by Jane Sandwood
Most people think of gaming as just a hobby, and they wonder how playing the latest PC games can provide a comfortable enough livelihood for those who want to make a career out of it. However, industry statistics show that revenue in the video games segment is expected to reach $175.1 billion in 2022, with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.17%, to reach $239.7 billion by 2026. It is estimated that there are about 180 million monthly gamers in the US this year, and this number is expected to grow with 4 million monthly gamers through 2023. If you are an avid gamer, you could turn your love for gaming into a successful career, doing what you love full-time and earning well from it.
Top Careers in Gaming
As of May 5, 2022, the average annual pay for those in the gaming industry is $50,847, or $24.45 an hour. This is three times more than the U.S. federally mandated minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The top five careers in gaming pay from $37.73 to $41.23 per hour, or $78,479 to $85,752 annually. These top five career positions are, in order: video game software engineer, video manager, video game programmer, video game developer, and video game director. These are also jobs for IT degree holders, computer science, and software engineering graduates, so backing up your love for gaming with degrees in these programs would make you competitive.
Highest-Paying US Cities for Gaming Professionals
In the United States, the top cities which pay gaming professionals above the national average are located in the state of California, with San Mateo topping the list. It is followed by Berkeley, Daly City, Richmond, and Irvine. San Mateo, particularly, has an active video game industry job market. The next top cities are Odessa (Texas), Stamford (Connecticut), Orange (California), Bellevue (Washington), and San Francisco (California). When considering job markets, though, you also have to compare them with the cost of living in each location. High-paying locations often have higher costs of living. So make sure to compare locations and select the one that fits your lifestyle needs and goals.
The Best Countries for Gaming Professionals
In the world, based on the estimated industry size and the number of studios, thus offering the most career opportunities, the United States still tops the list, with an estimated industry size of 24,240 to 82,642 and 278 studios. This is followed by the United Kingdom, Canada, China, and Japan. In 2022, most revenue is expected to be generated in China at $55 million.
As seen in these figures, your love of gaming can be your stepping stone to a big, wide world of lucrative career opportunities, whether in the United States or in other countries. Do more research on the careers which appeal most to you and find out what they require. Boost your love for gaming with the necessary education and qualifications needed for those jobs. When the time comes for you to turn your passion into a profession, you’ll be adequately prepared and equipped to take on this exciting world.
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