Video Game Designers Entry-Level Career Resources

Associate Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Associate's Degree (or less), and % with 1 year experience (or less).

These entry-level roles are open to associate's degree graduates and offer a practical starting point for building experience and advancing. For recent graduates or career changers seeking their first role with a two-year degree. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.

4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video .

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.

Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs
What entry level jobs can you get with just an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 426 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:

Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Air Traffic Controllers / 78.05% / 54.55% / ($137,380)

Anesthesiologist Assistants / 42.69% / 91.42% / ($130,020)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers / 40.74% / 32.13% / ($111,970)

Computer Systems Analysts / 56.64% / 31.42% / ($103,800)

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / 99.66% / 38.99% / ($102,420)

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / 47.05% / 41.17% / ($101,800)

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / 80.58% / 72.47% / ($101,750)

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / 84.15% / 36.76% / ($101,740)

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / 67.01% / 62.53% / ($99,710)

Video Game Designers / 45.00% / 40.00% / ($98,540)

Radiation Therapists / 62.46% / 42.76% / ($98,300)

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / 100.00% / 44.44% / ($94,580)

Nuclear Medicine Technologists / 68.68% / 42.91% / ($92,500)

Detectives and Criminal Investigators / 90.01% / 47.80% / ($91,100)

Police Identification and Records Officers / 75.14% / 39.28% / ($91,100)

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / 86.55% / 44.63% / ($88,670)

Dental Hygienists / 75.18% / 69.49% / ($87,530)

Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / 100.00% / 32.59% / ($87,290)

First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers / 86.62% / 40.47% / ($86,220)

Registered Nurses / 42.65% / 37.83% / ($86,070)

Critical Care Nurses / 35.71% / 60.71% / ($86,070)

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / 97.19% / 71.33% / ($85,420)

Web Developers / 50.01% / 33.33% / ($84,960)

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / 42.07% / 30.56% / ($84,570)

Subway and Streetcar Operators / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($84,270)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / 86.96% / 47.82% / ($83,740)

Signal and Track Switch Repairers / 100.00% / 62.23% / ($82,710)

Chemical Plant and System Operators / 63.22% / 34.85% / ($80,030)

Online Merchants / 58.72% / 37.80% / ($79,590)

Respiratory Therapists / 87.90% / 70.85% / ($77,960)

Solar Energy Installation Managers / 93.70% / 75.35% / ($76,760)

Commercial and Industrial Designers / 32.08% / 32.87% / ($76,250)

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / 57.51% / 56.99% / ($76,210)

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / 60.66% / 49.63% / ($75,670)

Coroners / 40.00% / 40.00% / ($75,670)

Funeral Home Managers / 93.51% / 44.25% / ($75,660)

Locomotive Engineers / 100.00% / 43.70% / ($74,770)

Fire Inspectors and Investigators / 95.76% / 36.53% / ($74,160)

Writers and Authors / 53.05% / 31.03% / ($73,690)

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / 90.91% / 72.73% / ($73,500)

Photonics Technicians / 81.82% / 40.92% / ($73,500)

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling / 40.54% / 30.60% / ($73,460)

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians / 89.37% / 54.21% / ($73,410)

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers / 93.45% / 84.29% / ($72,280)

Customs and Border Protection Officers / 70.66% / 53.52% / ($72,280)

Transit and Railroad Police / 65.67% / 55.34% / ($72,250)

Wellhead Pumpers / 100.00% / 46.56% / ($71,830)

Boilermakers / 100.01% / 55.45% / ($71,140)

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / 100.00% / 80.65% / ($71,130)

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / 89.30% / 37.26% / ($70,530)

Electrical and Electronics Drafters / 57.47% / 46.57% / ($69,260)

Park Naturalists / 40.02% / 56.05% / ($68,750)

Surveyors / 52.63% / 30.00% / ($68,540)

Flight Attendants / 87.65% / 58.72% / ($68,370)

Energy Auditors / 75.86% / 31.04% / ($67,700)

Occupational Therapy Assistants / 96.81% / 82.25% / ($67,010)

