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Indie Game Audio Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Survival Evolved - Sr. Engine Programmer - Seattle, WA Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie ... Audio including Voice Chat * Networking for Games * Cybersecurity * Experience with planning ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA

Survival Evolved - Sr. Engine Programmer - Seattle, WA Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie ... Audio including Voice Chat * Networking for Games * Cybersecurity * Experience with planning ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

Survival Evolved - Sr. Engine Programmer - Seattle, WA Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie ... Audio including Voice Chat * Networking for Games * Cybersecurity * Experience with planning ...

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Indie Game Audio information

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How much do indie game audio jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for indie game audio 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.

How to get into sound design for games?

To get into sound design for games, develop skills in audio editing software such as Pro Tools or Audacity, and learn about game development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. Building a portfolio of game sound samples and understanding game mechanics can improve employability. Formal education in audio engineering or related fields can also be beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Indie Game Audio position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Indie Game Audio, you need a solid understanding of audio production, sound design, music composition, and familiarity with interactive audio systems. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or Reaper), middleware tools such as FMOD or Wwise, and an understanding of implementation within game engines is crucial. Strong communication, adaptability, and creative problem-solving are important soft skills for collaborating with small, cross-disciplinary teams. These skills are essential to ensure that audio effectively enhances gameplay and player engagement within the unique dynamics of indie game development.

Do sound designers get paid well?

Sound designers in the indie game industry typically earn salaries that vary based on experience, location, and project scope, with entry-level positions often paying less than experienced professionals. Many also work freelance, which can lead to inconsistent income, but skilled sound designers with strong portfolios and knowledge of audio tools like Wwise or FMOD tend to command higher rates. Overall, compensation can range from modest to competitive depending on the project's budget and the designer's expertise.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Indie Game Audio roles?

Indie Game Audio professionals often work with limited resources and tight budgets, which can require finding creative solutions to achieve high-quality results. It's common to wear many hats, handling everything from composing music to creating sound effects and even implementing audio directly into the game engine. Collaboration with small, closely-knit teams means you'll need to communicate clearly and adapt to changing project needs. These challenges can be rewarding, offering opportunities to develop a broad skill set and have a significant impact on the overall player experience.

How much do game audio designers make?

Game audio designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced professionals working on AAA titles or with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Many also work freelance or contract roles, which can affect income levels.

What does an Indie Game Audio job involve?

An Indie Game Audio job involves creating and implementing sound effects, music, and sometimes voiceovers for indie games. This can include composing original music, designing unique sound effects, and integrating audio into the game using middleware or game engines. Indie game audio professionals often work independently or in small teams, requiring versatility in skills like sound design, mixing, and implementation. Unlike larger studios, indie game audio roles often involve wearing multiple hats and adapting to limited budgets. Strong communication with developers is also crucial to ensure the game’s audio enhances the player’s experience.

How to get into music composition for games?

To get into music composition for games, aspiring composers should develop strong skills in music theory, production, and digital audio workstations like Ableton or Logic. Building a portfolio of original game music, understanding game development processes, and networking with developers can help secure opportunities in the industry.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Indie Game Audio jobs? The most popular types of Indie Game Audio jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Indie Game Audio jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Indie Game Audio jobs are:
Indie Game Audio jobs near you
Infographic showing various Indie Game Audio job openings in the United States as of June 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 $43,561 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Sr. Engine Programmer

Sr. Engine Programmer

Studio Wildcard

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

ARK: Survival Evolved - Sr. Engine Programmer - Seattle, WA
Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak. ARK is the most successful Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview title ever and continues to break industry records on consoles and PC. We are looking for an experienced engine programmer to help improve existing (and create new) engine tools on the ARK IP.
Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with cross discipline team members to develop timed releases on multiple platforms including Xbox and PlayStation
  • Communicate with other developers within the team to improve the existing development pipelines

Requirements:
  • Minimum 5 years experience as an engineer, 2 of which must include game development
  • Strong Understanding of C++
  • Significant Experience working with Unreal Engine
  • Familiarity with build systems, build processes, and build automation such as Jenkins

Recommended Skills:
  • Experience with Unreal Engine at a low level
  • Familiarity with engineering on platforms other than PC
  • Familiarity with Xbox and PlayStation development including Certification Requirement(s) resolution

Pluses:
  • Fan of the ARK franchise
  • Experience in one or more of the following categories:
    • Graphics
    • Audio including Voice Chat
    • Networking for Games
    • Cybersecurity
  • Experience with planning software including JIRA
  • Degree in computer science or similar discipline

Required Application Materials:
  • Resume

About The Game
ARK: Survival Evolved takes on the survival genre with a unique blend of emergent multiplayer cooperation and competition. Players must hunt, harvest, craft, research technology, and build shelters to protect against punishing climate conditions, dangerous wildlife, and potential enemies. Tame and ride one of nearly 100 prehistoric beasts, including gargantuan creatures on a scale never before seen in video games! Fly a Pterodactyl squadron over the snow-capped mountains, race through the deep jungle with a pack of trained Raptors, tromp through a fortified enemy base along a convoy of gigantic Brontosaurus, or chase down prey on the back of a raging T-Rex.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.
Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.
Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options

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