How Much Does a Lead Game Designer Make?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Lead Game Designer in the United States is $151,029. While Salary.com is seeing that Lead Game Designer salary in the US can go up to $183,409 or down to $110,627, but most earn between $129,881 and $167,978. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $129,881 10% $110,627 90% $183,409 75% $167,978 $151,029 50%(Median)
Related Job Titles to Lead Game Designer
Lead Video Game Designer
$114,104
US
Per Year
Junior Game Designer
$76,404
US
Per Year
Senior Game Designer
$84,167
US
Per Year
Associate Game Designer
$69,935
US
Per Year
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Similar Job Salaries to Lead Game Designer by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
WB Games / Avalanche
Lead Designer, Game Systems
$93,842/yr
$85,318
$102,365
RANGE: $85,318 - $102,365
Snail Games
Lead Game Designer
$103,198/yr
$90,930
$115,466
RANGE: $90,930 - $115,466
Disney Experiences
Lead Game Designer, Creative Development
$99,471/yr
$90,671
$108,271
RANGE: $90,671 - $108,271
RemoteWorker CA
Lead Game Designer, Creative Development
$86,720/yr
$77,856
$95,583
RANGE: $77,856 - $95,583
The Walt Disney Company
Lead Game Designer, Creative Development
$95,915/yr
$86,933
$104,898
RANGE: $86,933 - $104,898
Scopely
Lead Game Designer - Monopoly GO!
$129,484/yr
$118,136
$140,832
RANGE: $118,136 - $140,832
VirtualVocations
Game Designer
$60,857/yr
$54,074
$67,641
RANGE: $54,074 - $67,641

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What Does a Lead Game Designer Do?

A game will undergo millions of changes throughout its making, and game designers are required to constantly recheck and recode thousands of lines of code.
Updated December 22, 2021
Able to drive and follow-up on prototyping  (both digital and paper based) with other game designers and programmers.
Updated December 15, 2021
An example of why this skill is important is shown by this snippet that we found in a lead game designer resume: "graphic designers must be able to perceive their work from their consumers’ point of view to ensure that the designs convey the client’s message." We also found this.
Updated December 12, 2021
A proposal is drafted by a team of game designers, who address important details such as target audience, requirements, deadlines, and budgets.
Updated December 09, 2021
In this career, you work closely with graphic designers, programmers, and other production teams to come up with a concise plan for designing the game.
Updated November 30, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Lead Game Designer Salaries

What is the average of a Lead Game Designer in the United States?

The Lead Game Designer salary range is from $129,881 to $167,978, and the average Lead Game Designer salary is $151,029/year in the United States. The Lead Game Designer's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Lead Game Designer salary in the United States?

The Lead Game Designer salary in San Jose, CA is $190,493 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Lead Game Designer's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Lead Game Designer.

What is the growth rate of the Lead Game Designer's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Lead Game Designer or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Lead Game Designer.

Recent Salary Report

Below are the most recent Lead Game Designer salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.

$170,380 Yearly
A Lead Game Designer in Elyria, OH reported making $170,380 per year
Elyria, OH
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$79 Hourly
A Lead Game Designer in Dubuque, IA reported making $79 per hour
Dubuque, IA
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$76 Hourly
A Lead Game Designer in Shreveport, LA reported making $76 per hour
Shreveport, LA
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$148,973 Yearly
A Lead Game Designer in Lawrence, MA reported making $148,973 per year
Lawrence, MA
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$126,944 Yearly
A Lead Game Designer in Chesapeake, VA reported making $126,944 per year
Chesapeake, VA
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$14,821 Monthly
A Lead Game Designer in Caldwell, ID reported making $14,821 per month
Caldwell, ID
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public