GraduateSmart
GraduateSmart
Design and develop video games for consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. Research and build the underlying software, applying computer science and engineering. May work with hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software and set performance requirements.
$79,850
Lower reported wage
—
Not available in our data
$211,450
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.

Build a personalized Roadmap Plan with CLEP savings and school matches.
Create free account →BLS describes software developers broadly; game development is a specialty with portfolio-driven hiring. [1]
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
About license data coverageExam is FREE with Modern States
Sign up free at modernstates.org, complete the course, and receive a voucher that covers the full $97 exam fee.
modernstates.orgCLEP Information Systems
3 credits · Technology & Computer Science
$1,703
saved
CLEP Calculus
4 credits · Mathematics
$2,303
saved
CLEP College Algebra
3 credits · Mathematics
$1,703
saved
CLEP College Mathematics
3 credits · Mathematics
$1,703
saved
U.S. career guide. Program, employer, and state requirements can differ.
No Video Game Developer SOC. Programmer-side → 15-1252; Art-side → 27-1014. Game industry pay generally lower than FAANG.
Annual median review, October 27, 2026: The stored BLS occupation includes a broader population than this specialty, title, or credential. No separate annual median for this role has been verified in the reviewed source, so the broader occupation median is not presented as its own. Sources: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oes_stru.htm . Existing employment and projection figures were not refreshed.
Illustration: AI-generated image · Illustrative scene
Ask whether any internship, field placement, or supervised training in your chosen route is paid; arrangements vary. [1]
Compare tuition after aid, required supplies and exams, travel, and any unpaid training time for the route you choose.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
A related creative route; add substantial programming and finished games for developer roles. [1]
Write and test code for gameplay, tools, and interactive systems. [1]
Developers work with artists, designers, and testers in game studios. [1]
Usually full time; milestones may create deadline pressure. [1]
Performance limits, changing designs, and repeated playtesting require persistence. [1]
Experience may lead to engine, gameplay, or technical-lead specialties. [1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.