Introduction
The video game industry is growing at a rapid pace, and with it comes the need for skilled professionals to ensure that the games we play are of high quality. One such profession is that of a video game tester. These individuals are responsible for finding and reporting on any bugs or issues within a game, as well as ensuring that the game meets the expectations of its intended audience. But what do video game testers make? In this article, we will explore the salaries of video game testers in 2019, and provide game developers with all the information they need to know.
The Salary Range for Video Game Testers
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a video game tester in the United States is around $56,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the size of the company. For example, a video game tester with 3-5 years of experience working for a large company in a major city may be able to command an average salary of $70,000 or more per year. On the other hand, a junior video game tester working for a smaller company in a less populated area may only earn an average salary of around $45,000 per year.
Salary Comparison with Other Game Development Professionals
To get a better understanding of how much video game testers make, it’s helpful to compare their salaries with those of other game development professionals. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a game designer in the United States is around $89,000 per year. This is significantly higher than the average salary for a video game tester. However, it’s important to note that the salary for a game designer can vary greatly depending on their level of experience and the size of the company they work for.
Salary Trends in the Video Game Industry
The salary of video game testers has been steadily increasing over the past few years as the demand for high-quality games continues to grow. In fact, a report by Payscale predicts that the salary for video game testers will continue to rise in the coming years, with an estimated increase of around 4% per year. This is due in part to the increasing competition among game development companies to attract and retain top talent.
Factors Affecting Salary for Video Game Testers
There are several factors that can affect the salary of a video game tester, including experience, location, company size, and the type of games they work on. For example, a video game tester who has worked on a blockbuster game with a large budget may be able to command a higher salary than someone who has only worked on smaller indie games. Additionally, video game testers working in major cities such as San Francisco or New York may be able to earn more due to the higher cost of living in these areas.
Case Study: The Salary of a Video Game Tester at a Major Company
To gain a better understanding of what a typical salary for a video game tester looks like, let’s take a look at an example. John is a video game tester who has been working at a major gaming company for the past 5 years. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and has worked on several high-profile games during his time at the company. According to John, he earns an average salary of $72,000 per year, which includes benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, video game testers can expect to make anywhere from around $45,000 to $80,000 or more per year depending on their level of experience, location, and the size of the company they work for. While this salary range may be lower than some other game development professions such as game designers, it’s important to note that the demand for high-quality games continues to grow, which is driving up salaries for video game testers.