How much does a Programmers, online games make

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  2. Programmers, online games
Image that illustrates Programmers, online games

Programmers, online games

55 800 kr

Developers in games and digital media

43 600 - 59 200 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Data/IT

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Programmers, online games

Average salary 55 800 kr
Males 56 600 kr
Females 53 100 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 16 Vacant jobs ->

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 54 500 SEK in 2023. The latest figure from 2024 shows a continued rise to 55 800 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.

– statsskuld.se

Programmer, online games salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 55 800 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 53 100 SEK, which is 94% of men's salary (56 600 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 94% 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 55 800 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 94% 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.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-04 04:35:11

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Programmers, online games is 59200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 58200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Programmers, online games is 43600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 47100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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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