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Job outlook for level designers in the United States
Are level designer jobs in demand?
Level designer job and salary trends over time
Level designer jobs over time
Level designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 823 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 812 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 871 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 832 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 732 | 0.00% |
Average level designer salary over time
Level designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $96,455 | $46.37 | +2.4% |
| 2025 | $94,161 | $45.27 | +3.5% |
| 2024 | $91,016 | $43.76 | +3.4% |
| 2023 | $87,999 | $42.31 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $86,083 | $41.39 | +1.6% |
Level designer jobs by state
Most common states for level designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 224 | 32% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 870 | 12% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 745 | 11% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 476 | 11% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 124 | 9% |
| 6 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,320 | 8% |
| 7 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 783 | 8% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 694 | 8% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 434 | 8% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 255 | 8% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 86 | 8% |
| 12 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,337 | 7% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 411 | 7% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 387 | 7% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 772 | 6% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 600 | 6% |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 333 | 6% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 208 | 6% |
| 19 | Delaware | 961,939 | 56 | 6% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 39 | 6% |
Most common cities for level designers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brea | 1 | 2% | $107,147 |
| 2 | Carlsbad | 1 | 1% | $105,020 |
| 3 | Huntsville | 1 | 1% | $63,480 |
| 4 | Warner Robins | 1 | 1% | $83,055 |
| 5 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $83,014 |
| 6 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $88,356 |
| 7 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $82,370 |
| 8 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $76,640 |
| 9 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $107,649 |
Level Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of level designer experts
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Highline College
Marywood University
Bowling Green State University
Belmont University
Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University
Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
What will help Level Designers increase their earning potential?
Kathryn Anderson: With the advent of AI, graphic designers must be valued for their technical and critical thinking skills. Graphic Designers of today provide more than just what the client wants or envisions, but rather a uniquely hyper-focused solution that can stand the test of time because of the insightful research and intense amount of processing and editing that is embedded in the design.
What skills will help Level Designers earn the most?
Diana Boyd: -Originality/Creativity
-UX/UI design
-Branding
-Marketing and Advertising
-Illustration
What soft skills should all Level Designers possess?
Diana Boyd: -Collaboration/Teamwork
-Interpersonal
-Reliability
-Ethical behavior
-Self-starter
Sue Jenkins
Associate ProfessorMarywood University
Art Department
What experience really stands out on Level Designer resumes?
Sue Jenkins: Before saying what stands out most, there's one thing to avoid; those skill self-assessment bar graphs that take up too much real estate and don't provide the reader with valid, useful data. A better solution is to list skills and proficiency in years, such as Adobe Photoshop, three years.
Now, what stands out most on a resume is evidence of creative engagement beyond the classroom. Has the student been a member of any clubs? Won any awards? Have you participated in any solo or group exhibitions and completed any internships, pro bono, or freelance work? Have you worked on any side projects? Run an Etsy, Society6, or RedBubble account? Sold any commissioned work? Definitely include all these types of activities along with any tangible outcomes and achievements, like "Designed a series of digital documents that downsized paper waste and reduced the client's carbon footprint by 13%." Results-oriented statements provide a better sense of the designer's understanding of their role and their value to an organization.
Jenn Stucker
Associate Professor, Chair of The Graphic Design DivisionBowling Green State University
School of Art
What skills stand out on Level Designer resumes?
Jenn Stucker: A BFA degree, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design or communication design are distinctive. It is a professional degree in the field. A BFA represents a concentration in growing creative skills through creative coursework. While technical skills earned in a technology or certificate program are valuable for producing design work, strong skills in visual design and creative thinking define how and WHAT work is worthy and necessary for people to experience.
Doug Regen
Professor of PracticeBelmont University
Graphic Design Department
What skills will help Level Designers earn the most?
Doug Regen: Brilliant Ideas are executed flawlessly. Team player. Ability to motivate and lead others. Strong communicator and presentation skills.
What general advice would you give to a Level Designer?
Abby Guido: We've all heard the buzz about networking, and there is so much buzz because it works. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is both up to date and active. Connect with all of your past professors, classmates, and anyone and everyone you meet in a professional setting. I often tell students to get into the habit of searching for any classroom guests, or guest lecturers, to connect, thank them for their time, and build their network. Share content. Write articles, or reshare those you find interesting.
Every job I have ever received in my career has been through someone else I know. I share this with students to help them see the value in relationships. I always remember the students that took the time to write a handwritten thank-you note. And I think of them when I get an email asking if I know any students are looking for work.
Carmita Sanchez-Fong
Professor and ChairpersonFashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
Interior Design Department
What Level Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Carmita Sanchez-Fong: Sketch, sketch, sketch, and work on your portfolio. Use the many resources at FIT to stay current with technology, including 3d printing, laser cutting, and virtual reality. Volunteer with one of the professional organizations, attend virtual conferences, enter a competition, develop your personal/professional profile, and become familiar with digital material resources. Work on your research and presentation skills. Create a well-organized digital library of your 2d and 3d assets. Prepare yourself to go back. Take some masterclasses. Volunteer as a virtual artist-in-residence at a local school. Be creative, remain engaged.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Level Designers?
Michelle Lockwood: Oh, yes! There will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates, and all of us. It has already changed so much about how we interact, do business, socialize, learn, love, and just plain live. There is no way that it could not impact the future of this field, or any area, in my opinion. I think the job market will look very different in the months and years to come. We will adapt, and there will be more opportunities for creativity, more problems to solve, and more chances to engage and inform. But those practicing will need to remain flexible, adapt gracefully to changing circumstances, and find pockets where they can solve problems, and use their unique skillset to illuminate, inform, and delight -- just as we have always done -- only differently.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Level Designers in the next 3-5 years?
Michelle Lockwood: A year ago, even six months ago, we would never have expected our lives to have taken the turns they have, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In that same sense, we cannot know what obstacles we will encounter in the next year, six months, or even next week. The aspect of technology that seems most important now is software that can bring the human experience of connection into our individual and separated lives. Technology has enabled those of us in design and applied arts, to continue creating and communicating. As always has been, technology is a tool, but it is not usually the entire idea. Yes, every message is altered and influenced by the medium with which it was created. Still, those beginning in this field need to remember that their uniqueness comes from the union of what is in their mind and their heart, and how they articulate and communicate that union.