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Hourly Video Game Music Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mxdwn

Games Writers

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23 - $29.25/hr

Company Description MXDWN, all that matters in music. Do you live for video games and video game news? We're looking for writers for our sister site mxdwn Games. If your world is knowing what's going ...

mxdwn

Games Writers

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23 - $29.25/hr

Company Description MXDWN, all that matters in music. Do you live for video games and video game news? We're looking for writers for our sister site mxdwn Games. If your world is knowing what's going ...

Relevate Health

$100K - $125K/yr

... video games for doctors. Our games leverage deep game design and real game tech to advance the ... music producer. Duties / Responsibilities * Own internal game development across your team ...

Mxdwn

Games Writer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Company Description MXDWN, all that matters in music. Do you live for video games and video game news? We're looking to expand our team at MXDWN Games with passionate gamers and writers who have ...

Netflix

Senior Game Producer - Party & Puzzle Games

$170K - $250K/yr

Qualifications: * 7+ years of experience in Video Game Production, preferably in both Publishing ... Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation ...

Netflix

Senior Game Producer - Party & Puzzle Games

OR · On-site +1

$170K - $250K/yr

Qualifications: 7+ years of experience in Video Game Production, preferably in both Publishing and ... Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation ...

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Hourly Video Game Music information

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How much do hourly video game music jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly video game music 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.

How much should I charge hourly for video game music composition?

Hourly rates for video game music composition typically range from $25 to $150, depending on experience, project complexity, and client budget. Freelance composers often set rates based on their skill level, the scope of work, and the project's length, with some charging higher for specialized or high-profile projects.

What job makes music for video games?

A composer or sound designer creates music for video games, often working with game developers to develop soundtracks, sound effects, and audio assets. These professionals typically have skills in music production, audio editing software, and an understanding of game design. They may work freelance or for game studios, often requiring a portfolio of previous work and knowledge of audio middleware tools.

What is the difference between Hourly Video Game Music vs Freelance Video Game Composer?

AspectHourly Video Game MusicFreelance Video Game Composer
CredentialsMusic production skills, basic industry knowledgeMusic composition skills, portfolio, industry experience
Work EnvironmentTypically part-time or hourly, in studio or remoteProject-based, remote or studio, self-managed
Employer & Industry UsageGame studios, sound design companiesIndie developers, game studios, clients
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for hourly work or gigsSeeking project-based or long-term collaborations

Hourly Video Game Music involves providing music on an hourly basis, often for specific projects or tasks within a studio or company setting. Freelance Video Game Composer typically works independently, creating custom music for various clients on a project basis. While both roles require music skills, hourly roles focus on time-based work, whereas freelance composers emphasize project delivery and portfolio development.

Is there a job that pays you to listen to music?

Hourly Video Game Music jobs involve listening to and evaluating music for video games, often requiring a good ear for sound quality and familiarity with music software. These roles typically pay hourly and may require knowledge of music theory or audio editing tools. Such positions are common in the gaming industry for composers, sound designers, or music testers.

What is hourly video game music?

Hourly video game music refers to background music tracks in video games that change depending on the in-game hour or time of day. This technique is often used in games with real-time or simulated day-night cycles, such as Animal Crossing, to enhance immersion and reflect the changing atmosphere throughout the day. Each hour may feature a distinct musical piece, providing variety and a sense of progression as time passes in the game world.

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

To thrive as a Video Game Music Composer, you need a strong background in music theory, composition, audio production, and often a degree in music or sound design. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Logic Pro or Ableton, virtual instruments, and audio middleware such as FMOD or Wwise is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate with game developers are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure the creation of immersive, adaptive soundtracks that enhance gameplay and align with the game's artistic vision.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in hourly video game music roles?

Professionals in hourly video game music roles often face tight deadlines and frequent revisions as game development progresses. They must be adaptable, as gameplay and narrative changes can require quick updates to musical cues or entire tracks. Additionally, working collaboratively with game designers, sound designers, and developers is essential to ensure the music enhances gameplay and meets the creative vision. Balancing creativity with technical limitations and client feedback is a key part of the role.

How much do video game music artists make?

