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Shader Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shader Technical Artist

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and ... What We Need: We're seeking a Shader Technical Artist to leverage their technical skills and ...

Shader Technical Artist

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and ... What We Need: We're seeking a Shader Technical Artist to leverage their technical skills and ...

Shader Technical Artist

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Shader Technical ArtistSan Mateo, California, United StatesWe are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to ...

Shader Technical Artist

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and ... What We Need: We're seeking a Shader Technical Artist to leverage their technical skills and ...

Shader Technical Artist

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and ... What We Need: We're seeking a Shader Technical Artist to leverage their technical skills and ...

Technical Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$139K - $166K/yr

Collaborate with other developers to develop and test new features, prototype shader code, and provide useful feedback during R&D phases Technical Requirements: * Extensive experience working with ...

Technical Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$139K - $166K/yr

Collaborate with other developers to develop and test new features, prototype shader code, and provide useful feedback during R&D phases Technical Requirements: * Extensive experience working with ...

Unreal Tech Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75 - $175/hr

Shader programming experience. * Scripting and programming skills with Python, C#, JavaScript and C++. * Maya modeling and rigging experience. This position is remote. Base Pay Range: $75K-175K per ...

Senior Software Engineer, Graphics Performance

OR · On-site +1

$139K - $172K/yr

... shader programming, compilers, and optimizations. 8+ years of programming experience in C and C++. Low-level Linux operating system knowledge, specifically memory/resource management, scheduling and ...

Knowledge of WebGL or shader programming (GLSL, WGSL) * Experience integrating ML model inference into production apps * Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and cloud deployment (AWS, GCP, or ...

Apply CUDA, HIP, shader programming, or related kernel programming expertise to improve performance outcomes * Document optimization decisions clearly, including when specific profiler metrics are or ...

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Shader Programming information

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$14K

$46K

$66K

How much do shader programming jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for shader programming in the United States is $45,991.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $53,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is shader programming?

Shader programming involves writing specialized code that runs on a computer's graphics processing unit (GPU) to control how images, lighting, and colors are rendered in computer graphics. Shaders are essential for creating realistic visual effects in video games, movies, and virtual reality. Programmers use languages like GLSL, HLSL, or Cg to write vertex, fragment, or compute shaders, which manipulate geometry, textures, and lighting in real time. This field requires strong mathematical and programming skills, especially in linear algebra and computer graphics concepts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shader programmer?

To thrive as a Shader Programmer, you need strong proficiency in computer graphics principles, mathematics (especially linear algebra), and experience with shading languages like GLSL or HLSL, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with graphics APIs (such as OpenGL or DirectX), real-time rendering engines, and version control systems is typically required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with artists and developers are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to create visually stunning and efficient visual effects that enhance real-time applications and games.

What are some common challenges shader programmers face when optimizing graphics performance?

Shader programmers often encounter challenges related to balancing visual quality with real-time performance. Optimizing shaders requires a strong understanding of hardware limitations, such as processing power and memory bandwidth, as well as efficient use of GPU resources. Debugging and profiling shader code can be complex, especially when dealing with platform-specific differences. Collaboration with artists and other developers is essential to ensure that the visuals meet creative goals without exceeding performance budgets.

What is the difference between Shader Programming vs Graphics Programmer?

AspectShader ProgrammingGraphics Programmer
Required credentialsKnowledge of GLSL/HLSL, graphics APIsKnowledge of graphics APIs, C++, shader languages
Work environmentFocus on writing shaders for rendering pipelinesDeveloping graphics engines, rendering techniques
Industry usageUsed in game development, real-time renderingUsed in game studios, visual effects, simulation
Common search intentUnderstanding shader coding differencesUnderstanding graphics pipeline development

Shader Programming primarily involves writing small programs that run on the GPU to control rendering effects, while Graphics Programming encompasses broader development of rendering engines and graphics systems. Both roles require knowledge of graphics APIs and shader languages, but Shader Programmers focus more on creating visual effects at the shader level, whereas Graphics Programmers develop the overall graphics architecture.

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What cities are hiring for Shader Programming jobs?

Cities with the most Shader Programming job openings:

What states have the most Shader Programming jobs?

States with the most job openings for Shader Programming jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Shader Programming jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Shader Programming jobs are:

Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 8% Temporary, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 69% In-person, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,991 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Shader Technical Artist

2K

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

WE ARE GAME MAKERS

Who We Are:

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.

What We Need:

We're seeking a Shader Technical Artist to leverage their technical skills and artistic understanding to help develop and maintain a strong shader pipeline that will serve teams across multiple disciplines. Your passion, knowledge, and experience will be integral to the look and style of a new generation of player-driven experiences, stemming from your ability to create high-quality shaders and technology that bring life to the worlds we build.

Who You Are:

  • Utilize extensive experience in Unreal Engine to meticulously craft and optimize shader/master materials using Unreal Engine's node-based shader graph and HLSL/GLSL/CG shader code, ensuring they are built cleanly and efficiently for seamless integration and user-friendly utilization by the materials team.
  • Collaborate with development teams to establish and uphold artistic and technical shader standards, pushing the boundaries of real-time rendering while adhering to performance constraints.
  • Assist in driving the development of innovative approaches to address complex technical and creative challenges, participating in the creation of shaders, shading validation tools, and defining shading standards.
  • Provide technical support in identifying and resolving inefficient content pipelines, conducting performance profiling, and optimizing shaders to enhance overall visual fidelity and maintain desired frame rates.

What Will Make You a Great Fit:

  • 4 years of experience or 2+ shipped titles in a Technical Art role.
  • Proficiency in creating stylized and PBR shaders using node-based shader editors, tiled layered material systems, shader networks, procedural texturing, and HLSL code.
  • Understanding of the technical foundations behind visually stunning textures and shaders in a physically-based rendering pipeline.
  • Ability to communicate and collaborate across disciplines, sharing ideas and articulating visions.
  • Familiarity with all the tools, techniques, and asset creation pipelines: UE5, Substance Designer, Substance Painter, Photoshop, modeling, baking, and texturing.

Bonus Experience:

  • Experience in Unreal Engine's node-based shader graph.
  • Strong understanding of console, PC, and mobile platforms, and how to scale shaders to optimize for each.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,700 and $126,860 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefi ts at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefi ts; and reimbursements for fi tness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artifi cial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.

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