The role involves defining the design of VALORANT's maps, leading a team of level designers, and ensuring the tactical gameplay is enhanced through innovative map design and updates. Responsibilities ...
The role involves defining the design of VALORANT's maps, leading a team of level designers, and ensuring the tactical gameplay is enhanced through innovative map design and updates. Responsibilities ...
You'll lead a small, talented team of level designers while remaining deeply connected to the craft-jumping into the editor, guiding design decisions, and helping ship meaningful updates and reworks ...
You'll lead a small, talented team of level designers while remaining deeply connected to the craft-jumping into the editor, guiding design decisions, and helping ship meaningful updates and reworks ...
At this level designers develop more ownership in their designs. Work at this level can sometimes be standalone on smaller projects where the designer may work directly with an engineer to identify ...
Quick apply
At this level designers develop more ownership in their designs. Work at this level can sometimes be standalone on smaller projects where the designer may work directly with an engineer to identify ...
The career-level designer performs the key role of design development, acting under the auspices of more senior-level designers and engineers. It is the expectation that this level has developed the ...
Quick apply
The career-level designer performs the key role of design development, acting under the auspices of more senior-level designers and engineers. It is the expectation that this level has developed the ...
We are seeking a talented Mid-Level Designer with 3-5 years of experience who is interested in contributing to and thriving in a positive, mentoring project team. Responsibilities: - Utilize strong ...
We are seeking a talented Mid-Level Designer with 3-5 years of experience who is interested in contributing to and thriving in a positive, mentoring project team. Responsibilities: - Utilize strong ...
Mid-Level Architect/Designer
Atlanta, GA · On-site
We are seeking a talented Mid-Level Designer with 3-5 years of experience who is interested in contributing to and thriving in a positive, mentoring project team. Responsibilities: - Utilize strong ...
Mid-Level Architect/Designer
Atlanta, GA · On-site
We are seeking a talented Mid-Level Designer with 3-5 years of experience who is interested in contributing to and thriving in a positive, mentoring project team. Responsibilities: - Utilize strong ...
We are seeking a talented Mid-Level Designer with 3-5 years of experience who is interested in contributing to and thriving in a positive, mentoring project team. Responsibilities: - Utilize strong ...
We are seeking a talented Mid-Level Designer with 3-5 years of experience who is interested in contributing to and thriving in a positive, mentoring project team. Responsibilities: - Utilize strong ...
You'll lead a small, talented team of level designers while remaining deeply connected to the craft-jumping into the editor, guiding design decisions, and helping ship meaningful updates and reworks ...
You'll lead a small, talented team of level designers while remaining deeply connected to the craft-jumping into the editor, guiding design decisions, and helping ship meaningful updates and reworks ...
You'll lead a small, talented team of level designers while remaining deeply connected to the craft-jumping into the editor, guiding design decisions, and helping ship meaningful updates and reworks ...
You'll lead a small, talented team of level designers while remaining deeply connected to the craft-jumping into the editor, guiding design decisions, and helping ship meaningful updates and reworks ...
Designer
San Diego, CA · On-site
$93K - $148K/yr
Final role level--Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer--will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership. How You Will Make an Impact: Design Responsibilities (All ...
Quick apply
Designer
San Diego, CA · On-site
$93K - $148K/yr
Final role level--Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer--will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership. How You Will Make an Impact: Design Responsibilities (All ...
OR · On-site
Insomniac is looking for a new Lead Systems Designer. This role is accountable for the quality and ... Intermediateknowledge and experience with level editing tools and scripting (Unreal Engine, Unity ...
OR · On-site
Insomniac is looking for a new Lead Systems Designer. This role is accountable for the quality and ... Intermediateknowledge and experience with level editing tools and scripting (Unreal Engine, Unity ...
Lead Telecommunications Designer
Troy, NY · On-site
Meet required schedules while maintaining a high level of design quality and consistency. Project ... Mentor and guide junior designers, providing technical oversight, feedback, and professional ...
Lead Telecommunications Designer
Troy, NY · On-site
Meet required schedules while maintaining a high level of design quality and consistency. Project ... Mentor and guide junior designers, providing technical oversight, feedback, and professional ...
Designer
Newport Beach, CA · On-site
$93K - $148K/yr
Final role level--Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer--will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership. How You Will Make an Impact: Design Responsibilities (All ...
Quick apply
Designer
Newport Beach, CA · On-site
$93K - $148K/yr
Final role level--Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer--will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership. How You Will Make an Impact: Design Responsibilities (All ...
Designer
Newport Beach, CA · On-site
$93K - $148K/yr
Final role level--Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer--will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership. How You Will Make an Impact: Design Responsibilities (All ...
Quick apply
Designer
Newport Beach, CA · On-site
$93K - $148K/yr
Final role level--Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer--will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership. How You Will Make an Impact: Design Responsibilities (All ...
Designer
San Diego, CA · On-site
$93K - $148K/yr
Final role level--Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer--will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership. How You Will Make an Impact: Design Responsibilities (All ...