Video game music artists' earnings vary widely based on experience, project scope, and whether they work freelance or for a company. On average, freelance composers may earn from $300 to $1,000 per track, while those employed full-time can earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually. Success often depends on portfolio quality, networking, and proficiency with digital audio workstations.
More about Hourly Video Game Music jobs
What cities are hiring for Hourly Video Game Music jobs? Cities with the most Hourly Video Game Music job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Music jobs? The most popular types of Video Game Music jobs are:
What states have the most Hourly Video Game Music jobs? States with the most job openings for Hourly Video Game Music jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hourly Video Game Music jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hourly Video Game Music jobs are:
Hourly Video Game Music jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hourly Video Game Music job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,600 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
Student TA - MUS-171 History of Video Game Music (Ham), F25-S26

Student TA - MUS-171 History of Video Game Music (Ham), F25-S26

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Redmond, WA • On-site

$16.66 - $17.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Applicants MUST be a current student at DigiPen Institute of Technology to qualify for this position.
  • Student Employment at DigiPen is open to all currently matriculated students if they meet the qualifications for the job.
  • Students may not work during any time when they have a class scheduled, a class is canceled, or a class ends early.
  • Student workers must reside within the State of Washington. Remote work outside of Washington will not be permitted.
Job Title: Student TA - MUS-171 History of Video Game Music (Ham), F25-S26
Reports to: Nayoung Ham
Essential Functions
A Teaching Assistant (TA) is expected to assist the instructor in the classroom as requested by the instructor. Responsibilities may include equipment setup and/or operation (e.g., running slide decks during lectures), facilitating student presentations, answering student questions during labs, pre-grading assessments, submitting attendance sheets, etc. TAs are expected to assist with grading outside the classroom, meet regularly with the instructor, and may be required to meet with students outside class to answer questions as needed. Other duties as assigned by the instructor.
TAs will meet weekly with the instructor for performance feedback and duty modification and will receive a full evaluation once per semester.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Classroom set up
  • Making copies for students
  • Grading student work
  • Assisting students in labs and during published office hours
  • Meeting students online, if required
  • Grading lab-reports using the provided guidelines
  • Uploading grades onto Moodle
  • Providing constructive feedback in the grading to the students
  • Timely delivery of graded reports/assignments and maintaining consistency and clarity in grading
  • Accountable for tracking and reporting the amount of time worked

Qualifications/Competencies
  • Have proven proficiency with the course material
  • Possess a positive attitude toward learning and a willingness to help others excel
  • Be comfortable interacting with other students on an instructional level as a mentor
  • Arrive on time and be prepared to attend with complete focus during work hours
  • Successfully completed MUS-171 or MUS-399 History of Video Game Music
  • Able to give critique in a professional manner
  • Strong communicator
  • Reliable, punctual, and invested in the success of their fellow students
  • Be able to work independently

Expected dates of employment: September 29, 2025 - April 30, 2026
Expected number of hours per week: 10
*** Once again, students are not permitted to work during any time when they are scheduled for a class. ***
Wage Range:
$16.66 - 17.75 per hour, depending on number of terms worked at DigiPen
Requirements to Apply:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Current Semester Academic Schedule

Working Conditions:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching; and fine finger dexterity. May need to lift up to 25 lbs. Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing.
DigiPen Student Employee Academic Requirements:
  • Are currently a Matriculated student at DigiPen Institute of Technology
  • Good Academic Standing - not on Academic Warning as defined in DigiPen Course Catalog
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Have taken and passed MUS-171 or MUS-399 History of Video Game Music with a B or better

Requirement Exceptions:
It is possible to still be selected for a position with DigiPen if you do not meet the requirements above, so don't let that dissuade you from applying!
Once you have applied for - and the supervisor decides to offer you - a position, we will contact the necessary managers (Supervisor, Department Chair, and/or the Dean of Faculty) to complete and sign off on an Academic Waiver form, depending on which requirements need to be waived. Once the Waiver is returned to us, we'll continue you through the hiring process.
Equal opportunity is a priority of DigiPen Institute of Technology, as the institution is committed to fostering a positive learning environment for all. The Institute's intent is to hire the most qualified individuals for faculty and staff, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, nationality, culture, religion, and physical abilities. We are committed to broadening our candidate pool to include more diverse individuals and ensuring fairness in hiring by avoiding bias and determining criteria to judge all candidates prior to posting each new position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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