1

Video Game Testing Jobs in Olympia, WA (NOW HIRING)

Video Game Testing information

See Olympia, WA salary details

$5

$16

$30

How much do video game testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game testing in Olympia, WA is $16.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is video game testing?

Video game testing is the process of playing video games in order to identify bugs, glitches, and other issues before the game is released to the public. Testers play through different levels, follow specific test cases, and report any problems they encounter to the development team. The goal is to ensure the game is as polished and bug-free as possible, providing a better experience for players. Video game testers often work closely with developers and may test on various platforms such as PC, consoles, or mobile devices.

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

To thrive as a Video Game Tester, you need strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a good understanding of gaming platforms and software, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with bug tracking tools such as JIRA, test case management systems, and knowledge of various gaming consoles and PC hardware are commonly required. Excellent communication, patience, and problem-solving skills help testers report issues clearly and collaborate effectively with development teams. These skills ensure thorough game evaluation, efficient issue resolution, and improved overall game quality before release.

What are some common challenges faced by video game testers, and how can they be addressed?

Video game testers frequently encounter challenges such as repetitive tasks, tight deadlines, and the need to document bugs in precise detail. It can also be demanding to play unfinished or buggy builds for extended periods, which requires patience and a keen eye for detail. Effective communication with developers and other testers is essential to ensure issues are clearly understood and prioritized. Building strong time management skills and maintaining a collaborative attitude helps testers overcome these challenges and contribute to a smoother game development process.

What is the difference between Video Game Testing vs Quality Assurance Tester?

AspectVideo Game TestingQuality Assurance Tester
CredentialsBasic gaming knowledge, sometimes certifications in testingSame as game testing, often with QA certifications
Work EnvironmentGame studios, testing labs, remote optionsGame studios, software companies, QA departments
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming industryBroader software industry, including gaming
Job FocusFinding bugs, gameplay issues, reporting defectsEnsuring overall quality, process compliance, bug tracking

Video Game Testing and Quality Assurance Tester roles share many credentials and work environments, with game testing focusing more on bug identification during gameplay, while QA testers oversee broader quality processes. Both roles are essential in the gaming industry for delivering polished products.

Can you get paid to test video games?

Video game testing is a legitimate job where testers are paid to play and evaluate games for bugs, glitches, and quality issues. Payment varies by company and project, and testers often need to have good attention to detail and familiarity with gaming platforms. Some positions are freelance, while others are full-time roles with benefits.

How do I become a video game tester?

To become a video game tester, you should have a strong interest in gaming, good attention to detail, and basic knowledge of gaming platforms and software. Many testers start by applying for entry-level positions at game companies or testing firms, and some may pursue certifications in quality assurance or related fields to improve their chances. Strong communication skills and the ability to follow testing protocols are also important for success in this role.

How much do video game testers get paid?

Video game testers typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with entry-level positions often paying around minimum wage and more experienced testers earning higher rates. Salaries can vary based on location, company, and experience, and some testers work part-time or on contract basis while using testing tools and reporting bugs regularly.

How to get a job for video game testing?

To get a job as a video game tester, candidates should have a strong understanding of gaming, good communication skills, and attention to detail. Relevant experience can be gained through beta testing, quality assurance courses, or familiarity with testing tools. Applying to game companies, testing firms, or freelance platforms can help find opportunities in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Video Game Testing jobs in Olympia, WA?

For Video Game Testing jobs in Olympia, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Video Game Testing jobs in Olympia, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Video Game Testing jobs in Olympia, WA are:

What cities near Olympia, WA are hiring for Video Game Testing jobs?

Cities near Olympia, WA with the most Video Game Testing job openings:

Infographic showing various Video Game Testing job openings in Olympia, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,066 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Tribal Gaming Trainee-Nisqually Tribal Only