Quick apply
Designer
San Diego, CA · On-site
$93K - $148K/yr
Final role level--Designer, Project Designer, or Senior Designer--will be aligned with experience, skill set, and demonstrated leadership. How You Will Make an Impact: Design Responsibilities (All ...
Mid-Level Architect/Designer
Alexandria, VA · On-site +1
We are seeking a talented Mid-Level Designer with construction administration experience who is interested in contributing to and thriving in a positive mentoring studio environment. Responsibilities ...
Mid-Level Architect/Designer
Alexandria, VA · On-site +1
We are seeking a talented Mid-Level Designer with construction administration experience who is interested in contributing to and thriving in a positive mentoring studio environment. Responsibilities ...
We are seeking a talented Mid-Level Designer with construction administration experience who is interested in contributing to and thriving in a positive mentoring studio environment. Responsibilities ...
We are seeking a talented Mid-Level Designer with construction administration experience who is interested in contributing to and thriving in a positive mentoring studio environment. Responsibilities ...
We are seeking a talented Mid-Level Designer with construction administration experience who is interested in contributing to and thriving in a positive mentoring studio environment. Responsibilities ...
We are seeking a talented Mid-Level Designer with construction administration experience who is interested in contributing to and thriving in a positive mentoring studio environment. Responsibilities ...
We are looking for an innovative DS2 to help modernize and automate the dissemination process by helping to enable narrative reporting. This DS2 position requires someone with a knowledge of python ...
We are looking for an innovative DS2 to help modernize and automate the dissemination process by helping to enable narrative reporting. This DS2 position requires someone with a knowledge of python ...
JOB SUMMARY The Senior Designer position exhibits proficiency at all the duties and responsibilities of a mid-level designer which are: Duties involve all aspects of process piping design Equipment ...
JOB SUMMARY The Senior Designer position exhibits proficiency at all the duties and responsibilities of a mid-level designer which are: Duties involve all aspects of process piping design Equipment ...
Level Designer information
See salary details
$106K - $106.5K
0% of jobs
$106.5K - $107K
0% of jobs
$107K - $107.5K
0% of jobs
$107.5K - $108K
0% of jobs
$108K - $108.5K
21% of jobs
$108.6K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$108.5K - $109K
21% of jobs
The median wage is $109.2K / yr.
$109K - $109.5K
20% of jobs
$109.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$109.5K - $110K
20% of jobs
$110K - $110.5K
20% of jobs
$110.5K - $111K
0% of jobs
$111K - $111.5K
0% of jobs
$106K
$108.7K
$111.5K
How much do level designer jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for level designer in the United States is $108,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Level Designer, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Level Designer, you need a solid understanding of game design principles, spatial awareness, and experience with 3D modeling or level editing software, often supported by a degree in game design or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, and visual scripting systems is typically required. Creativity, strong collaboration skills, and attention to detail help Level Designers stand out when crafting engaging player experiences. These skills are crucial for building immersive, balanced, and enjoyable game environments that support both gameplay and storytelling.
What does a Level Designer do?
A Level Designer is responsible for creating the environments, stages, or levels in a video game. They design the layout, challenges, and pacing to ensure the gameplay experience is engaging and balanced. Level Designers work closely with other team members such as artists, programmers, and game designers to bring their concepts to life, often using specialized software and game engines. Their goal is to make sure each level is fun, visually appealing, and fits within the story and mechanics of the game.
What Does a Level Designer Do?
A level designer uses special design software to create levels, which are also known as stages or maps, for a video game. As a level designer, your duties may include mapping the level, creating a layout, and using your artistic skills to create the look and feel of the stage's environments and locales. Your designs need to fit with the gameplay and story scenarios, so you frequently collaborate with other members of the design team, like environment artists. Your designs need to include any structural elements required by the storyline or game missions, so adhering to a game’s narrative is an essential part of your job.
What is the difference between Level Designer vs Environment Artist?
| Aspect | Level Designer | Environment Artist |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Designing gameplay spaces, layout, and player flow | Creating visual environments, textures, and atmosphere |
| Skills & Tools | Level design software, scripting, game mechanics | 3D modeling, texturing, art software |
| Work Environment | Game studios, collaborative teams | Art departments, visual teams |
| Common Industry Usage | Used in game design and development | Used in art and environment creation |
While both roles contribute to the game's visual and spatial experience, Level Designers focus on gameplay layout and player experience, whereas Environment Artists specialize in creating the visual aesthetics of game worlds. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the game development industry.
How does a Level Designer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?
Level Designers work closely with artists, programmers, and game designers to bring levels to life. They often start by discussing design goals with the core game design team, then partner with artists to ensure visual consistency and technical requirements are met. Regular playtesting sessions with QA and feedback from other departments help refine the player experience. Effective communication and iteration are essential, as Level Designers must balance creative ideas with technical constraints and gameplay objectives.
More about Level Designer jobs
- What Are the Qualifications to Become a Level Designer?
