| View Related Salaries: |
What does a Games Programmer earn?
On average, games programmers earn around £51,100 per year in the UK. Games programmers develop, design and debug software to produce games for computers, consoles and mobile devices. They create code, graphics, sound and other elements to create successful games from beginning to end. They often collaborate with other members of the development team, as well as with game designers and sound engineers, to deliver a complete product.
How to earn more as a Games Programmer
To become a games programmer, you will need a degree in computer programming, coding or software engineering. Alternatively, you could become a games programmer through a degree apprenticeship scheme. To earn more, you could focus on a specialist field, such as mobile games, artificial intelligence or computer graphics. You could also move into a leadership role or become self-employed. Games programmers with the most experience and highest technical skills can easily earn over £100,000 per annum.
Min: £18,897.00 Max: £100,000.00
Average Games Programmer Salary in UK : £51,075.25
Read about Games Programmer salaries, related jobs and salary information across the UK
Games Programmer Salary data from the ONS
Minimum
Median
Maximum
Age Group
Recommended Games Programmer Jobs in UK
Average Salary for Games Programmer compared to similar jobs
Related Jobs
View salaries for similar jobs.
| Job Title | UK Average |
|---|---|
| Oracle Programmer Salary in UK | £33,265.29 |
| CNC Tool Programmer Salary in UK | £34,197.28 |
| Computer Programmer Salary in UK | £38,987.71 |
| Database Programmer Salary in UK | £42,004.05 |
| CRM Programmer Salary in UK | £46,296.46 |
| Excel VBA Programmer Salary in UK | £47,169.87 |
| Dynamics Programmer Salary in UK | £49,406.18 |
| SQL Programmer Salary in UK | £49,770.83 |
| SAS Programmer Salary in UK | £50,696.58 |
| .NET Programmer Salary in UK | £54,062.67 |
| Cognos Programmer Salary in UK | £62,141.67 |
| Java Programmer Salary in UK | £63,506.75 |
| Python Programmer Salary in UK | £71,270.31 |
| C++ Programmer Salary in UK | £73,716.26 |
Salary by Region
Compare Games Programmer salaries across different regions
| Region | Salary |
|---|---|
| Scotland | £76,333.24 |
| Wales | £45,863.64 |
| East Midlands | £49,516.13 |
| Eastern | £69,027.27 |
| London | £47,406.63 |
| North East | £60,500.33 |
| North West | £50,362.31 |
| South East | £58,445.33 |
| South West | £31,358.25 |
| West Midlands | £36,937.50 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £63,716.89 |
Annual Job Ads by Region
Understanding the Average Games Programmer Salary in the UK
As a Games Programmer in the UK, it's important to have a clear understanding of the average salary in the industry. According to average Information Technology (IT) salaries, the average salary for a Games Programmer in the UK is £51,100 per year. This figure can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the size of the company you work for.
Salary Expectations for Newly Qualified Games Programmer
If you're a newly qualified Games Programmer, you may be wondering what salary you can expect. It's worth noting that entry-level positions in the gaming industry tend to have lower salaries compared to more experienced roles. However, as you gain experience and prove your skills, your salary can increase significantly. To find job opportunities and get an idea of the salary range for entry-level Games Programmer positions, you can check out the job search websites.
Salaries for Experienced Games Programmer
Experienced Games Programmers in the UK can earn a higher salary compared to their entry-level counterparts. With several years of experience under your belt, you can expect to earn between £18,900 and £100,000 per year. The exact salary will depend on factors such as your expertise, the company you work for, and the projects you're involved in.
Creating a Games Programmer CV
When applying for a Games Programmer position, having a well-crafted CV is essential. It's important to highlight your technical skills, programming languages you're proficient in, and any relevant experience you have in the gaming industry. To make the process easier, you can use a CV template specifically designed for Games Programmers. This will help you showcase your skills and stand out from other applicants.
Career Development Opportunities for Games Programmer
As a Games Programmer, there are various career development opportunities available to you. You can specialize in a specific area of game development, such as graphics programming or artificial intelligence. Additionally, you can aim for higher-level positions, such as Lead Programmer or Technical Director. To explore different career paths and get valuable career advice, it's recommended to network with professionals in the industry and stay updated on the latest trends and technologies.
Comprehensive Compensation for Games Programmer
Aside from the base salary, Games Programmers in the UK may receive additional compensation. This can include bonuses, profit-sharing, and stock options, depending on the company's policies. It's important to consider the comprehensive compensation package when evaluating job offers, as it can significantly impact your overall earnings and job satisfaction.
Strategies for Increasing Your Salary as a Games Programmer
If you're looking to increase your salary as a Games Programmer, there are several strategies you can employ. Continuously improving your skills and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, taking on challenging projects and demonstrating your ability to deliver high-quality work can lead to promotions and salary advancements. It's also worth considering negotiating your salary during job interviews or performance reviews to ensure you're being fairly compensated for your skills and contributions.
Professional Development and Earnings
Investing in your professional development can have a direct impact on your earnings as a Games Programmer. Attending industry conferences, participating in workshops, and obtaining relevant certifications can enhance your skills and make you more marketable. Employers often value continuous learning and professional growth, which can lead to salary increases and career advancement opportunities.
Capitalising on Extra Hours and Duties
As a Games Programmer, there may be times when you're required to work extra hours or take on additional duties to meet project deadlines. While this can be demanding, it's important to recognize that these efforts can be financially rewarding. Many companies offer overtime pay or bonuses for working beyond regular hours. By capitalizing on these opportunities, you can increase your earnings and demonstrate your dedication to your work.
