Video game...

Game designers create the worlds inhabited by players of video, computer and online games. They weave memorable storyline with compelling characters who adventure through exotic environments in search of valuable treasures. The job typically requires years of game-play experience, among other factors. Their salaries vary by job location and educational background.

 Game designers average $48,281 per year in salary, according to the 2012 Annual Salary Survey compiled by Game Developer magazine. Their compensation put them in the middle of the gaming field where the highest wages went to business and legal people, at a mean $50,375 yearly, and quality assurance testers at $37,000. Game designers must combine the technical knowledge of a programmer with the artistic creativity of the storyteller. They must also have the communication skills to describe their ideas to programmers, artists and project managers.

 For many companies, the minimum educational requirement for game designers is a high-school diploma. This level of education boasts the highest salaries, averaging $79,500 per year. Larger companies may demand at least a bachelor’s degree, which offers mean annual pay of $73,703. Designers with master’s degrees average $90,870 yearly and those with some doctoral training receive $67,500 a year. More important than education is experience as evidenced by the designer’s portfolio. This collection of an individual’s best work shows off his creative abilities and should ideally consist of complete games. They may also show maps of game levels, character sketches and outlines of game stories.