CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Game Designer Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$126,030/yr
Typical range: $130,679 – $168,696
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Game Designer salary by experience level in Dallas
Game Designer Salary Progression in Dallas
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $61,046 | $5,087 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $78,769 | $6,564 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $91,897 | $7,658 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $103,975 | $8,665 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $126,030 | $10,503 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $143,359 | $11,947 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $147,692 | $12,308 | +142% |
Current Salary
$126,030
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $61/hr
Next Level Target
$143,359
Principal · 14
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
48/100
Below Average
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Game Designer salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Game Designers in Dallas, TX earn approximately $126K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Game Designer make per hour in Dallas, TX?
Based on $126K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $61/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Game Designer in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Game Designer in Dallas, TX earns $131K–$169K/yr.