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Shader Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Events DC

AV Production Technician

Washington, DC

Producer, Director, TD, Graphics Operator, Replay Operator, Audio Operator, Playback Operator, Engineer, Video Shader, or Camera Operator. * Serve on the technical crew in support of AV and video ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Navier AI

Full Stack Engineer

San Francisco, CA

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 ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$164K - $203K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$153K - $189K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

New York, NY · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

Austin, TX · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

Austin, TX

$138K - $171K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

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Shader Programming information

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How much do shader programming jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 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, and why are they important?

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 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.

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.
More about Shader Programming jobs
What cities are hiring for Shader Programming jobs? Cities with the most Shader Programming job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Shader Programming jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Shader Programming jobs are:
Shader Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,991 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
AV Production Technician

AV Production Technician

Events DC

Washington, DC

Other

Posted 13 hours ago

Job description

This position would report to the AV Manager for the Care First Arena, and support all AV components at the new Care First Arena on behalf of Events DC. This position would be a part-time employee of Events DC, on an as needed basis.

  • 1-2 years of experience with the operation of professional AV and Broadcast equipment in a video board control room.
  • 1-2 Experience working in an Arena and Stadium setting.
  • Knowledge of AV systems, lighting, video boards, production equipment, audio equipment, and lighting.
  • 1-2 years of experience working in a control room as a: Producer, Director, TD, Graphics Operator, Replay Operator, Audio Operator, Playback Operator, Engineer, Video Shader, or Camera Operator.
  • Serve on the technical crew in support of AV and video board operations at the ESA
  • Support AV needs of sporting events or other entertainment events held at the ESA
  • Based on need, serve as a Producer, Director and/or Technical Director, Replay Operator, Playback Operator, Graphics Operator, Audio Operator, Video Shader, Engineer, or Camera Operator in the execution of the in -house video board show at the Care First Arena.
  • Assist in setup of all AV gear needed for each show.
  • Assist and instruct crew, guests, and customers regarding proper usage/operation of AV equipment.

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