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Freelance Video Game Level Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Velan Studios

Level Designer (Senior+)

Troy, NY · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Our games embrace diversity and are fueled by the adventurous spirit of our team. We are the ... Are you a level designer with experience creating procedural environments? Have you worked with ...

Velan Studios

Level Designer (Senior+)

Troy, NY

$100K - $150K/yr

Our games embrace diversity and are fueled by the adventurous spirit of our team. We are the ... Are you a level designer with experience creating procedural environments? Have you worked with ...

Velan Studios

Level Designer (Senior+)

Troy, NY · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Our games embrace diversity and are fueled by the adventurous spirit of our team. We are the ... Are you a level designer with experience creating procedural environments? Have you worked with ...

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 ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Boston, MA · Remote

$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

Pittsburgh, PA · Remote

$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

Lubbock, TX · Remote

$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

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$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

Austin, TX · Remote

$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

SD · Remote

$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

Tampa, FL · Remote

$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

Chattanooga, TN · Remote

$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

Tempe, AZ · Remote

$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

Sugar Land, TX · Remote

$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

Waltham, MA · Remote

$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

Stillwater, OK · Remote

$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

Provo, UT · Remote

$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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Freelance Video Game Level Designer information

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

As of Jun 16, 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 are the 3 C's of game design?

The 3 C's of game design are Character, Conflict, and Context. These elements help create engaging and cohesive gameplay experiences, which a freelance video game level designer incorporates into level layouts, storytelling, and player interaction to enhance immersion and challenge.

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.

How to be a freelance game designer?

To become a freelance video game level designer, develop strong skills in level design, 3D modeling, and game engines like Unity or Unreal. Build a portfolio showcasing your work, network with industry professionals, and consider freelance platforms or personal websites to find clients. Continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends are essential for success.

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.

Will AI replace game designers?

AI can assist game designers by automating repetitive tasks and generating content, but it is unlikely to fully replace the creative and strategic aspects of level design. Human designers bring unique creativity, storytelling, and player experience considerations that AI cannot replicate entirely. Therefore, AI is more of a tool to enhance the work of freelance video game level designers rather than a replacement.

How much do freelance game designers make?

Freelance video game level designers typically earn between $20 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and client budget. Many work on a project basis, with rates varying based on skill level, portfolio, and the scope of the level design work involved.
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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,600 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
Level Designer (Senior+)

Level Designer (Senior+)

Velan Studios

Troy, NY • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

At Velan Studios, we foster a culture of curiosity. Our games embrace diversity and are fueled by the adventurous spirit of our team. We are the creative minds behind titles like Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, Knockout City, Hot Wheels Rift Rally, Midnight Murder Club as well as the VR game Bounce Arcade, and our journey continues! Our studio's mission is to pioneer groundbreaking gaming experiences and reimagine play in new ways. We're committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional gaming, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, and revolutionizing the industry one game at a time.
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.

Apply