1

Video Game Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Programming experience with C#, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS; familiarity with Unity3D and game design ... Experience supporting Windows, streaming appliances, storage servers, video production server ...

Sr. Programmatic RTB Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Powered by premium video content, robust data, and advanced technology, we're making it easier for ... Know your stuff - be enthusiastic learners, users and advocates of our game-changing technology ...

Sr. Data Engineer - Reston, VA - Freewheel

Reston, VA · On-site

$119K - $143K/yr

Powered by premium video content, robust data, and advanced technology, we're making it easier for ... Know your stuff be enthusiastic learners, users and advocates of our game-changing technology ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Video Game Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$91.8K

$172K

How much do video game programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for video game programmer in Virginia is $91,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23,800.00 and $144,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do video game programmers make?

Video game programmers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level programmers may start lower, while experienced developers working on complex projects or with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Knowledge of programming languages like C++ and experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine can influence earning potential.

How to get a job as a video game programmer?

To become a video game programmer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, along with proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or C#. Building a portfolio of game projects, gaining experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, and understanding game development processes are also important. Internships and networking within the industry can help secure entry-level positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Video Game Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Video Game Programmer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++, C#, or Java, a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals, and often a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and debugging tools is typically required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that set top programmers apart. These competencies ensure the development of high-quality, engaging games that perform well and deliver an excellent user experience.

What are some common challenges video game programmers face when working on large development teams?

Video game programmers on large development teams often encounter challenges such as coordinating code integration, managing version control conflicts, and ensuring consistent coding standards across the project. Effective communication is essential, as programmers must frequently collaborate with artists, designers, and audio engineers to implement features and troubleshoot issues. Adapting to changing project requirements and tight deadlines can also be demanding, but strong teamwork and agile development practices help teams stay on track.

What is the difference between Video Game Programmer vs Game Developer?

AspectVideo Game ProgrammerGame Developer
Primary RoleWriting code and implementing game featuresOverseeing entire game development process, including design and production
Skills & CertificationsProgramming languages (C++, C#), computer science degreesProject management, design skills, sometimes programming knowledge
Work EnvironmentGame studios, software companiesGame studios, independent teams, publishers
Industry UsageFocuses on coding and technical implementationBroader role including design, management, and coordination

While both roles are essential in game development, a Video Game Programmer primarily focuses on coding and technical implementation, whereas a Game Developer oversees the entire development process, including design and project management. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the gaming industry.

Is 30 too late to get into game development?

Video game programming is accessible at any age, and many successful developers start later in life. Building skills in programming languages like C++ or C#, gaining experience through personal projects or courses, and understanding game engines such as Unity or Unreal can help you enter the field regardless of age.

Is there a demand for game programmers?

The demand for game programmers remains strong due to the growth of the gaming industry, advancements in technology, and the need for skilled developers proficient in programming languages like C++ and Unity. Opportunities are available in both large studios and indie development, often requiring knowledge of game engines, graphics programming, and software development practices.

What are video game programmers?

Video game programmers are professionals who write the code that brings video games to life. They work closely with game designers, artists, and other team members to develop gameplay mechanics, graphics, artificial intelligence, and user interfaces. Their expertise in programming languages, such as C++ or C#, allows them to create the software backbone of a game. Video game programmers may specialize in areas like graphics, physics, networking, or tools development, depending on the needs of the project. They play a crucial role in turning creative ideas into functional and entertaining games.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Video Game Programmer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Video Game Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Video Game Programmer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,841 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Dedicated Cloud Engineer I, ADC System Security Engineering

Dedicated Cloud Engineer I, ADC System Security Engineering

Amazon

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,965 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Come join a security team who focuses on ease of use and delighting our customers to build and support security services, used across all of Amazon, that secure our internal systems and networks.
At Amazon Web Services (AWS), Security is our highest priority. Our team is responsible for inventing, scaling, and operating the foundational security services used across Amazon to secure our systems, processes, and data. We build authentication, authorization, and enforcement services that are used across our diverse internal teams as they build and deliver services for our customers. We support all of Amazon.com and AWS with our services, and need solution-oriented thinkers who are passionate about solving problems at scale, thinking through edge cases, and iterating quickly to delight our customers.
Are you a good fit for our team?
You'll love this team if you are passionate about security, and curious how we design security into the cloud and Amazon infrastructure from the minute a server hits our data center through how we securely administer and operate services. At Amazon, we are looking for engineers who know how to think through a problem, be creative, and who think outside the box in ways that benefit our customers.
The focus we have on our customers is why we are one of the world's most beloved brands - it is part of our company DNA. Our Engineers (you!) are obsessed with customer trust, building solutions that address real world risks, and thinking deeply about how humans use security systems to build elegant security that users love to use.
We are looking for people who bring diverse perspectives, ask a lot of questions, and challenge the status quo. We are a team of out-of-the-box thinkers, who iterate quickly, and think deeply about how to build secure systems that are easy to use.
This position requires that the candidate selected must currently possess and maintain an active TS/SCI security clearance with polygraph. The position further requires the candidate to opt into a commensurate clearance for each government agency for which they perform AWS work.
Key job responsibilities
In this role you will join an established and rapidly growing DevOps engineering team who is maintaining an existing security service while expanding the deployment, features, and capabilities to address significant new initiatives across the company.
You will:
- Build, deploy, and maintain security services that are used internally to support the US intelligence community.
- Work backwards from the customer to ensure our services are developed with features that meet the needs of our end users.
A day in the life
We work across the company on services that are always-on; the company depends on us. To perform our best, we value work/life harmony, flexible schedules, and unscheduled time to brain storm. We support established, and rapidly growing services, with a DevOps model, so you will be part of an on-call rotation every couple of months.
Our challenges and goals are ambitious, often ambiguous, and we sometimes try things that don't work. We embrace the learnings from failure and iterate quickly. We emphasize shipping rapidly, using automated releases and testing to deploy frequently, and deeply root causing issues to ensure that we stay fast. Almost all of our team works from home these days, but typically we are together in the office collaborating around a whiteboard, planning over coffee, or playing a video game during downtime.
About the team
Why AWS
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating - that's why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
AWS Infrastructure Services (AIS)
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we're the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain - and we're looking for talented people who want to help.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it's in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there's nothing we can't achieve in the cloud.
Mentorship and Career Growth
We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth's Best Employer. That's why you'll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
Diverse Experiences
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn't followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don't let it stop you from applying.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school or equivalent diploma, or A+ or CND (Certified Network Defender) or Network+ or Security+
- 1+ years Linux systems administration experience
- 1+ years technical troubleshooting / support experience
- 1+ years of networking experience
- Current, active US Government Security Clearance of TS/SCI with Polygraph
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with distributed systems at scale
- Experience with service-oriented architecture and web services
- Experience with systems administration on either Linux/UNIX or Windows operating systems
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, VA, Arlington - 91,000.00 - 152,000.00 USD annually

What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Amazon logo

About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US