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Game Music Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Senior Game Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

Own the design and implementation of music-based gameplay features and systems, including using Jam Tracks, music interaction mechanics, and social music experiences, while fostering innovation

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$7

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$37

How much do game music jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for game music in the United States is $20.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Game Music vs Sound Designer?

AspectGame MusicSound Designer
Primary FocusCreating musical scores and soundtracks for gamesDesigning sound effects and audio elements for games
Skills & CredentialsMusic composition, audio editing, knowledge of DAWsSound design, audio engineering, creativity in effects
Work EnvironmentStudio, remote, or on-site game development teamsStudio, on-site, or collaborative game development settings
Industry UsageUsed across all game genres for enhancing atmosphereUsed to create immersive sound effects and audio cues

Game Music focuses on composing and producing musical scores to enhance gameplay experience, while Sound Designers create sound effects and audio elements that bring the game environment to life. Both roles are essential for immersive game audio but differ in their primary responsibilities and skill sets.

How does a game music composer typically collaborate with game developers and sound designers during production?

Game music composers work closely with game developers, sound designers, and sometimes narrative teams to ensure that the music aligns with the game's vision, pacing, and emotional tone. Collaboration often involves attending regular meetings, sharing early builds of the game, and exchanging feedback on music drafts. Composers may need to adjust their work based on gameplay changes or technical limitations, and they often coordinate with sound designers to balance music with sound effects. This teamwork is essential for creating an immersive and cohesive audio experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Music Composer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Music Composer, you need a solid background in music composition, audio production, and familiarity with interactive music techniques, often supported by a degree in music or sound design. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs), virtual instruments, and middleware tools like FMOD or Wwise is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and adaptability are essential soft skills for working with development teams and responding to dynamic project needs. These skills ensure that the music enhances gameplay, supports narrative immersion, and meets technical requirements in the fast-evolving game industry.

What is game music?

Game music refers to the original soundtracks and musical scores composed specifically for video games. It enhances the gaming experience by setting the mood, conveying emotions, and reacting to player actions or in-game events. Game music can range from simple melodies to complex orchestral arrangements and often adapts dynamically to the gameplay. Composers collaborate closely with game developers to ensure the music fits the game's themes and enhances player immersion.
More about Game Music jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Music jobs? Cities with the most Game Music job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Game Music jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game Music jobs are:
Game Music jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Music job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,561 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound

Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts
Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty
Job Category: Instructional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Computer Game Design Program, within the College of Visual and Performing Arts, provides the following:
  • Undergraduate game design and development courses in sound design and game music composition, leading to a BFA in Computer Game Design;
  • Provides mentorship and guidance in sound design and game music composition to students pursuing majors and minors in Computer Game Design; and
  • Supports a cohesive faculty and staff to carry out objectives 1 and 2.

    • About the Position:
    The Instructor or Assistant Professor teaches undergraduate Game Design, Sound Design, Game Music Composition courses and helps develop the future track in the Computer Game Design Program. Also, pursues research (traditional or applied) and/or creative endeavors to contribute significantly to the field.
    Responsibilities:
    • Teaches undergraduate Game Design courses and helps develop the future track in the Computer Game Design Program; and
    • Pursues research (traditional or applied) and/or creative endeavors to contribute significantly to the field.

    Required Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
    • Master's degree in related field, or 5+ years experience in Game Design or related industry;
    • Experienced in all facets of Sound Design and/or Game Music Composition for game design and development, including technical, managerial, and artistic advances, current research (traditional and applied), and industry developments;
    • Extensive experience working with all primary game sound design, production, and game music composition software applications, as well as related hardware;
    • Applicable experience (minimum of 5 years desired) in the industry, and expertise using current professional game engines, editors, and project management software;
    • Knowledgeable about all facets of Sound Design and/or Game Music Composition for game design and development, including technical, managerial, and artistic advances, current research (traditional and applied), and industry developments;
    • Extensive knowledge working with all primary game design, game programming, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware;
    • Knowledge of sound design and game music composition software utilized in the industry;
    • Knowledge of workflow in multi-platform game production and publication;
    • Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills;
    • Proven critical thinking, problem-solving, and judgment skills;
    • Ability to successfully interact with the industry business and governmental communities;
    • Demonstrated commitment and ability to work collaboratively within a complex work environment; and
    • Possesses an approach that fosters a respectful, nonthreatening workplace environment.

    Preferred Qualifications:
    • Terminal degree in game related discipline, or 5+ years experience in the Game Design industry and publication of major entertainment or serious games; and
    • Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, students, faculty, staff, and community members.

    Instructions to Applicants:
    For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design - Sound at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.
    Posting Open Date: November 1, 2025
    For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 31, 2026
    Open Until Filled: Yes
    Mason Ad Statement
    George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
    George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
    Equity Statement
    George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
    Campus Safety Information
    Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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