobsVideo Game Level Designer JobsFreelance Video Game Level Designer Jobs

Freelance Video Game Level Designer information

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

As of Aug 7, 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 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.

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 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 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.
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Freelance Video Game Level Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Video Game Level Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,600 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Level Designer (Senior+)

Velan Studios

Troy, NY • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

From dodgeball in the streets to racetracks in your living room, we've always been more interested in asking "what if?" than following a roadmap. Whether we're dreaming up a chaotic game of hide & seek in the dark or putting a legendary space fox back in the pilot's seat, that inventor's mindset runs through everything we do. We make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. If you're curious, you'll be in good company.

Are you a level designer with experience creating procedural environments? Have you worked with terrain tools to create organic exteriors or random dungeon generators to make sprawling dynamic layouts? If creating randomized levels for a new ARPG based on a premiere fantasy IP sounds like your dream job, we’d like to talk to you!

Velan Studios is entering pre-production on this forthcoming title and we are looking for a seasoned Level Designer who can drive critical early-stage design decisions and then lead the implementation of compelling level designs throughout the project.

Responsibilities

  • Own the design of the procedural dungeon system in collaboration with gameplay and tools engineers
  • Collaborate with environment artists to create modular room pieces, corridors and static layouts that will come together dynamically to create replayable environments
  • Define and maintain procedural parameters for length, complexity, spawn-composition, etc. for gameplay environments in the game to achieve engaging challenge and pacing
  • Help define and implement unique gameplay mechanics that fit different biomes
  • Create and maintain simple scripts for doors, traps and spawn entrances.
  • Work closely with the Game Director and other Lead Designers to shape and implement compelling level and mission content.

Requirements

  • 5+ years of design experience
  • At least one shipped title as a level designer
  • Experience with procedural level generation
  • A knack for visual storytelling
  • Familiarity with tool-use and basic scripting in any major game-engine such as Unity, Unreal or equivalent

Big Plusses

  • Experience in isometric ARPG level design
  • Experience creating dynamic exteriors in survival or exploration-based games
  • Experience seamlessly blending hand-made and procedural scenes
  • Familiarity with any major 3-d art creation tool such as 3d Studio Max, Maya or Blender
  • Experience in a lead or sub-lead role on a mid- or large-size development project.

This is a hybrid or onsite position. Hybrid is 3 days a week in studio. Our studios are located in Troy, NY & Toronto, ON.

The salary for this position is typically within the range specified below per year. Please note that the actual base pay may vary based on factors such as your qualifications, skills, experience, and other relevant considerations.
US Salary Range:
Senior $80,000.-$120,000. USD
Specialist $100,000.-$150,000. USD
Canada Salary Range:
Senior $75,000. - $115,000. CAD
Specialist $95,000.-$145,000. CAD

Velan Studios is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about a role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to submit a General Application. Velan Studios is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion, diversity, and providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We seek to create a work culture that matches the diversity of our players.