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 73.61% / ($67,000)

Roof Bolters, Mining / 100.00% / 97.75% / ($66,660)

Film and Video Editors / 34.31% / 32.92% / ($66,600)

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / 93.42% / 43.17% / ($66,170)

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / 66.12% / 36.34% / ($65,630)

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / 32.71% / 31.47% / ($65,130)

Rail Car Repairers / 99.99% / 75.83% / ($65,030)

Forensic Science Technicians / 65.60% / 32.02% / ($64,940)

Crane and Tower Operators / 100.00% / 53.05% / ($64,690)

Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers / 100.00% / 50.27% / ($64,640)

Physical Therapist Assistants / 84.16% / 80.80% / ($64,080)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / 100.00% / 74.51% / ($64,070)

Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners / 97.15% / 72.23% / ($63,940)

Tapers / 100.00% / 36.42% / ($63,350)

Food Service Managers / 90.26% / 44.19% / ($63,060)

Real Estate Brokers / 46.07% / 36.44% / ($63,060)

Millwrights / 100.00% / 45.47% / ($62,980)

Structural Iron and Steel Workers / 94.98% / 58.18% / ($62,760)

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / 100.00% / 46.65% / ($61,870)

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / 93.10% / 69.17% / ($61,800)

Wind Turbine Service Technicians / 100.01% / 62.56% / ($61,770)

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / 91.08% / 43.40% / ($61,770)

Electricians / 98.70% / 50.15% / ($61,590)

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 100.01% / 31.51% / ($61,550)

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / 77.54% / 54.49% / ($61,550)

Tool and Die Makers / 100.00% / 33.04% / ($61,490)

Continuous Mining Machine Operators / 100.00% / 48.55% / ($61,420)

Commercial Divers / 94.97% / 57.15% / ($61,300)

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers / 82.57% / 36.28% / ($61,270)

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / 84.35% / 40.06% / ($61,240)

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / 93.54% / 46.15% / ($61,210)

Paralegals and Legal Assistants / 43.47% / 34.43% / ($60,970)

Surgical Technologists / 100.00% / 57.33% / ($60,610)

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / 99.99% / 67.21% / ($60,170)

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / 88.91% / 58.54% / ($59,730)

Brickmasons and Blockmasons / 99.99% / 37.22% / ($59,640)

Postal Service Clerks / 100.00% / 56.00% / ($59,570)

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / 64.62% / 42.16% / ($59,300)

Computer User Support Specialists / 48.31% / 32.44% / ($59,240)

Insurance Sales Agents / 53.10% / 72.73% / ($59,080)

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / 81.54% / 30.91% / ($58,920)

Sheet Metal Workers / 100.01% / 62.55% / ($58,780)

Hearing Aid Specialists / 43.26% / 42.87% / ($58,670)

Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / 98.23% / 50.55% / ($58,620)

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / 62.46% / 38.40% / ($58,530)

Quality Control Analysts / 72.10% / 71.31% / ($58,350)

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 53.72% / ($58,210)

Firefighters / 96.50% / 63.76% / ($57,120)

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / 100.00% / 81.33% / ($57,070)

Biofuels Processing Technicians / 100.00% / 71.47% / ($56,940)

Chemical Technicians / 56.26% / 47.59% / ($56,750)

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 54.34% / ($56,660)

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / 100.00% / 41.35% / ($56,430)

Postal Service Mail Carriers / 100.00% / 98.83% / ($56,330)

Riggers / 100.00% / 64.67% / ($56,220)

Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 53.07% / ($55,750)

Massage Therapists / 96.16% / 92.30% / ($55,310)

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / 100.00% / 54.17% / ($54,890)

Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers / 100.00% / 52.98% / ($54,850)

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / 82.35% / 45.13% / ($54,690)

First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / 88.58% / 46.75% / ($54,580)

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / 99.99% / 38.91% / ($54,320)

Real Estate Sales Agents / 90.47% / 80.95% / ($54,300)

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare / 83.48% / 33.51% / ($54,290)

Tire Builders / 99.47% / 76.18% / ($54,080)