Nisqually Indian Tribe

Olympia, WA • On-site

$22.13/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Please note: NSORNA Nisqually's Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act requires all individuals who have ever been convicted of a sex offense to register with our Public Safety Department. This is true whether or not you have to register with another jurisdiction.
This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.
NATURE OF WORK: This position serves as an opportunity for a Nisqually Tribal member to develop gaming and regulatory knowledge, shadow and assist Agency staff and learn to perform the full scope of Gaming Agent/Investigator, Surveillance Observer, Licensing Specialist, and/or Auditor duties. The Trainee will transition to a regular Gaming Agent/Investigator, Surveillance Observer, Licensing Specialist, or Auditor position upon completion of the training period.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assist in the daily routines of the NTGA office including phone coverage, maintenance, filing and organization necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the Agency.
Gaming Investigations:
• Assist with and learn to monitor and observe all gaming operations to ensure and enforce compliance, honesty, and fairness with Tribal, State, and Federal law as well as the terms of the Tribal-State compact.
• Assist with and learn to plan, organize and conduct investigations for violations or crime reconstruction for the purpose of testimony and/or presentation, collection and preservation of evidence, covert and overt observations, seizure of items and testifying in court.
• Assist with and learn to detain persons involved in illegal acts until arrival of local or Tribal Law Enforcement authorities.
• Assist with and learn to respond to questions and assist with resolving patron complaints, grievances, or other incidents involving gaming or related matters; protects patrons, Tribal facilities and assets at all times.
• Assist with and learn to collect criminal and non-criminal intelligence information regarding the activity of individuals and other activity obtaining information from informants through appropriate recruitment, development, maintenance and control of other cooperating individuals.
• Assist with and learn to interview victims, witnesses, complainants and interrogate suspects as necessary.
• Assist with and learn to perform audits related to safety and compliance with applicable internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Assist with and learn to perform background investigations, Criminal History Research, Servsafe, barring's, OSHA, NIGC submittals, Secret Service submissions, and Vendor licensing as assigned.
• Assist with examining, testing, and inspecting gaming equipment and monitor the storage, issuance, and destruction of gaming equipment and sensitive supplies.
• Prepare comprehensive reports documenting activities observed and actions taken.
• Work cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and various local, state and federal government and non-government businesses in the exchange of information and the conduct of investigations.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of licensed games, cheating techniques, arbitration of disputes, defensive tactics, Tribal, Federal, and State criminal law, detention, arrest and transport
Surveillance Observation:
• Assist with and learn to observe, verify, and report transactions in the gaming facility and grounds to ensure compliance with the law, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Monitor all casino activity including money handling positions, entrances, exits, guests, exterior structures, traffic and parking areas, shipping and receiving, food and beverage, gift shop, guest services, and valet.
• Assist with and learn to operate all surveillance CCTV, videotape, camera switching, and tools.
• Assist with and learn to provide oversight of the count process.
• Assist with and learn to work with Agents/Investigators and security staff on the drop and fills on the gaming floor.
• Assist with and learn to conduct routine random surveillance, special surveillance, and audit surveillance as needed.
• Assist with and learn to document, collect, log, and maintain surveillance information and illegal activity with video tape, written statements, and a compilation of evidence to assist in official hearings, trials, arbitration, and other procedures; provide testimony as required.
• Assist with and learn to work on special assignments with Agents/Investigators and audit team members.
• Assist with and learn to work cooperatively with Tribal, federal, and State law enforcement in the detection of cheats, wanted persons, illegal activities and/or persons of interest.
• Develop and maintain expert level knowledge of current regulatory requirements and all appropriate functions.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of known cheaters, counters, scams, and methods via published documents, direct contact with local and other enforcement agencies, and other surveillance departments and informants.
• Cooperate and interact professionally with those having responsibility over gaming activities or loss prevention.
Licensing:
• Assist with and learn to ensure requirements are completed and processed for Class Ill certifications and Tribal licenses.
• Assist with and learn to conduct thorough background investigations for all Class II and Class Ill certifications, Vendors, and Vendor Technicians.
• Assist with and learn to conduct follow up investigations at the request of the Executive Director or the Investigations Manager.
• Assist with and learn to monitor local and surrounding court calendars and jail rosters.
• Assist with and learn to monitor, ensure, and maintain compliance on conditional licenses and renewal licensing requirements.
• Assist with and learn to issue identification badges for all employees and vendor technicians.
• Assist with and learn to maintain casino employee files by license/class type and employee personnel data.
• Assist with and learn to maintain a computerized database of all casino employees to monitor licensing renewal requirements and other pertinent casino employee information.
