Game Development Fundamentals

Median Annual Income

$99,700

Projected Job Growth

-10 %

Career Cluster(s)

Digital Technology

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Median Annual Income

$132,270

Projected Job Growth

+18 %

Career Cluster(s)

Digital Technology

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Median Annual Income

$84,960

Projected Job Growth

+9 %

Career Cluster(s)

Digital Technology

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

Median Annual Income

$98,540

Projected Job Growth

+8 %

Career Cluster(s)

Digital Technology

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

Median Annual Income

$104,920

Projected Job Growth

+11 %

Career Cluster(s)

Public Service & Safety

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

Median Annual Income

$138,080

Projected Job Growth

+7 %

Career Cluster(s)

Digital Technology

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Median Annual Income

$99,060

Projected Job Growth

+4 %

Career Cluster(s)

Arts, Entertainment, & Design

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

Median Annual Income

$58,910

Projected Job Growth

+3 %

Career Cluster(s)

Arts, Entertainment, & Design

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Median Annual Income

$82,510

Projected Job Growth

+8 %

Career Cluster(s)

Arts, Entertainment, & Design

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

Median Annual Income

$66,600

Projected Job Growth

+5 %

Career Cluster(s)

Arts, Entertainment, & Design

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.