Insulation Workers, Mechanical / 100.01% / 89.76% / ($53,920)

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / 100.01% / 46.62% / ($53,900)

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / 86.60% / 52.66% / ($53,550)

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / 100.01% / 94.65% / ($53,440)

Correctional Officers and Jailers / 100.00% / 77.83% / ($53,300)

Fallers / 100.00% / 44.59% / ($53,170)

Bailiffs / 99.99% / 61.67% / ($53,040)

Plasterers and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 58.97% / ($52,640)

Costume Attendants / 68.86% / 51.62% / ($52,370)

Forest and Conservation Technicians / 85.19% / 50.94% / ($51,880)

Desktop Publishers / 61.30% / 45.93% / ($51,290)

Airfield Operations Specialists / 49.14% / 50.32% / ($51,140)

Glaziers / 100.01% / 55.76% / ($51,100)

Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / 88.76% / 81.80% / ($51,030)

Machinists / 100.00% / 38.18% / ($50,840)

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / 99.99% / 76.91% / ($50,720)

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / 31.83% / 68.18% / ($50,660)

Dredge Operators / 100.00% / 46.67% / ($50,440)

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / 92.80% / 59.42% / ($50,270)

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / 68.62% / 43.38% / ($50,270)

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 81.40% / ($50,250)

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / 100.00% / 51.60% / ($50,050)

Roofers / 93.40% / 50.59% / ($50,030)

Transportation Security Screeners / 100.00% / 96.29% / ($50,020)

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($49,990)

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic / 99.88% / 51.19% / ($49,670)

Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / 100.01% / 39.94% / ($49,230)

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 46.96% / ($49,210)

Bridge and Lock Tenders / 100.00% / 65.00% / ($49,120)

Food Science Technicians / 52.50% / 67.10% / ($49,090)

Tree Trimmers and Pruners / 100.00% / 39.55% / ($49,070)

Tax Preparers / 76.20% / 47.61% / ($49,010)

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / 99.05% / 39.51% / ($48,940)

Tile and Stone Setters / 100.00% / 50.34% / ($48,910)

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / 100.01% / 63.18% / ($48,900)

Public Safety Telecommunicators / 95.26% / 68.18% / ($48,890)

Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / 99.99% / 52.68% / ($48,840)

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / 95.84% / 52.32% / ($48,840)

Proofreaders and Copy Markers / 52.69% / 47.90% / ($48,790)

Automotive Body and Related Repairers / 99.99% / 70.29% / ($48,740)

Pourers and Casters, Metal / 100.00% / 83.26% / ($48,690)

Mechanical Door Repairers / 100.00% / 69.74% / ($48,650)

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / 96.78% / 49.34% / ($48,550)

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / 100.00% / 65.72% / ($48,480)

Paperhangers / 100.00% / 49.80% / ($48,460)

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / 100.00% / 88.40% / ($48,410)

Sailors and Marine Oilers / 99.22% / 77.61% / ($48,400)

Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / 94.78% / 45.81% / ($48,380)

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / 92.30% / 50.00% / ($48,380)

Cargo and Freight Agents / 69.25% / 74.53% / ($48,330)

Logging Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 75.24% / ($48,240)

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 98.92% / 65.45% / ($48,120)

Agricultural Inspectors / 87.88% / 45.67% / ($48,010)

Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / 100.00% / 48.27% / ($47,950)

Floor Sanders and Finishers / 100.00% / 30.71% / ($47,760)

Meter Readers, Utilities / 97.61% / 65.98% / ($47,720)

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / 65.40% / 30.88% / ($47,710)

Painters, Construction and Maintenance / 98.15% / 48.09% / ($47,700)

Dental Laboratory Technicians / 92.45% / 35.15% / ($47,690)

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / 100.00% / 81.05% / ($47,540)

Animal Breeders / 95.94% / 47.64% / ($47,540)

Carpet Installers / 100.00% / 31.43% / ($47,520)

Neurodiagnostic Technologists / 83.87% / 48.40% / ($47,470)

Patient Representatives / 61.52% / 43.37% / ($47,470)

