How To Become A Systems Designer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a systems designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Abby Guido

A System Designer is in charge of creating the software systems that will power a video game. Their skills are required early in the development process. They help to analyze the scope and design of the game to set up the necessary platforms. They also help in establishing the development of the project and track character growth from concept to implementation, defining crafting elements, skill trees, and level tables. Other responsibilities include managing game database assets, producing prototypes and overseeing testing.

As system designers, you must have extensive knowledge of 3D animation, illustration, and programming languages. You must be conversant with Unity, C++, and Adobe Creative Cloud, among others. Apart from this, you must possess critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills. You must know about gameplay scripting, gaming software, and hardware. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree to qualify. System designers earn $66,915 on average yearly. Their salary varies from $38,000 to $119,000.

What general advice would you give to a systems designer?

Abby Guido

Assistant Professor, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University

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.

ScoreSystems DesignerUS Average

Salary

7.3

Avg. Salary $93,438

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.4

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.11%

Asian 16.50%

Black or African American 3.10%

Hispanic or Latino 7.96%

Unknown 4.52%

White 67.82%

Gender

female 14.31%

male 85.69%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a systems designer

Explore systems designer education requirements

Most common systems designer degrees

Bachelor's

60.1 %

Associate

19.3 %

Master's

12.8 %

Start to develop specific systems designer skills

Skills	Percentages
System Design	13.65%
CRM	11.71%
Sales Proposals	7.31%
Control Systems	6.70%
Customer Satisfaction	6.16%

Complete relevant systems designer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New systems designers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a systems designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real systems designer resumes.

Research systems designer duties and responsibilities

Lead development effort for JavaScript vehicle configuration component.
Manage relationships through CRM documentation and complete post-sale customer follow ups.
Design and manage wireless infrastructure using WPA2 encryption and a centralize authentication using SSL and a user base lightweight directory database.
Modify and support COBOL, DB2, IMS, CICS, batch and online processes.

Prepare your systems designer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your systems designer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a systems designer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable systems designer resume templates

Build a professional systems designer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your systems designer resume.