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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Pasadena, CA (NOW HIRING)

SummitHR

Senior Graphics Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Working closely with Project Managers, Office Engineers, Field Engineers, Construction Managers ... Bachelor's Degree in Graphics Designs, Art, or related field preferred. Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Worky

3D Engineer

Glendale, CA · On-site

$110 - $190/hr

You'll learn optimization craft from engineers who live it, making this the fastest place in the company to grow into a serious graphics engineer. What you'll do * Build features in the 3D experience ...

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All JobsGraphics Programmer JobsGraphics Programmer Jobs in Pasadena, CA

Graphics Programmer information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$120.5K

$147.3K

$170.7K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Pasadena, CA is $147,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,400.00 and $158,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graphics programmer?

Graphics programmers are specialized software developers who focus on creating and optimizing visual elements in video games, simulations, and other computer graphics applications. They write code to render 2D and 3D graphics, work with engines like Unity or Unreal, and utilize APIs like DirectX or OpenGL. Their responsibilities often include developing shaders, improving rendering performance, and collaborating with artists and designers to achieve visually compelling results. Graphics programmers need strong mathematical skills, especially in linear algebra and geometry, to solve complex visual problems. They play a crucial role in ensuring that digital graphics run smoothly and look realistic.

What does a graphics programmer do?

A graphics programmer creates software and applications for developing images and animation on a computer. Your duties can focus on programs for computer-aided design and rendering, animation, image manipulation, photo editing, or video game design. You use linear math and algorithms as well as computer programming languages. Your responsibilities involve writing code in languages like C++, Java, and High-Level Shading Language (HLSL). After coding, you test your programs to ensure that each article and image is accurate. If you work on video games, you coordinate with other developers and programmers on a video game design platform like Unreal Engine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graphics programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graphics Programmer, you need a solid background in computer science, mathematics, and computer graphics, often supported by a degree in a related field. Expertise in programming languages like C++ and familiarity with graphics APIs such as DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan, as well as shader programming, are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective teamwork help you design and optimize complex visual systems. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing high-performance, visually appealing graphics that meet the demands of modern applications and games.

How do graphics programmers typically collaborate with artists and designers during a game development project?

Graphics Programmers work closely with artists and designers to ensure that visual assets are rendered efficiently and accurately within the game engine. They often participate in regular meetings to discuss technical constraints, optimize asset pipelines, and implement new graphical features based on creative requirements. This collaboration requires strong communication skills, as Graphics Programmers must translate artistic visions into technical solutions, troubleshoot rendering issues, and provide feedback to artists to achieve the desired visual quality while maintaining performance. Effective teamwork between these roles is essential to deliver high-quality visuals that run smoothly on target platforms.

What is the difference between Graphics Programmer vs Shader Developer?

AspectGraphics ProgrammerShader Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or related field; knowledge of graphics APIsSimilar educational background; strong understanding of shading languages
Work EnvironmentDevelops and optimizes rendering engines, works on graphics pipelinesCreates and fine-tunes shaders for visual effects and rendering
Industry UsageUsed across game development, simulation, and visualization industriesPrimarily in game development and real-time rendering projects
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping skills in graphics programmingSpecialized focus on shader code and effects

While both roles require knowledge of graphics APIs and programming skills, Graphics Programmers develop the overall rendering systems and pipelines, whereas Shader Developers focus specifically on writing and optimizing shaders for visual effects. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and specialization within the graphics development process.

More about Graphics Programmer jobs

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The top searched job categories for Graphics Programmer jobs in Pasadena, CA are:

What cities near Pasadena, CA are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs?

Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:

Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $147,258 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Seasonal Graphics Designer/Animator

The National Football League

Inglewood, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

The Media Design Group is seeking a Designer/Animator to design and animate graphics and other design-based assets supporting shows, events, special programming or emerging platforms. This work involves a combination of creating unique designs and animations and iterating and expanding on existing style guides and toolkits, under the direction of a team of an Art Director and Creative Producer. 

Responsibilities

  • Design and animate content for the various groups serviced by NFL Creative LA. 
  • Be able to work with deadlines that can be as short as same-day, leveraging existing toolkits or unique assets, with the guidance of the project's art director and creative producer, to deliver on time. 
  • Design show key art for partners using existing style guides as well as creating evergreen assets.
  • Resize existing assets to fit partner guidelines.

Required Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience working in the design-animation field. 
  • Proficient knowledge Adobe After Effects, Photoshop and Illustrator.
  • A working knowledge of C4D (preferably Octane render engine) proficiency may be required, based on the job placement. 
  • Ability to develop custom designs and animations that derive from style guides, existing graphics packages and/or references provided by art directors. 
  • Ability to adhere to communicated file naming conventions and shared organizational guidelines. 

Other Key Attributes / Characteristics

  • Proactive, detail oriented, organized, and accountable, with the ability to perform in a highly collaborative setting. 
  • Confidence in a fast-paced environment 
  • Flexibility when faced with new information, needs or challenges 
  • Ability to ask questions and communicate with art directors and creative producers when uncertain about a current assignment or when ready for the next one. 

Terms / Expected Hours of Work

  • Up to 7-month employment period, 40 hours/week expected.
  • Able to accommodate non-standard work hours, holidays and weekends as needed.  

Salary / Pay Range

This job posting contains a pay range, which represents the range of salaries or hourly rates that the NFL believes, in good faith, at the time of this posting that it might be willing to pay for the posted job in the location(s) specified. The NFL expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances, where an external candidate has experience, credentials or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position, would the NFL consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range. 

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