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / 84.34% / 32.98% / ($47,450)

Gem and Diamond Workers / 80.99% / 47.06% / ($47,450)

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / 81.29% / 32.20% / ($47,440)

Models / 96.06% / 96.07% / ($47,430)

Travel Agents / 85.65% / 31.99% / ($47,410)

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / 85.70% / 45.00% / ($47,390)

Loan Interviewers and Clerks / 61.75% / 36.81% / ($47,380)

Highway Maintenance Workers / 100.00% / 58.12% / ($47,360)

Pipelayers / 100.00% / 43.07% / ($47,330)

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers / 86.23% / 50.66% / ($47,280)

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.01% / 82.14% / ($47,250)

Home Appliance Repairers / 100.01% / 55.34% / ($47,170)

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 90.27% / 50.57% / ($47,110)

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 62.67% / ($47,040)

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 69.40% / ($46,990)

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / 99.99% / 69.64% / ($46,910)

Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / 93.41% / 36.31% / ($46,900)

Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / 92.98% / 44.53% / ($46,860)

Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / 92.91% / 31.80% / ($46,850)

Parking Enforcement Workers / 98.56% / 96.81% / ($46,840)

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / 99.58% / 37.01% / ($46,730)

First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / 87.75% / 44.39% / ($46,650)

Dental Assistants / 100.00% / 61.45% / ($46,540)

Rock Splitters, Quarry / 81.02% / 87.71% / ($46,530)

Geothermal Technicians / 100.00% / 47.90% / ($46,500)

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / 61.91% / 52.38% / ($46,480)

Word Processors and Typists / 100.00% / 52.51% / ($46,450)

Motorboat Operators / 85.14% / 45.12% / ($46,420)

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners / 100.01% / 61.51% / ($46,410)

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 43.99% / ($46,340)

Court, Municipal, and License Clerks / 85.74% / 37.43% / ($46,110)

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 92.48% / ($46,100)

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / 100.00% / 58.28% / ($45,850)

Semiconductor Processing Technicians / 99.68% / 76.98% / ($45,850)

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / 100.00% / 40.92% / ($45,760)

Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers / 99.63% / 30.05% / ($45,760)

Farm Labor Contractors / 99.87% / 47.64% / ($45,730)

Bus Drivers, School / 100.00% / 90.59% / ($45,660)

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / 98.16% / 65.88% / ($45,640)

Log Graders and Scalers / 100.00% / 49.41% / ($45,600)

Billing and Posting Clerks / 98.04% / 34.59% / ($45,590)

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 67.28% / ($45,560)

Helpers--Extraction Workers / 100.01% / 89.58% / ($45,520)

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 70.42% / ($45,350)

Self-Enrichment Teachers / 45.76% / 33.67% / ($45,330)

Construction Laborers / 100.00% / 83.68% / ($45,300)

Medical Equipment Preparers / 82.92% / 43.14% / ($45,280)

Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / 100.00% / 72.61% / ($44,980)

Medical Appliance Technicians / 72.03% / 43.86% / ($44,960)

Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / 99.99% / 93.70% / ($44,890)

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / 59.63% / 40.27% / ($44,890)

New Accounts Clerks / 100.00% / 58.40% / ($44,630)

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 92.88% / 48.80% / ($44,620)

Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 62.22% / ($44,510)

Endoscopy Technicians / 100.01% / 73.08% / ($44,490)

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / 57.73% / 85.80% / ($44,490)

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / 100.00% / 51.68% / ($44,470)

Fence Erectors / 99.99% / 88.21% / ($44,410)

Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 99.55% / 92.73% / ($44,390)

Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 99.70% / 84.76% / ($44,310)

Foundry Mold and Coremakers / 100.00% / 83.14% / ($44,300)

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / 89.01% / 43.85% / ($44,280)

Bill and Account Collectors / 78.88% / 52.69% / ($44,250)

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 99.79% / ($44,240)

Opticians, Dispensing / 100.00% / 50.00% / ($44,170)

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / 100.00% / 33.69% / ($44,140)

