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Junior Game Developer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Junior Game Developer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$24.2K

$89.7K

$138.6K

How much do junior game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior game developer in Madison, WI is $89,668.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $87,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior game developer do?

A Junior Game Developer is responsible for assisting in the creation and development of video games. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced developers, helping with tasks such as coding, debugging, and testing game features. Their duties may also include collaborating with artists and designers, learning new programming tools, and implementing small components of a game. This role serves as an entry point into the gaming industry, allowing individuals to gain valuable experience and grow their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior game developer?

To thrive as a Junior Game Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages like C++ or C#, familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal, and a relevant degree or coursework in computer science or game development. Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and a basic grasp of 2D/3D asset integration are typically required. Creative problem-solving, teamwork, and a willingness to learn new technologies help set candidates apart in collaborative environments. These skills ensure efficient contribution to game projects, adaptability to evolving tools, and effective communication within development teams.

What does a junior game developer do?

A junior game developer is another name for an entry-level game developer who assists experienced game developers with video game software design, creation, and testing. In this position, you learn your responsibilities and duties under the supervision of an expert game developer who teaches you the skills you need for the job. This includes tasks like coding games, designing graphics, developing a game for a specific gaming console or computer operating system, and testing the game for bugs. You also help create and optimize testing programs and processes to ensure that each game meets a company’s standards for its final products.

What is the difference between Junior Game Developer vs Game Programmer?

AspectJunior Game DeveloperGame Programmer
Required SkillsBasic programming, game design fundamentals, teamworkAdvanced programming, software development, coding expertise
Experience LevelEntry-level, internships, or 1-2 yearsTypically 2+ years, specialized coding experience
Work EnvironmentGame studios, indie developers, collaborative teamsDevelopment teams, technical departments in gaming companies
Common UsageAssisting in game development, learning coding practicesWriting game code, optimizing performance, debugging

While both roles involve programming in game development, a Junior Game Developer focuses on learning and supporting various aspects of game creation, whereas a Game Programmer specializes in coding, performance optimization, and technical implementation. The Junior Game Developer is ideal for those starting their careers, while the Game Programmer requires more advanced technical skills.

What are some common challenges faced by junior game developers when working on a team project?

Junior Game Developers often encounter challenges such as adapting to collaborative workflows, understanding version control systems (like Git), and communicating effectively with designers, artists, and senior developers. Navigating code reviews and integrating feedback can also be daunting at first, but these experiences are invaluable for skill development. Over time, learning to balance creativity with project deadlines and technical constraints becomes an essential part of growth in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Game Developer jobs in Madison, WI?

For Junior Game Developer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Game Developer jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Game Developer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Junior Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Junior Game Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Game Developer job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,668 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Senior Technical Artist (Apex Legends)

Electronic Arts Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

$143K - $217K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

General Information
Locations: Vancouver - Great Northern Way, British Columbia, Canada
  • Location: Los Angeles - Chatsworth
  • State: California
  • Country: United States of America

  • Location: Madison
  • State: Wisconsin
  • Country: United States of America

Role ID
215737
Worker Type
Regular Employee
Studio/Department
EA Studios - Respawn
Work Model
Hybrid
Description & Requirements
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.
Founded in 2010 by the original creators of the Call of Duty Franchise, Respawn was created with the philosophy that when talented people have creative freedom, they'll make extraordinary games that achieve the unexpected. From our roots as an indie studio to joining the expansive roster of studios at Electronic Arts, this remains our guiding principle. We truly love what we do and want to share our passion with players worldwide.
Our shipped titles include critically acclaimed multi-platform games Apex Legends, Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Star Wars™ Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars™ Jedi: Survivor and Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond. Join us for the opportunity to create groundbreaking games with some of the best developer talent in the industry.
The Apex Legends team is seeking a Senior Technical Artist with deep expertise in character rigging to help power one of the most dynamic live service games in the world. As part of a large, collaborative team of passionate developers, you'll support our Animation and Modeling partners in delivering a constant stream of high-quality content-from new Legends and limited-time modes to seasonal updates and cosmetic releases that excite and engage millions of players globally.
In this role, you'll drive excellence in skinning and rigging, ensuring every character meets the highest standards of visual fidelity and runtime performance. You'll also champion pipeline improvements that scale across a fast-moving live environment, enabling the team to innovate quickly while maintaining polish and consistency. If you're excited about shaping characters that players connect with and celebrating the energy of a community that shows up every season ready for what's next, this is the place to do it.
Responsibilities
  • Report to the Lead Technical Artist, aligning on priorities, technical direction, and long-term pipeline goals.
  • Collaborate closely with Technical Art, Animation, and Character Art partners to implement solutions that are clean, scalable, and optimized for production.
  • Ensure exceptional quality in character rigging and skinning, upholding high standards for visual fidelity, deformation integrity, and runtime performance.
  • Educate and mentor junior and mid-level Technical Artists by creating clear documentation, sharing best practices, and fostering continued craft development.
  • Identify workflow opportunities and develop high-impact automation and tooling solutions that improve efficiency, consistency, and team output.

Qualifications
  • 5 years experience working in proprietary internal game engines and development environments.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Experience rigging and skinning characters Maya.
  • Experience in writing Artist/Animator facing tools specifically for a large production environment.
  • Proficiency in Python.

Nice to Have
  • Familiarity with USD.
  • Knowledge of physics-based animation.
  • Have experience in live service content production.
  • Experience working in proprietary internal game engines and development environments.
  • Strong mathematical foundation used to troubleshoot and optimize 3D deformations.

In addition to opportunities for creative impact and professional growth which come with being a member of our team, working at Respawn has many other perks and benefits! Learn more at respawn.com/perks.
If this opportunity sounds like a great fit for you, we encourage you to apply.
Pay Transparency - North America
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The ranges listed below are what EA in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in these locations at the time of this posting. If you reside in a different location, a recruiter will advise on the applicable range and benefits. Pay offered will be determined based on a number of relevant business and candidate factors (e.g. education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, or business needs).
PAY RANGES
* British Columbia (depending on location e.g. Vancouver vs. Victoria) *$122,300 - $170,700 CAD
* California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco) *$143,800 - $217,200 USD
Pay is just one part of the overall compensation at EA.
In the US, we offer a package of benefits including paid time off (3 weeks per year to start), 80 hours per year of sick time, 16 paid company holidays per year, 10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and other incentive programs.
For Canada, we offer a package of benefits including vacation (3 weeks per year to start), 10 days per year of sick time, paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary when you welcome a new child (12 weeks for maternity, and 4 weeks for parental/adoption leave), extended health/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and other incentive programs.
About Electronic Arts
We're proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, locations around the world, and opportunities across EA. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential, to creating space for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth.
We adopt a holistic approach to our benefits programs, emphasizing physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support a balanced life. Our packages are tailored to meet local needs and may include healthcare coverage, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where our teams can always bring their best to what they do.
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.