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Digital Game Designer Salary in California

How much does a Digital Game Designer make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Digital Game Designer in California is $84,777 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.

However, a Digital Game Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $100,827
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $77,431 to $93,178
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $70,742
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Digital Game Designer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Digital Game Designer Salaries

A Digital Game Designer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Digital Game Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Digital Game Designer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $83,027
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $93,325
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $128,690
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $148,523
  • Expert (over 8 years): $169,287
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Digital Game Designer less than 1 year $83,027
CAE Designer II 1-2 years $93,325
CAE Designer III 2-4 years $128,690
CAE Designer IV 5-8 years $148,523
CAE Designer V over 8 years $169,287

How Do Digital Game Designer Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Digital Game Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $85,100.
  • California: $84,777.
  • Massachusetts: $83,648.

Top Paying Cities for Digital Game Designer

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $84,923
  • West Hollywood: $84,862
  • Dodgertown: $84,923

Digital Game Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Digital Game Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 97% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Digital Game Designer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Digital Game Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Digital Game Designer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $110,211 $53.0 30%
Financial Services $105,972 $51.0 25%
Software & Networking $103,429 $50.0 22%
Biotechnology $101,733 $49.0 20%
Internet $100,037 $48.0 18%

Digital Game Designer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Digital Game Designer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$77,431
Average $84,777/year
$93,178
$6,453
Average $7,065/month
$7,765
$1,489
Average $1,630/week
$1,792
$37
Average $41/hour
$45
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $93,178 $7,765 $1,792 $45
Average $84,777 $7,065 $1,630 $41
25th Percentile $77,431 $6,453 $1,489 $37

Find Your Next Digital Game Designer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Digital Game Designer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Aquasure | Rancho Cucamonga, CA

    Senior Digital Graphic Designer

    Aquasure | Rancho Cucamonga, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. ABOUT AQUASURE. If you have talent and a dream, Aquasure is the place to be. At Aquasure, we believe in the essential imp... more

    4 Days Ago

  • 24 Seven | Torrance, CA

    Senior Digital Designer

    24 Seven | Torrance, CA

    A leading design firm is seeking an experienced UI / UX Designer for a remote freelance position in California.You will create digital assets and collabora... more

    2 Days Ago

  • AlphaGraphics - US760 | Oceanside, CA

    Graphic Designer Digital Print Operator CSR

    AlphaGraphics - US760 | Oceanside, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Competitive salary. Health insurance. Paid time off. Graphic Designer / CSR / Digital Production (Oceanside & V... more

    1 Day Ago

  • thatgamecompany | Los Angeles, CA

    Technical Game Designer&amp Prototyper

    thatgamecompany | Los Angeles, CA

    A creative gaming studio is seeking a Technical Game Designer to enhance core gameplay and technical systems.This role involves collaboration across engine... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Advanced Ground Systems Engineering LLC | Santa Fe Springs, CA

    Senior CAD Designer

    Advanced Ground Systems Engineering LLC | Santa Fe Springs, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description.  . About AGSE. AGSE designs and manufactures aircraft engine transportation, maintenance, and ground support... more

    2 Days Ago

  • IntelliPro Group Inc. | El Segundo, CA

    Designer II

    IntelliPro Group Inc. | El Segundo, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Position Title: Designer (Web, Packaging, Graphic, Digital) II. Location: El Segundo, CA (Hybrid). Contract: 3 Months + P... more

    4 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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