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation / 87.18% / 80.53% / ($44,070)

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / 100.00% / 67.03% / ($44,030)

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / 89.60% / 70.52% / ($43,740)

Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / 99.99% / 80.47% / ($43,540)

Pest Control Workers / 100.00% / 92.46% / ($43,470)

Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers / 100.01% / 40.93% / ($43,310)

Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / 99.03% / 48.34% / ($43,310)

Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / 99.49% / 87.75% / ($43,270)

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters / 100.00% / 35.91% / ($43,260)

Skincare Specialists / 78.15% / 70.98% / ($43,200)

Agricultural Technicians / 63.19% / 40.58% / ($43,180)

Precision Agriculture Technicians / 60.87% / 43.48% / ($43,180)

Animal Control Workers / 96.15% / 42.31% / ($43,170)

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / 90.92% / 36.37% / ($42,800)

Upholsterers / 100.00% / 31.96% / ($42,730)

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 96.10% / 50.94% / ($42,670)

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.01% / 61.62% / ($42,610)

Cooks, Private Household / 100.00% / 42.31% / ($42,590)

Light Truck Drivers / 100.00% / 99.31% / ($42,470)

Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / 93.77% / 65.96% / ($42,470)

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 51.07% / ($42,420)

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 36.13% / ($42,400)

Medical Assistants / 82.53% / 81.37% / ($42,000)

Printing Press Operators / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($41,860)

Phlebotomists / 95.46% / 54.55% / ($41,810)

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / 100.00% / 45.45% / ($41,780)

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($41,600)

Social and Human Service Assistants / 44.61% / 60.58% / ($41,410)

Photographers / 81.82% / 36.37% / ($40,760)

Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / 99.42% / 76.21% / ($40,610)

Office Clerks, General / 99.76% / 47.07% / ($40,480)

Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / 98.84% / 34.25% / ($40,300)

Pharmacy Technicians / 96.16% / 80.98% / ($40,300)

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / 100.00% / 97.14% / ($40,230)

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / 99.36% / 83.68% / ($40,200)

Etchers and Engravers / 99.99% / 41.69% / ($40,040)

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 65.83% / ($39,850)

Furniture Finishers / 100.00% / 45.95% / ($39,790)

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / 89.25% / 85.10% / ($39,780)

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 96.57% / 85.26% / ($39,740)

Psychiatric Technicians / 68.09% / 75.29% / ($39,700)

Agricultural Equipment Operators / 99.99% / 61.03% / ($39,690)

Customer Service Representatives / 85.79% / 48.94% / ($39,680)

Tutors / 54.54% / 72.73% / ($39,580)

Helpers--Carpenters / 100.00% / 94.63% / ($39,380)

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / 89.50% / 61.98% / ($39,360)

Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 70.21% / ($39,340)

Library Technicians / 68.58% / 66.51% / ($39,310)

Conveyor Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 94.70% / ($39,260)

Machine Feeders and Offbearers / 100.00% / 73.86% / ($39,250)

Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / 100.00% / 80.06% / ($39,210)

Psychiatric Aides / 95.92% / 72.31% / ($39,160)

Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / 100.00% / 77.97% / ($38,980)

Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / 100.00% / 64.30% / ($38,940)

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 57.82% / ($38,870)

Animal Trainers / 98.25% / 44.20% / ($38,810)

Helpers--Roofers / 83.98% / 61.91% / ($38,620)

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($38,550)

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / 100.00% / 65.46% / ($38,520)

Food Batchmakers / 99.99% / 83.20% / ($38,460)

Helpers--Electricians / 98.70% / 58.74% / ($38,340)

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 78.21% / ($38,330)

Bicycle Repairers / 100.00% / 49.78% / ($38,320)

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / 98.28% / 68.80% / ($38,260)

Nursing Assistants / 87.36% / 81.52% / ($38,200)

Slaughterers and Meat Packers / 100.00% / 60.24% / ($38,160)

File Clerks / 91.72% / 39.40% / ($38,130)

Print Binding and Finishing Workers / 100.01% / 42.89% / ($38,100)

