CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Game Designer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$67,248/yr
Typical range: $63,306 – $81,723
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Game Designer salary by experience level in Chicago
Game Designer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $67,248 | $5,604 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $86,771 | $7,231 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $101,233 | $8,436 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $114,538 | $9,545 | +70% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $138,834 | $11,570 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $157,924 | $13,160 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $162,696 | $13,558 | +142% |
Current Salary
$67,248
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $32/hr
Next Level Target
$86,771
Junior · 2
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
48/100
Below Average
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Game Designer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Game Designers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $67K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Game Designer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $67K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $32/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Game Designer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Game Designer in Chicago, IL earns $144K–$186K/yr.