- What Are Skills of a Successful Level Designer?
- What Is the Difference Between a Level Designer and an Environment Artist?
- The 10 Top Types Of Level Designer Jobs
- The 6 Best Types of Level Designer in 2026
- What Is a Level Designer and How to Become One
What cities are hiring for Level Designer jobs? Cities with the most Level Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Level Designer jobs? The most popular types of Level Designer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Level Designer jobs? The top employers for Level Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Level Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Level Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Level Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Level Designer jobs are:
- From Home Hmi Designer
- Video Game Narrative Designer
- Junior Graphic Designer Intern
- Entry Level Disney Graphic Designer
- Full Time Starbucks Graphic Design
- No Experience Graphic Design Apprenticeship
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What are popular job titles related to Level Designer jobs? For Level Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Job description
Job Summary:
Riot Games is seeking a Level Design Lead for VALORANT, a character-driven tactical shooter. The role involves defining the design of VALORANT’s maps, leading a team of level designers, and ensuring the tactical gameplay is enhanced through innovative map design and updates.
Responsibilities:
• Set and evolve the design vision for VALORANT maps, ensuring they uphold the game’s tactical DNA while pushing the genre forward
• Lead both live map updates and major reworks, building on successes like Breeze and shaping how players engage with maps over time
• Drive innovation on new maps, exploring new ideas while protecting competitive integrity
• Manage, mentor, and grow a team of level designers, leveling up their craft through hands-on feedback, coaching, and example
• Partner closely with Map Art, Lighting, and Production, blending gameplay clarity with visual quality and shipping reliably at high polish
• Guide projects from early concept through final release, balancing player value, development cost, and long-term sustainability
• Influence senior leadership on product direction, strategy, and priorities related to maps and gameplay experiences
• Anticipate player needs across platforms, understanding how different audiences engage with competitive shooters
• Champion player empathy, using data, feedback, and intuition to evolve maps in ways that resonate with the community
Qualifications:
Required:
• 5+ years experience in a Level Design role; experience as a game design owner of multiple large projects in parallel with successful delivery
• 1+ years people management experience; experience with mentorship of other designers leading to a promotion or substantial positive improvements in their work
• Experience creating systemic change to a design team’s process or principles to improve output significantly across the team
• Experience leading cross-discipline teams to deliver on design goals
• Experience communicating and expressing complex and nuanced designs in simple ways
• Leadership experience resolving conflict, and when needed offering difficult feedback with respect
Preferred:
• Experience working as a developer on an FPS title.
• Strong understanding of Tactical FPS principles and can apply them effectively
• Robust understanding of the FPS market and player motivations and behaviors
• Can quickly produce a wide breadth of mechanics solutions, and generate and identify an excellent solution
• Experience developing on multiple platforms
Company:
Riot Games is a global company that develops online games. Founded in 2006, the company is headquartered in Los Angeles, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
Riot Games is seeking a Level Design Lead for VALORANT, a character-driven tactical shooter. The role involves defining the design of VALORANT’s maps, leading a team of level designers, and ensuring the tactical gameplay is enhanced through innovative map design and updates.
Responsibilities:
• Set and evolve the design vision for VALORANT maps, ensuring they uphold the game’s tactical DNA while pushing the genre forward
• Lead both live map updates and major reworks, building on successes like Breeze and shaping how players engage with maps over time
• Drive innovation on new maps, exploring new ideas while protecting competitive integrity
• Manage, mentor, and grow a team of level designers, leveling up their craft through hands-on feedback, coaching, and example
• Partner closely with Map Art, Lighting, and Production, blending gameplay clarity with visual quality and shipping reliably at high polish
• Guide projects from early concept through final release, balancing player value, development cost, and long-term sustainability
• Influence senior leadership on product direction, strategy, and priorities related to maps and gameplay experiences
• Anticipate player needs across platforms, understanding how different audiences engage with competitive shooters
• Champion player empathy, using data, feedback, and intuition to evolve maps in ways that resonate with the community
Qualifications:
Required:
• 5+ years experience in a Level Design role; experience as a game design owner of multiple large projects in parallel with successful delivery
• 1+ years people management experience; experience with mentorship of other designers leading to a promotion or substantial positive improvements in their work
• Experience creating systemic change to a design team’s process or principles to improve output significantly across the team
• Experience leading cross-discipline teams to deliver on design goals
• Experience communicating and expressing complex and nuanced designs in simple ways
• Leadership experience resolving conflict, and when needed offering difficult feedback with respect
Preferred:
• Experience working as a developer on an FPS title.
• Strong understanding of Tactical FPS principles and can apply them effectively
• Robust understanding of the FPS market and player motivations and behaviors
• Can quickly produce a wide breadth of mechanics solutions, and generate and identify an excellent solution
• Experience developing on multiple platforms
Company:
Riot Games is a global company that develops online games. Founded in 2006, the company is headquartered in Los Angeles, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
About Riot Games
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Los Angeles, CA, US
Year founded
2006