Telephone Operators / 100.00% / 45.37% / ($38,080)

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / 100.00% / 70.09% / ($38,000)

Residential Advisors / 59.02% / 65.91% / ($37,950)

Data Entry Keyers / 100.00% / 48.23% / ($37,790)

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / 91.17% / 67.45% / ($37,720)

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / 100.00% / 68.49% / ($37,660)

Recycling and Reclamation Workers / 91.99% / 97.72% / ($37,660)

Butchers and Meat Cutters / 100.00% / 32.98% / ($37,650)

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 90.30% / 60.09% / ($37,650)

Tellers / 91.68% / 92.13% / ($37,640)

Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / 82.57% / 57.68% / ($37,450)

Counter and Rental Clerks / 79.75% / 74.93% / ($37,400)

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / 55.21% / 66.44% / ($37,380)

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers / 81.67% / 52.64% / ($37,360)

Concierges / 90.91% / 63.65% / ($37,150)

Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 76.39% / ($37,130)

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / 62.81% / 50.90% / ($37,130)

Security Guards / 98.04% / 80.52% / ($37,070)

Medical Transcriptionists / 100.00% / 66.02% / ($37,060)

Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / 100.00% / 58.19% / ($37,040)

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 60.78% / ($37,010)

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 80.85% / ($36,970)

Demonstrators and Product Promoters / 99.34% / 99.34% / ($36,970)

Occupational Therapy Aides / 98.20% / 75.70% / ($36,970)

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / 100.00% / 96.52% / ($36,880)

Parts Salespersons / 86.38% / 35.11% / ($36,860)

Orderlies / 100.00% / 84.96% / ($36,830)

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / 96.96% / 60.95% / ($36,750)

Couriers and Messengers / 100.00% / 83.57% / ($36,710)

Helpers--Production Workers / 100.00% / 85.58% / ($36,700)

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / 90.54% / 56.27% / ($36,650)

Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 74.10% / ($36,620)

Craft Artists / 86.96% / 34.79% / ($36,600)

Dietetic Technicians / 93.29% / 45.65% / ($36,520)

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / 99.54% / 78.62% / ($36,440)

Stockers and Order Fillers / 99.71% / 85.41% / ($36,390)

Crossing Guards and Flaggers / 100.00% / 90.24% / ($36,370)

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / 98.70% / 95.45% / ($36,300)

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / 82.36% / 65.27% / ($36,230)

Pharmacy Aides / 100.00% / 79.83% / ($36,200)

Barbers / 97.06% / 74.52% / ($36,150)

Gambling Cage Workers / 100.00% / 57.48% / ($36,110)

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / 100.00% / 98.78% / ($36,020)

Receptionists and Information Clerks / 100.00% / 47.01% / ($35,840)

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / 80.95% / 57.14% / ($35,820)

Tire Repairers and Changers / 97.60% / 80.02% / ($35,790)

Cooks, Restaurant / 99.99% / 83.35% / ($35,780)

Passenger Attendants / 100.01% / 76.63% / ($35,620)

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / 94.81% / 66.47% / ($35,620)

Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 99.60% / ($35,530)

Driver/Sales Workers / 100.00% / 91.91% / ($35,420)

Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 93.56% / ($35,340)

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / 93.22% / 64.36% / ($35,320)

Motion Picture Projectionists / 89.90% / 90.17% / ($35,160)

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / 99.77% / 54.31% / ($35,120)

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 75.92% / 78.11% / ($35,020)

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists / 100.00% / 60.71% / ($34,970)

Bakers / 100.00% / 78.42% / ($34,950)

Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / 100.00% / 95.83% / ($34,910)

Baggage Porters and Bellhops / 100.01% / 80.60% / ($34,840)

Packers and Packagers, Hand / 100.00% / 99.39% / ($34,830)

Floral Designers / 92.09% / 49.74% / ($34,690)

Telemarketers / 100.00% / 78.19% / ($34,480)

Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / 75.14% / 71.76% / ($34,470)

Sewing Machine Operators / 99.99% / 58.36% / ($34,440)

