CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Game Designer Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$180,262/yr
Typical range: $186,911 – $241,289
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Game Designer salary by experience level in New York
Game Designer Salary Progression in New York
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 | $87,315 | $7,276 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $112,664 | $9,389 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $131,441 | $10,953 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $148,716 | $12,393 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $180,262 | $15,022 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $205,048 | $17,087 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $211,245 | $17,604 | +142% |
Current Salary
$180,262
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $87/hr
Next Level Target
$205,048
Principal · 14
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
48/100
Below Average
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Game Designer salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Game Designers in New York, NY earn approximately $180K 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 New York, NY?
Based on $180K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $87/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Game Designer in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Game Designer in New York, NY earns $187K–$241K/yr.