• Assist with and learn to maintain a computerized and hard copy master file system for all Tribal Gaming Agency correspondence and records to and from the WSGC.
• Write memos, letters, and reports as required.
• Order and maintain adequate inventory of Class Ill certification packets, Tribal Licensing applications, and supplies of identification badges for the Tribal Gaming Agency.
• Assist Tribal Gaming Agents with submission of NIGC background licensing packets.
• Compile and maintain statistical information regarding hiring and terminations of casino employees.
Auditing:
• Assist with and learn to track Win/Loss and Hold Percentages for all games, and table games dealers updating daily.
• Assist with and learn to investigate all unusual fluctuations in table games hold percentages and those losses meeting the predetermined threshold.
• Assist with and learn to monitor for inconsistencies by table, machine, dealer or cashier and report to Internal Auditor as required.
• Assist with and learn to review of player tracking rewards and reports for suspicious activity.
• Assist with and learn to maintain database of all Operational overages and shortages in gaming departments.
• Assist with and learn to review Operations Employee evaluations conducted by Surveillance and monitor for inconsistencies.
• Assist with and learn to conduct monthly review and analysis of Operations Financial Statements for Commission Review.
• Assist with and learn to perform audit reviews of Class II and Class Ill gaming activities and departments.
• Assist with and learn to observe and test gaming activities to assure compliance with all applicable tribal, federal and state regulations and laws.
• Assist with and learn to write audit reports describing the results of audit reviews, findings requiring corrective actions and recommendations for improvements; conduct follow up reports on initial report findings.
• Assist with and learn to review all gaming control policies and procedures for compliance and make recommendations when necessary.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the annual audit plan as well as other internal audits.
• Train and assist Investigations Agents in accounting and internal control policies and procedures.
• Assist with the review of casino promotions for compliance with Compact, NIGC, and State regulations.
• Assist with the development and monitoring of the departmental operating budget.
• Maintain all audit related files and historical audit information.
• Assist with special projects and/or Audits as assigned by the Executive Director.
• Assist with and learn to perform case investigations as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
The trainee will learn and develop the following:
• Knowledge of gambling violations cheats and scams.
• Knowledge of all casino games and operations.
• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe and its laws, codes, policies, regulations, and compacts related to gaming.
• Knowledge of modern surveillance equipment, practices, procedures, and techniques.
• Knowledge of basic legal concepts and processes.
• Knowledge of basic law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Knowledge of basic human behavior and interpersonal relationships.
• Knowledge of the use and operation related equipment such as the portable radio and handcuffs.
• Knowledge of and the ability to use defensive tactics techniques.
• Knowledge of effective auditing principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of effective investigation principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of and the ability to effectively use Microsoft Office suite, word processing, spreadsheets, and database software.
• Skill in the use of common office equipment such as a personal computer, fax, and multi- line phone.
• Skill in basic business mathematics.
• Skill in performing detailed and accurate accounting calculations.
• Skill in organizing and managing file systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets technical documents, including legal documents, business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable tribal, federal and state laws, rules and regulation concerning gaming and non-gaming activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment to recognize serious and/or emergency situations by evaluating them quickly and analyzing the options to take appropriate action, often in confrontational and/or hostile situations.
• Ability to plan, organize and conduct criminal and non-criminal investigations including the proper collection of evidence, maintaining the proper evidence chain of custody, properly identifying and documenting the item of evidence, and the proper storage techniques of various items of evidence.
• Ability to effectively work with individuals who may be upset, angry, frustrated and unruly.
• Ability to solve practical problems effectively.
• Ability to interact with the public tactfully and effectively.
• Ability to research, interprets, analyze, and explain detailed and complex financial data.
• Ability to make informed decisions and recommendations about business matters.
• Ability to demonstrate tolerance and patience with individuals who may be upset, angry, frustrated and/or intoxicated.
• Ability to work effectively with public, other agencies, and law enforcement personnel.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written and oral form.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• 1 year of casino gaming experience OR a comparable experience and/or education.
• Must have High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a Nisqually Tribal Gaming License.
• Must be able to tolerate working in a smoke filled environment.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and be insurable under the Tribes insurance policy.
• Must be able to work irregular shifts, including rotating shift schedules at times including weekends, (day shift, night shift, graveyard, peak operation hours). Will also be required to work holidays or days of special events, i.e., promotional events in gaming facilities when patron activity is increased.
  • Background Check:
    I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third-party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.
  • Drug Screening:
    I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.