Recreation Workers / 37.90% / 40.14% / ($34,410)

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / 100.00% / 87.28% / ($34,360)

Manicurists and Pedicurists / 100.00% / 83.60% / ($34,250)

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / 99.99% / 82.18% / ($34,150)

Cooks, Short Order / 100.01% / 81.36% / ($34,130)

Library Assistants, Clerical / 95.43% / 72.18% / ($34,020)

Forest and Conservation Workers / 57.20% / 41.32% / ($33,940)

Funeral Attendants / 88.97% / 69.50% / ($33,850)

Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / 100.00% / 62.92% / ($33,820)

Retail Salespersons / 96.00% / 75.39% / ($33,680)

Physical Therapist Aides / 81.30% / 72.78% / ($33,520)

Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / 100.01% / 94.39% / ($33,450)

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 89.15% / 79.59% / ($33,450)

Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / 100.00% / 84.76% / ($33,230)

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / 87.18% / 78.54% / ($33,110)

Parking Attendants / 99.04% / 97.27% / ($32,840)

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians / 99.99% / 95.80% / ($32,580)

Food Preparation Workers / 95.85% / 88.15% / ($32,420)

Gambling Dealers / 100.00% / 62.42% / ($32,240)

Sewers, Hand / 99.48% / 60.39% / ($32,240)

Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / 85.85% / 36.62% / ($32,240)

Waiters and Waitresses / 100.00% / 98.56% / ($31,940)

Bartenders / 98.88% / 57.35% / ($31,510)

Dishwashers / 100.00% / 100.00% / ($31,200)

Animal Caretakers / 86.63% / 65.83% / ($31,200)

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / 100.00% / 93.53% / ($31,180)

Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers / 100.00% / 95.07% / ($31,050)

Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / 95.41% / 84.96% / ($30,790)

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / 98.78% / 76.80% / ($30,380)

Childcare Workers / 91.29% / 49.53% / ($30,370)

Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers / 98.34% / 88.28% / ($29,780)

Cashiers / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($29,720)

Fast Food and Counter Workers / 99.96% / 80.65% / ($29,540)

Baristas / 94.53% / 100.00% / ($29,540)

Shampooers / 100.00% / 93.40% / ($29,530)

Amusement and Recreation Attendants / 98.57% / 94.63% / ($29,390)

Cooks, Fast Food / 100.00% / 95.58% / ($29,260)

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / 86.88% / 85.05% / ($29,220)

Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / 100.01% / 72.38% / ($29,170)

Dancers / 100.01% / 62.06% / (Salary Not Available)

Actors / 65.47% / 62.11% / (Salary Not Available)

Musicians and Singers / 40.26% / 34.04% / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Video Game Designers.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Video Game Designers" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.

Video Game Designers

Description: Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Video Game Designers":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Keep abreast of game design technology and techniques, industry trends, or audience interests, reactions, and needs by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Guide design discussions between development teams.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.
Importance: 90 (%)	Description: Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision.
Importance: 90 (%)	Description: Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers.
Importance: 90 (%)	Description: Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.
Importance: 80 (%)	Description: Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software.

Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 98 (%)	Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 97 (%)	Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 94 (%)	Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 86 (%)	Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 81 (%)	Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 79 (%)	Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 76 (%)	Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 75 (%)	Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 74 (%)	Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 73 (%)	Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 72 (%)	Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 72 (%)	Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 72 (%)	Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 67 (%)	Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 62 (%)	Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Analyze market or customer related data.
Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
Communicate project information to others.
Design video game features or details.
Develop testing routines or procedures.
Document design or development procedures.
Manage documentation to ensure organization or accuracy.
Manage information technology projects or system activities.
Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information.
Supervise information technology personnel.
Test software performance.
Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.

Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 83 (%)	Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 81 (%)	Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 68 (%)	Description: Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Importance: 65 (%)	Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 65 (%)	Description: Psychology: Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance) These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 62 (%)	Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 62 (%)	Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 58 (%)	Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance) These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Importance: 60 (%)	Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 60 (%)	Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 56 (%)	Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Importance: 56 (%)	Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?

Activity: Analyze market or industry conditions.

Activity: Communicate with others about specifications or project details.

