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Games Programmer Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ZeniMax Media

Multiplayer Gameplay Programmer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$80K - $175K/yr

You have a passion for making GREAT games * You have experience playing Bethesda Game Studios games Salary Range Multiplayer Gameplay Programmer - The typical base pay range for this position at the ...

Templar Media

Lead Gameplay Programmer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$125K - $139K/yr

As an independent developer and publisher, Templar develops the games that we want, on our own ... Templar offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package and a professional but non ...

Netflix

Software Engineer 5 - Games Systems

$388K - $619K/yr

Architect and evolve core services that form the table stakes of the Netflix Game Developer ... You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To ...

Netflix

OR

$388K - $619K/yr

Architect and evolve core services that form the table stakes of the Netflix Game Developer ... You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To ...

Netflix

Software Engineer 5 - Games Systems

$388K - $619K/yr

Architect and evolve core services that form the table stakes of the Netflix Game Developer ... You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To ...

Netflix

OR · On-site

$388K - $619K/yr

Architect and evolve core services that form the table stakes of the Netflix Game Developer ... You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To ...

Netflix

Software Engineer 5 - Games SDK

$388K - $558K/yr

The Games Experiences Platform team is the core integration layer between game developers, players ... You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To ...

Netflix

OR · On-site

$388K - $558K/yr

The Games Experiences Platform team is the core integration layer between game developers, players ... You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To ...

Netflix

OR

$388K - $558K/yr

The Games Experiences Platform team is the core integration layer between game developers, players ... Full-time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more details about ...

Netflix

Software Engineer 5 - Games SDK

$388K - $558K/yr

The Games Experiences Platform team is the core integration layer between game developers, players ... You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To ...

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Games Programmer Salary information

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$39

$68

How much do games programmer salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for games programmer salary in the United States is $39.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $51.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Games Programmer Salary vs Game Developer Salary?

AspectGames Programmer SalaryGame Developer Salary
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, programming skillsBachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related field, programming skills
Work EnvironmentGame studios, software companies, independent projectsGame studios, software companies, freelance or independent work
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming industry, tech companiesGaming industry, entertainment, tech companies

Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and programming skills, but game developers typically have broader responsibilities including design and project management, while games programmers focus more on coding and technical implementation. Salary differences reflect these roles' scope and specialization within the gaming industry.

What is the salary of a game programmer?

The average salary of a game programmer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions usually start around $50,000, while experienced programmers with specialized skills in engines like Unity or Unreal can earn higher salaries.

How much can a game coder make?

A game programmer's salary varies based on experience, location, and skill level, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions often start around $50,000, while experienced developers with specialized skills or working in high-cost areas can earn over $100,000.

Is game programmer a good career?

A game programmer develops software for video games, often requiring skills in programming languages like C++ and familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal. The career offers opportunities in the entertainment industry, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and skill level, and typically involves working in collaborative, creative environments. Job stability and growth depend on industry trends and individual expertise.

Is 30 too old to get into game dev?

Games programmers can enter the field at any age, and many successful developers start later in life. Skills in programming languages like C++ or Python, along with a strong portfolio, are more important than age. Continuous learning and adapting to new tools and technologies are key to a career in game development.
What cities are hiring for Games Programmer Salary jobs? Cities with the most Games Programmer Salary job openings:
What states have the most Games Programmer Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Games Programmer Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Games Programmer Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Games Programmer Salary jobs are:
Games Programmer Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Games Programmer Salary job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 63% Physical, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,234 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Multiplayer Gameplay Programmer

ZeniMax Media

Rockville, MD • On-site

$80K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Overview
Come join Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning development team behind Starfield, The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Bethesda Game Studios strives to offer its employees a well-balanced home and work life by providing competitive salaries, a generous benefits program, and offices located in some of North America's best cities.
With a goal of creating a culture as fun and diverse as our games and our players, we welcome applicants with unique skillsets, experience levels and backgrounds. If you are passionate about making a meaningful contribution to some of the most significant games in the industry we'd love to hear from you!
We will consider candidates for any of our four Bethesda Game Studios office locations: Rockville, MD; Montreal, Quebec; Austin, TX; Dallas, TX.
Responsibilities
Your Daily Life at Bethesda Game Studios
As Multiplayer Gameplay Programmer, you will...
  • Collaborate on the implementation of new gameplay features: player and characters' behaviors, combat and powers mechanics, player movement systems, user interface, etc.
  • Work closely with designers, artists, and other programmers to iterate on gameplay features and ensure a great player experience
  • Develop and own full aspects of the game experience
  • Collaborate with other members of the programmers' team to build sustainable and maintainable technologies and optimized code on all platforms
Qualifications
What Makes You S.P.E.C.I.A.L.
  • You have 3+ years of experience as a Gameplay Programmer
  • You are proficient with C++ and object-oriented programming
  • You have demonstrable experience of networking game features and awareness of the complexities of networked gameplay (replication of state, behaviors, client/server breakdown of features and game systems)
  • You have development experience on current gen game consoles
  • You have the ability to contribute innovative and original ideas towards all aspects of game production and development
  • You possess strong communication and organizational skills
  • You work well under pressure and can handle multiple tasks
  • You have a passion for making GREAT games
  • You have experience playing Bethesda Game Studios games
Salary Range
Multiplayer Gameplay Programmer - The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $80,000 - $175,000 per year.
ZeniMax has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States, which allows us to pay employees competitively and consistently in different geographic markets. The range above reflects the potential base pay across the U.S. for this role; the applicable base pay range will depend on what ultimately is determined to be the candidate's primary work location. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.
At ZeniMax certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, such as merit increases and discretionary bonuses. These awards are allocated based on individual performance and are not guaranteed. Benefits/perks listed here may vary depending on the nature of employment with ZeniMax and the country work location. U.S.-based employees have access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellbeing benefits, paid vacation time, paid sick and mental health time, and several paid holidays, among others.
This position is in a union and represented by the Communication Workers of America.
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