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- Programmers, online games salary
Programmers, online games salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
47 000 - 62 300 SEK / month
Women earn 91% of what men do.
Data/IT
Related tools
Salary progression Programmers, online games
What does a programmer in online games do? – Tasks and work environment
A programmer in online games is responsible for developing and maintaining software for digital games played over the internet. Tasks include coding, debugging, optimizing game performance, and collaborating with designers and other developers to create engaging gaming experiences. The environment is often office-based with a high pace and demands for precision and creative problem-solving. The programmer usually works in teams and uses various programming languages and tools tailored for game development.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for a programmer in online games has shown a positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 46,500 SEK per month, which increased to 55 800 SEK in 2023. The latest figure from 2024 shows a continued rise to 55 300 SEK, representing a total salary increase of about 20% since 2022. This trend can be explained by increased demand for specialized developers in the gaming industry, where technical skills and experience have become increasingly valuable. Market growth and digitalization also contribute to driving up salaries in this sector. The relatively strong salary growth reflects the high competition for qualified programmers.
Programmers in online games often need both technical skills and a creative flair to contribute to innovative gaming experiences that engage users worldwide.
Programmer, online games salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 55 300 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 43,600 SEK (female with post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
- 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 differences: Women earn on average 51 600 SEK, which is 91% of men's salary (56 400 SEK)
- Regional differences: Data not available, but salary differences may occur depending on location and sector.
Education and qualifications
To become a programmer in online games, a technical education in computer science or similar fields is usually required. Combining formal education with practical experience is often crucial for success. Many supplement their education with specialized courses in game development and programming languages common in the industry.
- Formal degrees: University or college education in computer science or game development, typically 3 years or more
- Certifications/courses: Courses in programming languages such as C++, C#, JavaScript, and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine
- Internships/trainee programs: Practical experience through internships or trainee programs within the gaming industry
- Prerequisites: Basic programming skills and understanding of software development
- Self-study/online: Many use online courses and tutorials to stay updated with new techniques
- Tips for choosing: Select programs with a focus on game development and collaborate on projects to build a portfolio
Common benefits and compensation
Programmers in online games are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Many employers also provide professional development and training to keep staff updated with the latest technology. Bonuses and performance-based compensation are also common in some companies, especially larger game development firms.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a programmer in online games is characterized by high competition, especially among recent graduates. Demands for technical skills, creativity, and teamwork are high. Rapid technological development and changing gaming trends mean continuous learning is necessary to stay relevant. Additionally, workloads can be intense during project phases with tight deadlines.
Tips for aspiring programmers in online games
To succeed as a programmer in online games, it is beneficial to develop strong technical skills and be creative in problem-solving. Curiosity and willingness to learn new programming languages and tools are essential in a rapidly changing industry. Collaboration skills are also important since projects often require close teamwork with designers and other developers. Building a portfolio of own game projects or contributions to open source can showcase practical skills. Patience and perseverance are also needed, as development cycles can be long and complex.
Key facts about programmers in online games
- Education level: Post-secondary education, usually 3 years or more
- Salary range: 43,600–59,200 SEK/month
- Work environment: Office-based with a high pace and teamwork
- Hourly wage: About 336 SEK
- Gender salary gap: Women earn 91% of men's average salary
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, a programmer in online games can advance to senior developer, project manager, or specialize in areas such as graphics programming or networked games. Data from the Employment Service shows limited data for an exact assessment of the recruitment situation in this specialization, but within the broader group of developers in games and digital media, there are about 179 available jobs. The industry is expected to continue growing as digital games become an increasingly larger part of the entertainment market, creating good future prospects for the profession.
Frequently asked questions about programmers in online games
- What does a programmer in online games earn?
- The average salary is approximately 55 300 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and education. - What education is required to become a programmer in online games?
- Usually, a post-secondary education in computer science or game development, often 3 years or more. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn on average 91% of what men earn in the profession. - What is the work environment like for a programmer in online games?
- The work environment is usually office-based with a high pace and teamwork. - What opportunities are there for career development?
- Opportunities include advancing to senior developer, project manager, or specializing in various technical areas. - How has the salary developed in recent years?
- Salaries have increased by about 20% from 2022 to 2024. - Is it difficult to get a job as a programmer in online games?
- Competition is fierce, but good opportunities exist due to industry growth and demand for qualified personnel.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 49000 kr | 49200 kr |
| 35-44 | 87% | 60000 kr | 60400 kr |
| 45-54 | 66200 kr | 66800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 58700 kr | 59300 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 55000 kr | 55300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37100 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 42800 kr | 44000 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 47600 kr | 48900 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 51600 kr | 52200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 50900 kr | 51600 kr |
| 65-68 | 48200 kr | 48200 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 48100 kr | 49100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37100 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 42800 kr | 44000 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 47600 kr | 48900 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 51600 kr | 52200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 50900 kr | 51600 kr |
| 65-68 | 48200 kr | 48200 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 48100 kr | 49100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 49400 kr | 49600 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 61100 kr | 61500 kr |
| 45-54 | 70200 kr | 70700 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 55800 kr | 56100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 49400 kr | 49600 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 61100 kr | 61500 kr |
| 45-54 | 70200 kr | 70700 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 55800 kr | 56100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 49400 kr | 49600 kr |
| 35-44 | 87% | 61700 kr | 62200 kr |
| 45-54 | 67100 kr | 67800 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 56000 kr | 56400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37900 kr | 39900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 43000 kr | 44200 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 47700 kr | 49200 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 51400 kr | 52200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 50800 kr | 51600 kr |
| 65-68 | 48200 kr | 48200 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 48000 kr | 49200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37900 kr | 39900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 43000 kr | 44200 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 47700 kr | 49200 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 51400 kr | 52200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 50800 kr | 51600 kr |
| 65-68 | 48200 kr | 48200 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 48000 kr | 49200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 49800 kr | 50000 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 63100 kr | 63500 kr |
| 45-54 | 70800 kr | 71400 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 57000 kr | 57400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 49800 kr | 50000 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 63100 kr | 63500 kr |
| 45-54 | 70800 kr | 71400 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 57000 kr | 57400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 47900 kr | 48200 kr |
| 35-44 | 87% | 54000 kr | 54100 kr |
| Snitt | 91% | 51300 kr | 51600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 42300 kr | 43500 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 47100 kr | 47700 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 52200 kr | 52200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 51500 kr | 51500 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 48500 kr | 48900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 42300 kr | 43500 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 47100 kr | 47700 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 52200 kr | 52200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 51500 kr | 51500 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 48500 kr | 48900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 48100 kr | 48500 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 54500 kr | 54600 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 51700 kr | 51900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 48100 kr | 48500 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 54500 kr | 54600 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 51700 kr | 51900 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, online 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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