- Salary statistics
- Programmers, console games
Programmers, console games
43 600 - 59 200 kr / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Data/IT
Salary progression Programmers, console games
What does a console game programmer do? – tasks and work environment
A console game programmer primarily works on developing, testing, and optimizing game software for various gaming consoles. Tasks include coding in different programming languages, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with game designers and graphic artists to ensure a smooth gaming experience. The work environment is often office-based with a high technical focus and can involve both independent work and team collaboration in agile development settings. Project management, version control, and documentation are also important parts of the role.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salaries for console game programmers have shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 46,500 SEK per month, increasing to 54 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 55 800 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of about 20% over the period, indicating a strong demand for skills in game development. This development can be explained by a growing gaming market and increased investments in console games, creating a need for specialized programmers. Rising technical requirements and continuous development of gaming platforms also drive salary growth.
Console game programmers often need to combine technical expertise with creative problem-solving, as game development requires both coding precision and innovation to create engaging user experiences.
Console game programmer salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 55 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 43,600 SEK (female with shorter post-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 59,200 SEK (male with post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
- Hourly wage: 336 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender pay gap: Women earn on average 53 100 SEK, which is 94% of men's salary at 56 600 SEK
- Regional differences: Data on regional differences is lacking, but the profession is common in larger cities with a game industry
Education and qualifications
The educational path for console game programmers usually involves post-secondary studies in computer science, game development, or similar technical fields. Practical experience through projects and internships is highly valuable for building competence. Certifications in programming languages and game-specific tools can also strengthen the professional profile.
- Formal degrees: University or college education in computer science, game programming, or software development (3 years or more)
- Certifications/courses: Specialized courses in game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine
- Internships/traineeships: Practical experience in game development companies is recommended
- Prerequisites: Good knowledge of programming languages such as C++ and C#
- Self-study/online: Online courses and tutorials in game programming can complement formal education
- Tips for choosing: Select programs with project-based learning and opportunities for teamwork
Common benefits and compensations
Console game programmers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible hours, and remote work options. Many employers also offer stock options or bonuses linked to project success. Company culture focusing on creativity and innovation is common in the industry.
Competition and challenges
The profession is characterized by a competitive job market where technical competence and up-to-date knowledge are crucial. Challenges include rapid technological changes and the need for continuous skill development. The work can involve high tempo and tight deadlines, requiring good stress resilience and problem-solving skills. At the same time, career advancement and specialization opportunities are significant.
Tips for aspiring console game programmers
To succeed as a console game programmer, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and an interest in both technology and games. Precision is important for writing error-free code, while creativity facilitates problem-solving and innovation. Building practical experience through projects and teamwork is recommended, as communication skills are vital in the development process. Staying updated with new technologies and programming languages is also key to success. Finally, patience and perseverance are important traits for handling complex technical challenges over time.
Key facts about console game programmers
- Education level: Post-secondary education of 3 years or more
- Salary range: 43,600–59,200 SEK/month
- Work environment: Office-based with a high technical focus
- Hourly wage: Approximately 336 SEK
- Gender pay distribution: Women earn about 94% of men's salaries
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, console game programmers can advance to roles such as senior programmer, technical lead, or specialized developer in graphics or artificial intelligence. Opportunities also exist to move into project management or game design. The Swedish Employment Agency's data shows about 179 job openings in the broader category "Developers in games and digital media." Due to limited data, no precise assessment of the recruitment situation is made. Generally, demand for skills in game development is considered stable.
Frequently asked questions about console game programmers
- What is the average salary of a console game programmer?
- The average salary is approximately 55 800 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a console game programmer?
- Typically, a post-secondary education in computer science or game development, often 3 years or more. - Is there a large pay gap between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 94% of men's salaries within the profession. - What is the work environment like for console game programmers?
- The work environment is office-based with a focus on collaboration and technical development. - What personal qualities are important in this profession?
- Accuracy, creativity, analytical ability, and good communication skills are important qualities. - How has the salary developed over recent years?
- Salaries have increased by about 20% from 2022 to 2024. - What career opportunities are available after a few years?
- Opportunities include senior roles, technical leadership, or specialization.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 105% | 49500 kr | 50200 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 58500 kr | 59600 kr |
| 45-54 | 64500 kr | 65500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 59300 kr | 60000 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 54900 kr | 55800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37400 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 97% | 42200 kr | 43200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 46600 kr | 47300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50200 kr | 50500 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 49400 kr | 49900 kr |
| 65-68 | 44500 kr | 44600 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 47100 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37400 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 97% | 42200 kr | 43200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 46600 kr | 47300 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50200 kr | 50500 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 49400 kr | 49900 kr |
| 65-68 | 44500 kr | 44600 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 47100 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 105% | 49900 kr | 50500 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 59500 kr | 60700 kr |
| 45-54 | 68000 kr | 69100 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 55800 kr | 56700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 105% | 49900 kr | 50500 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 59500 kr | 60700 kr |
| 45-54 | 68000 kr | 69100 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 55800 kr | 56700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 105% | 48700 kr | 49400 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 59100 kr | 60300 kr |
| 45-54 | 65600 kr | 66600 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 55700 kr | 56600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 38900 kr | 40300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 97% | 42400 kr | 43500 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 46700 kr | 47400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50200 kr | 50600 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 48700 kr | 49500 kr |
| 65-68 | 44500 kr | 44600 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 47000 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 38900 kr | 40300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 97% | 42400 kr | 43500 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 46700 kr | 47400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50200 kr | 50600 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 48700 kr | 49500 kr |
| 65-68 | 44500 kr | 44600 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 47000 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 105% | 49000 kr | 49700 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 60200 kr | 61400 kr |
| 45-54 | 68800 kr | 70000 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 56600 kr | 57600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 105% | 49000 kr | 49700 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 60200 kr | 61400 kr |
| 45-54 | 68800 kr | 70000 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 56600 kr | 57600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 105% | 51300 kr | 51900 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 55500 kr | 56500 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 52500 kr | 53100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 41500 kr | 42400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 46200 kr | 46700 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50300 kr | 50300 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 51400 kr | 51400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 47300 kr | 47600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 41500 kr | 42400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 46200 kr | 46700 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50300 kr | 50300 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 51400 kr | 51400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 47300 kr | 47600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 105% | 51800 kr | 52400 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 56400 kr | 57400 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 53000 kr | 53700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 105% | 51800 kr | 52400 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 56400 kr | 57400 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 53000 kr | 53700 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Programmers, console games has the SSYK code 2513, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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