Activity: Coordinate regulatory compliance activities.

Activity: Create visual designs or displays.

Activity: Design computer or information systems or applications.

Activity: Develop operational or technical procedures or standards.

Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities.

Activity: Document technical designs, procedures, or activities.

Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.

Activity: Supervise personnel activities.

Activity: Test performance of computer or information systems.

Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?

High-Priority Tech Skills

Graphics or photo imaging software:

Adobe Photoshop

Object or component oriented development software:

C#
C++
Python

Widely Used Tech Skills

Development environment software:

Unity Technologies Unity
Unreal Technology Unreal Engine

Graphics or photo imaging software:

Autodesk Maya

Emerging Tech Skills

Data base management system software:

MySQL

Data base user interface and query software:

Microsoft SQL Server
Structured query language SQL

Development environment software:

C
Microsoft Visual Studio

Electronic mail software:

Microsoft Outlook

Enterprise application integration software:

Extensible markup language XML

File versioning software:

Git

Graphics or photo imaging software:

Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator

Object or component oriented development software:

Oracle Java
Perl
TypeScript

Office suite software:

Microsoft Office software

Operating system software:

Linux
Microsoft Windows

Presentation software:

Microsoft PowerPoint

Process mapping and design software:

Microsoft Visio

Project management software:

Atlassian JIRA
Microsoft Project

Spreadsheet software:

Microsoft Excel

Video creation and editing software:

Adobe After Effects

Web platform development software:

Hypertext markup language HTML
JavaScript
PHP

Word processing software:

Microsoft Word

General Software Tools

Analytical or scientific software:

Virtual Battlespace 2 VBS2

Configuration management software:

Perforce Helix software

Data base user interface and query software:

Blackboard software

Development environment software (scroll table below):

Adobe ActionScript

Autodesk Scaleform

C for Graphics cg

Microsoft High Level Shader Language HLSL

Scheme

Simple DirectMedia Layer SDL

Device drivers or system software:

Microsoft DirectX

Graphical user interface development software:

Graphical user interface GUI design software
Microsoft Expression Blend

Graphics or photo imaging software:

3D graphic design software
Balsamiq Studios Balsamiq Mockups
OpenGL

Metadata management software:

Perforce software

Object or component oriented development software:

Advanced business application programming ABAP
Lua
Objective C

Operating system software:

Job control language JCL

Video creation and editing software:

Autodesk 3ds Max
Sound development software
Vulkan Graphics API

Web platform development software:

Ruby on Rails

Preparation Required

Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.

Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 55.0 (%)	Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 15.0 (%)	Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 10.0 (%)	Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Frequency of Attainment: 10.0 (%)	Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 10.0 (%)	Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)

Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 30.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 25.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 20.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 10.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 10.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 5.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years

Local Salary Information

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Please select a State to see State and National Salaries

Certifications

Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?

Avid Certified User: Pro Tools for Game Audio

Job Listings

Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings

Video Game Designers

Computer Game Designer

Computer Video Game Designer

Designer

Game Design Consultant

Game Designer

Game Developer

Game Engineer

Game Master

Game Tester

Gamemaster

Gameplay Engineer

Interactive Multimedia Designer

Three Dimensional Artist (3D Artist)

Video Content Creator

Related Careers to Consider

Related Careers to Consider This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Video Game Designers" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Web and Digital Interface Designers
2 - Special Effects Artists and Animators
3 - Graphic Designers
4 - Web Developers
5 - Computer Programmers
6 - Film and Video Editors
7 - Software Developers
8 - Producers and Directors
9 - Computer Hardware Engineers
10 - Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
11 - Art Directors
12 - Desktop Publishers
13 - Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
14 - Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
15 - Commercial and Industrial Designers
16 - Web Administrators
17 - Set and Exhibit Designers
18 - Search Marketing Strategists
19 - Audio and Video Technicians
20 - Computer and Information Research Scientists

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Video Game Designers". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.

Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.

Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.

Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.

Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.

Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Video Game Designers". Use these links to find a job.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Video Game Designers". Use these links to find a job.

Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.

Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Video Game Designers

Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...

LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.

Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Video Game Designers" occupation.