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Video Game Level Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gearbox

Level Designer

Frisco, TX · Remote

$102K/yr

... video games. Our games are entrenched with rich universes that are expanded upon via transmedia ... Level Designers are responsible for owning the vision of their levels, and working with a variety ...

Warnerbros

Level Designer, Missions

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$105K/yr

We've been in the video game business since 1995, creating interactive experiences for fans of the ... Avalanche, a division of WB Games Inc., is seeking a Mission Level Designer to join our team of ...

Spellbrush

Level Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$128K/yr

Collaborate closely with other game designers, artists, and engineers on the team. Help engineers improve the level design tooling that you are using. Maintain knowledge and context of all of the ...

Spellbrush

Level Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$128K/yr

Collaborate closely with other game designers, artists, and engineers on the team. Help engineers improve the level design tooling that you are using. Maintain knowledge and context of all of the ...

Epoch Games

Unreal Engine Level Designer

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$93K/yr

The Co-Founders of Epoch Games were originally part of a Modding Team developing the total ... We are still building a long list of assets; we expect our Level Designers to be resourceful with ...

Velan Studios

Level Designer (Senior+)

Troy, NY · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

We make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. If you're curious, you'll be in good company. Are you a level designer with experience creating procedural environments? Have ...

2K

Senior Level Designer

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Level Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for blocking out the world and ... Shipped at least one AAA title as a designer. * 5+ years professional experience in video game ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Level Designer

Novato, CA

$100K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Level Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for blocking out the world and ... Shipped at least one AAA title as a designer. * 5+ years professional experience in video game ...

2K

Senior Level Designer

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Level Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for blocking out the world and ... Shipped at least one AAA title as a designer. * 5+ years professional experience in video game ...

Velan Studios

Level Designer (Senior+)

Troy, NY · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

We make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. If you're curious, you'll be in good company. Are you a level designer with experience creating procedural environments? Have ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Level Designer

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Level Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for blocking out the world and ... Shipped at least one AAA title as a designer. * 5+ years professional experience in video game ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user ... Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Stillwater, OK · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user ... Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines ...

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Video Game Level Designer information

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How much do video game level designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game level designer in the United States is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a video game level designer do?

Video game level designers use development software to build specific sections within a video game. In this role, you focus on one aspect or progression of the game, determining what steps a player needs to take to progress to the next level. The nature of a level depends on the game; it can be as simple as selecting and developing challenges for the player to overcome or as complicated as a dense, objective-filled map. This is a highly-collaborative position; video game level designers often work with asset creators and producers to design levels that match the intended concept and play environment.

What does a video game level designer do?

A video game level designer is responsible for creating the environments, stages, and challenges that players experience within a game. They work closely with artists, programmers, and writers to craft engaging gameplay, ensuring that levels are both visually appealing and fun to play. Level designers use specialized software to build layouts, place objects, and script events, all while considering pacing, difficulty, and storytelling. Their goal is to guide players through the game in a way that is immersive and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a video game level designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Video Game Level Designer, you need strong spatial design abilities, knowledge of game mechanics, and often a degree in game design or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and level editing software, as well as familiarity with scripting languages, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with artists, programmers, and other designers. These skills are crucial for creating engaging, balanced, and technically feasible game environments that enhance player experience.

How does a video game level designer typically collaborate with other departments during the development process?

Video Game Level Designers work closely with artists, programmers, and writers to bring a cohesive vision to each level. They frequently participate in cross-functional meetings to ensure that gameplay, visuals, and narrative are well integrated. It's common for designers to iterate on their levels based on feedback from QA testers or gameplay engineers, requiring strong communication and adaptability. Collaboration is essential, as level designers must balance creative ideas with technical constraints and project timelines.

What is the difference between Video Game Level Designer vs Video Game Environment Artist?

AspectVideo Game Level DesignerVideo Game Environment Artist
Primary FocusDesigning gameplay spaces, level layout, and player flowCreating visual assets and environments for levels
Skills & ToolsLevel design software, game engines, scripting3D modeling, texturing, art software
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with designers, programmers, artistsWorks mainly with art teams, using creative software
Industry UsageUsed in game development to craft playable levelsUsed to produce visual environment assets for levels

While both roles contribute to the game's environment, the Video Game Level Designer focuses on designing the gameplay experience within levels, whereas the Video Game Environment Artist creates the visual elements that bring those levels to life. Both roles often collaborate closely to ensure a cohesive and engaging player experience.

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For Video Game Level Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Video Game Level Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Video Game Level Designer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,600 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Level Designer

Frisco, TX • Remote

Gearbox
See more jobs at Gearboxexternal

$102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

The Gearbox Entertainment Company is home to a world-class team that entertains the world with award-winning and genre-defining video games. Our games are entrenched with rich universes that are expanded upon via transmedia storytelling, live experiences, and consumer products. Gearbox Entertainment has become widely known for developing successful game franchises such as Borderlands, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, and Brothers in Arms, as well for continued development of acquired properties including Duke Nukem, Risk of Rain, and Homeworld.

The company was founded as Gearbox Software in 1999 by a team of industry veterans and is headquartered in Frisco, Texas. The Gearbox Entertainment Company is proud to be part of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

For more information, visit www.GearboxSoftware.com.

What We Are Looking For

Gearbox Software is looking for a passionate level designer to join us in crafting upcoming first and third person shooters. This role involves working with the Lead Level Designer and Creative Director to pitch, build, polish, and ship levels using Unreal Engine. Level Designers are responsible for owning the vision of their levels, and working with a variety of other departments to see that vision come to fruition. It involves close collaborative work with artists, mission designers, writers, coders, and a variety of other disciplines to ensure the level ships on time at a high standard of quality, while also being fun and memorable to players.

Responsibilities

  • Develop single player and cooperative levels based on existing game design documents, direction from project leadership, and collaboration with peers. This involves taking a design all the way from a paper design to a shipping product, iterating over time based on feedback, creative goals, and project deadlines.
  • Prototype, iterate, and polish moment-to-moment gameplay while working with narrative designers, enemy designers, artists, and other disciplines to ensure quality combats and mission experiences for the final customers.
  • Mentorship and sharing of expertise with junior level designers and other design staff. Ability to model a positive tone and work ethic to junior members of the team. Ability to provide and receive good feedback when iterating levels.
Qualifications

  • Proven track record of building and shipping large level environments. Should include videos or screenshots of shipped levels, and any additional documentation showing design and iteration process.
  • Understanding of modern level design practices, including layout, pacing, technical implementation, and above all else creating fun experiences for players.
  • Strong eye towards aesthetics, with an ability to work hand-in-hand with art teams. Previous experience in an art role is a plus.
  • Excellent documentation, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to maintain focus and self-motivation towards the current project goals.
  • Have shipped a AAA title, with a preference towards Unreal technology and first person shooters.
Nice-to-Haves

  • Shipped games using Unreal 4 or 5 technology.
  • Experience with the certification and shipping process on modern consoles.
  • Experience working with large inter-disciplinary teams.
  • Co-op and/or Online Multiplayer experience.
  • Previous leadership experience.
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Gearbox Entertainment is committed to ensuring that all team members work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment, and one that reflects the diversity of the world it strives to entertain. As an equal opportunity employer, Gearbox Entertainment does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Gearbox Entertainment is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, and to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by individuals without disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point during the job application process, please contact us for more information.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

Please note that Gearbox is unable to provide visa sponsorship or assistance for this position. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in United States without requiring current or future employer sponsorship.

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