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Level Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Assigns work, trains and mentors/develops lower level Designers and Designer interns/co-ops. You will do this by * Designs complete systems which include complex components, tooling, subsystems and ...

Assigns work, trains and mentors/develops lower level Designers and Designer interns/co-ops. You will do this by * Designs complete systems which include complex components, tooling, subsystems and ...

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Level Designer information

See salary details

$106K

$108.7K

$111.5K

How much do level designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 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.

How do you become a level designer?

To become a level designer, you typically need a background in game design, computer science, or a related field, along with strong skills in 3D modeling, level editing tools, and game engines like Unity or Unreal. Building a portfolio of level designs and gaining experience through internships or personal projects is also important. Certifications or courses in game development can enhance your prospects in this role.

What is the role of a level designer?

A level designer is responsible for creating and designing game levels, including layout, environment, and gameplay elements, to ensure an engaging player experience. They use tools like level editors and collaborate with artists and programmers to implement their designs within the game engine. Strong spatial awareness, creativity, and knowledge of game mechanics are essential skills for this role.

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.

Will AI replace level designers?

AI is unlikely to fully replace level designers, as their role involves creative problem-solving, understanding player experience, and designing engaging environments. AI tools can assist with tasks like procedural generation and testing, but human oversight and artistic judgment remain essential in level design. The profession continues to evolve with technology, emphasizing skills in design, storytelling, and tool proficiency.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Level Designer can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month through freelance work, contract projects, or working for large gaming companies, especially with experience and strong portfolios. Success often depends on skills in game development tools, creativity, and industry reputation, rather than formal education. High earnings are typically associated with senior roles or independent consulting in the gaming industry.

What is the difference between Level Designer vs Environment Artist?

AspectLevel DesignerEnvironment Artist
Primary FocusDesigning gameplay spaces, layout, and player flowCreating visual environments, textures, and atmosphere
Skills & ToolsLevel design software, scripting, game mechanics3D modeling, texturing, art software
Work EnvironmentGame studios, collaborative teamsArt departments, visual teams
Common Industry UsageUsed in game design and developmentUsed 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.
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 are popular job titles related to Level Designer jobs? For Level Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Level Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,658 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Designer

THE HILL PARTNERSHIP INC

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description


Designer, Project Designer & Senior Designer

For five decades, HPI Architecture has shaped environments that do more than function, they inspire, support, and enrich lives across generations. Our work bridges people and place, creating meaningful spaces rooted in purpose and designed with intention.

Our brand promise reflects who we are:

With intention, we approach each project with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and technical finesse. Fully engaging in the process, we design places that reflect the vision and values of our clients and the people they serve.

At HPI, you’ll grow through continuing education, mentorship, and professional development, with opportunities to expand your skills and elevate your craft. We also offer a flexible schedule and hybrid work options to support balance, collaboration, creativity, and well‑being.

HPI’s work spans a range of market sectors, including Housing (Senior Living, Student Housing, Workforce Housing), Higher Education, and K–12. As we look ahead, we’re seeking talented Designers at multiple experience levels who are passionate about design excellence, collaboration, and creating meaningful places. 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 Levels)

  • Contribute to the design of architectural projects from early concept through approvals and documentation.
  • Develop site studies, planning concepts, spatial strategies, and architectural design ideas.
  • Produce high-quality design deliverables, including plans, sections, elevations, diagrams, renderings, and presentation materials.
  • Collaborate closely with project managers, technical staff, consultants, and internal design teams to ensure cohesive, coordinated solutions.
  • Participate in client presentations, design reviews, and project interviews.
  • Ensure design work aligns with project goals, schedules, and budgets.
  • Represent HPI in a professional manner in client, community, and industry settings.

Expanded Responsibilities by Experience Level

Designer

  • Support project design efforts under the guidance of Project Designers and Senior Designers.
  • Develop design options, graphics, and visualizations that clearly communicate ideas.
  • Grow technical and design skills through mentorship, feedback, and hands-on project experience.
  • Take ownership of assigned tasks while learning to manage priorities and deadlines.

Project Designer

  • Support and lead design efforts on portions of projects from concept through approvals.
  • Develop design narratives, spatial strategies, and presentation materials with increasing independence.
  • Coordinate design tasks with consultants and internal teams.
  • Contribute to mentoring junior designers and supporting a collaborative studio culture.
  • Balance creativity with functional, technical, and regulatory considerations.

Senior Designer

  • Lead overall design vision and strategy for projects, guiding teams from concept through key milestones.
  • Establish design intent, criteria, and design narratives aligned with client goals.
  • Present design concepts with clarity and confidence to clients and stakeholders.
  • Mentor and guide Designers and Project Designers to ensure high-quality, cohesive design outcomes.
  • Collaborate with firm leadership to align design excellence with project delivery, schedules, and budgets.
  • Support business development efforts, including pursuits, interviews, and thought leadership.

To Be Successful in This Role, You Must:

Core Skills (All Levels)
  • Strong design sensibility with the ability to translate ideas into clear architectural solutions.
  • Effective visual, verbal, and graphic communication skills.
  • Proficiency in design and visualization tools such as Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Curiosity, adaptability, and a desire to continuously learn and grow.

Advanced Skills (Project Designer & Senior Designer)

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
  • Working knowledge of building systems, materials, codes, and construction processes.
  • Confidence engaging directly with clients and presenting design ideas.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and sound design judgment.

Leadership Skills (Senior Designer)

  • Demonstrated ability to lead design teams and guide design decision-making.
  • Mentorship and coaching skills that support team growth and design excellence.
  • Strategic thinking that balances creativity, technical rigor, and project constraints.
  • Professional integrity and alignment with HPI’s values of intention and collaboration.

To Qualify, You Must Have:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program, OR professional experience in an architecture firm under a licensed architect.
  • Professional experience in an architectural firm, with level aligned to role:
    • Designer: Typically 2–5+ years
    • Project Designer: Typically 5–9+ years
    • Senior Designer: Typically 10+ years
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering/visualization tools.
  • Experience with regulatory processes and client-facing presentations is a plus.
  • Architectural licensure preferred but not required, depending on level.
  • A portfolio demonstrating design thinking, technical understanding, and strong visual communication skills.

* CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A PORTFOLIO IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE NEXT STAGE OF OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS*


Pay, Perks & Benefits

  • Flexible Schedule and Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Vacation and Sick time
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with additional Supplemental Insurance options
  • 401(k)
  • Ongoing professional development with access to continuing education and meaningful mentorship
  • Licensure Assistance

Salary Range: $93,343.00 - $148,251.00 Annually

Our Core Values

CLIENT CENTERED: We’re all in—listening first, collaborating closely, anticipating needs, and actively engaging with our project partners and one another.

DESIGN EXCELLENCE: We dig deep to uncover the unique needs of our clients—shaping purposeful, inspiring, and enduring spaces for solutions rooted in people.

PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY: We own our role and take pride in our work, delivering an exceptional experience every step of the way that excites.

Ready to help shape the next 50 years of meaningful design? We’d love to meet you!

Recruiters, please do not contact this job poster.