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Graphics Programming Salary Jobs in Washington, DC

Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO ... Develop graphics, digital media, cartography, and other multimedia products * Utilizes request ...

Graphic Designer - Journeyman

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$65K - $118K/yr

Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO ... Develop graphics, digital media, cartography, and other multimedia products * Utilizes request ...

Graphic Designer - Senior

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$105K - $190K/yr

Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO ... Supports the ODNI to develop graphics, digital media, cartography, and other multimedia products

Controls Field Engineer

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$79K - $158K/yr

Conduct graphics engineering functions which include creating equipment and floor plan graphics per ... Pay Range The annual salary for this position is between $79,000.00 - $158,000.00 annually. Factors ...

Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO ... Supports the ODNI to develop graphics, digital media, cartography, and other multimedia products

Senior Graphic Designer

Herndon, VA ยท Hybrid

$88K - $147K/yr

... engineering and high-end multimedia storytelling. If you thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven ... Conceptualizing and rendering innovative, compliant proposal graphics * Partnering with proposal ...

Senior Graphic Designer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $147K/yr

... engineering and high-end multimedia storytelling. If you thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven ... Conceptualizing and rendering innovative, compliant proposal graphics * Partnering with proposal ...

Experiential Graphic Designer IB

Arlington, VA ยท On-site +1

$63K - $73K/yr

The salary range for this position to be filled in the Arlington office is $63,178 - $73,815 ... engineering, and social impact converge. We don't just dream up solutions - we create and bring ...

Experiential Graphic Designer II

Arlington, VA ยท On-site +1

$66K - $83K/yr

... graphics, signage, and exhibits. * Develop documentation for a variety of design projects to ... The salary range for this position to be filled in the Arlington office is $66,508 - $83,158 ...

Showing results 21-40

Graphics Programming Salary information

See Washington, DC salary details

$125.2K

$152.9K

$177.3K

How much do graphics programming salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programming salary in Washington, DC is $152,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,600.00 and $164,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary for a graphics programmer?

The average salary for a graphics programmer varies based on experience, location, and industry, but in the United States, it typically ranges from $80,000 to $140,000 per year. Entry-level graphics programmers might earn closer to $70,000, while those with several years of experience or specialized skills in areas like real-time rendering or game engines can command salaries upwards of $150,000. Salaries may be higher in major tech hubs or for roles in the gaming and entertainment industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graphics programmer?

To thrive as a Graphics Programmer, you need strong proficiency in computer graphics concepts, C++ programming, and mathematics, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with graphics APIs such as DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan, and experience with shader development tools, are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for developing visually stunning, efficient, and innovative graphics systems in games, simulations, or other interactive applications.

What are some common challenges graphics programmers face when working on real-time rendering projects?

Graphics programmers working on real-time rendering often encounter challenges such as optimizing performance for various hardware platforms, balancing visual fidelity with frame rates, and integrating new rendering techniques. They must also troubleshoot complex bugs related to graphical artifacts or memory usage, and maintain compatibility with evolving graphics APIs. Collaboration with artists and game designers is crucial to ensure technical solutions align with creative vision while meeting project deadlines.

What is the difference between Graphics Programming Salary vs Game Developer Salary?

AspectGraphics Programming SalaryGame Developer Salary
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, specialized in graphics or related fieldsBachelor's in Computer Science, software engineering, or game design
Work EnvironmentTech companies, animation studios, simulation firmsGame studios, entertainment companies, indie developers
Industry UsageFocuses on rendering, visual effects, and graphics enginesInvolves game design, programming, and interactive development

Graphics Programming Salary typically involves specialized skills in rendering and visual effects, often requiring a background in graphics APIs and mathematics. Game Developer Salary covers broader game design and programming tasks, with a focus on gameplay mechanics and user experience. Both roles are vital in the gaming and entertainment industry, but they differ in focus and skill set.

What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programming Salary jobs in Washington, DC?

For Graphics Programming Salary jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Graphics Assignment Editor

The Washington Post

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$109K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Application Instructions
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
Join the future of news
We're on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you'll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.
About Our Team
The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.
Why This Role Matters
The Washington Post is seeking an ambitious, collaborative and technically skilled journalist to join our Graphics team as a Graphics Assignment Editor.
This role is for an experienced visual journalist who excels at conceiving graphics-led stories, shaping the work of others and driving high impact work that engages a broad audience and is unique to the Post.
We are looking for someone with strong editorial instincts, news judgement, technical fluency and a sophisticated understanding of how visual storytelling drives and informs our readership. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, can move seamlessly between overseeing both breaking news and enterprise work and is energized by collaboration across disciplines. This role requires both creativity and flexibility - someone equally comfortable building a data visualization, shaping an interactive project or helping edit graphics coverage during high-pressure news moments.
This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom.
What Motivates You:
  • You are driven to make complex stories clear, engaging and visually compelling.

  • You enjoy identifying stories best told through data visualization, maps or interactive experiences.

  • You are energized by driving story ideas, seamlessly leading multiple projects and overseeing ambitious stories from inception to completion.

  • You thrive in a collaborative newsroom environment and enjoy solving editorial and technical challenges.

  • You are curious about emerging storytelling formats and eager to push visual journalism forward.

  • Encourage and empower reporters to develop innovative techniques, work more efficiently, and grow professionally.

How You'll Support the Mission:
  • Pitch, assign and edit visual-first stories in coordination with newsroom priorities across breaking news, politics, policy, business and other major coverage areas.

  • Edit stories for clarity, accuracy, storytelling impact and visual refinement in alignment with newsroom audience goals.

  • Contribute to breaking news coverage with fast, accurate and engaging graphics that explain a uniquely visual angle.

  • Mentor and support visual journalists through thoughtful editing, feedback and collaborative problem-solving.

  • Help strengthen team processes, contribute to best practices and support a collaborative team culture.

The Skills and Experiences You Bring:
  • At least 5-8 years of editing experience in visual journalism, graphics, data reporting or a related field.

  • Strong news judgment and the ability to identify stories where graphics are visually distinctive, meaningfully advance a story, drive readership and reinforce The Post's mission.

  • A thoughtful approach to delivering feedback as part of the editing process.

  • A strong portfolio of maps, information graphics and visual stories for digital audiences.

  • Ability to balance speed and ambition, such as contributing to breaking news while developing and meeting deadlines on enterprise work.

  • Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to newsroom work.

  • A commitment to accuracy, clarity, accessibility and journalistic rigor.

Interested candidates should upload a rรฉsumรฉ, cover letter and portfolio to our jobs portal. Cover letters should be addressed to Interim Graphics Director Maureen Linke and Head of Visuals Soo-Jeong Kang.
The pay range for this position is $109,200 - $182,000. The actual starting salary for this position will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.
Collaboration makes us stronger. That's why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.
Compensation and Benefits
Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:
  • Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
  • Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
  • Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
  • Nine paid holidays and two personal days
  • 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
  • Robust mental health resources
  • Backup care and caregiver concierge services
  • Gender affirming services
  • Pet insurance
  • Free Post digital subscription
  • Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.
Your story awaits. Apply today!
Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.