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Video Game Designers Salary in Durham, NC

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Video Game Designers in Durham, NC have a median annual salary of $133,340, with 510 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $62,580 at the 10th percentile to $172,420 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$133,340

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$64.11

Employment

510

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$62,580
10th
$93,570
25th
$133,340
Median
$159,300
75th
$172,420
90th

Local compared with national

Durham, NC

$133,340

Median annual · 2025

United States

$104,000

Median annual · 2025

The Durham, NC median is 28.2% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $29,340).

Top skills

  1. 1.ProgrammingImportance 4.0
  2. 2.Active ListeningImportance 3.9
  3. 3.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.8
  4. 4.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.8
  5. 5.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.6
  6. 6.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6
  7. 7.Active LearningImportance 3.5
  8. 8.Systems AnalysisImportance 3.4
  9. 9.Time ManagementImportance 3.4
  10. 10.WritingImportance 3.3
  11. 11.Systems EvaluationImportance 3.3
  12. 12.SpeakingImportance 3.1

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Job zone
4

Technology used

  • 3D graphic design software
  • Adobe ActionScript
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Advanced business application programming ABAP
  • Atlassian JIRA
  • Autodesk 3ds Max
  • Autodesk Maya
  • Autodesk Scaleform
  • Balsamiq Studios Balsamiq Mockups
  • Blackboard software
  • C
  • C for Graphics cg

Common tasks

  • Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
  • Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.
  • Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
  • Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.
  • Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.
  • Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.
  • Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.
  • Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.
  • Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.
  • Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Video Game Designers salary in other locations

Other occupations in Durham, NC