Home > Salary > Japan > Games Programmer
A games programmer is responsible for designing and developing computer games. They work closely with game designers to bring their ideas to life by writing code, creating game mechanics, and implementing features. Games programmers use programming languages like C++, Java, or Python to build the game's engine, develop gameplay systems, and handle artificial intelligence. They also collaborate with artists, sound designers, and other team members to integrate graphics, audio, and visual effects into the game.
The job of a games programmer requires strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of computer science principles. They must be able to write efficient and optimized code to ensure smooth gameplay and performance. Additionally, games programmers need to stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in the gaming industry.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,006,079 JPY
Estimated Monthly Salary: 833,840 JPY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 192,425 JPY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4,811 JPY per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 807,384 JPY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 186,319 JPY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4,658 JPY per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-07
Estimated Yearly Salary: 65,327 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,444 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,256 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 31 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,006,079 JPY
Estimated Monthly Salary: 833,840 JPY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 192,425 JPY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4,811 JPY per hour
By working as Games Programmer a person can save up to 3,746 USD per month or 44,956 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Japan, see costs of living in Japan.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Games Programmer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Games Programmer salary in Japan
Average Yearly Salary of Games Programmer in Japan is approximately 10,006,079 JPY (65,327 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Games Programmer do?

Skills: games programmer, game development, coding, computer science, game design, software engineering
Job industry: Software development
Job industry: Software development
How much does Games Programmer make?
Salary details
How much does Games Programmer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,006,079 JPY
Estimated Monthly Salary: 833,840 JPY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 192,425 JPY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4,811 JPY per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 9,688,602 JPYEstimated Monthly Salary: 807,384 JPY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 186,319 JPY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4,658 JPY per hour
Games Programmer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 65,327 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,444 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,256 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 31 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
Japan, located in East Asia, is an island country consisting of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. With a population of approximately 126 million people, it is the 11th most populous country globally. Japan has a land area of around 377,975 square kilometers, making it comparable in size to Germany or Montana in the United States.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 5,998,894 JPY (42,440 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Games Programmer job salary compared to average salary in Japan.
Comparison shows that a person working as Games Programmer in Japan earns on average:
1.67 times the average salary (or 167% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 5,998,894 JPY (42,440 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Games Programmer job salary compared to average salary in Japan.
Comparison shows that a person working as Games Programmer in Japan earns on average:
1.67 times the average salary (or 167% of average salary).
Is Games Programmer a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that Games Programmer is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Games Programmer?
High salary for Games Programmer would be somewhere between 11,006,687 JPY and 14,508,815 JPY. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Games Programmer in Japan?
Living in Japan the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,698 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,006,079 JPY
Estimated Monthly Salary: 833,840 JPY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 192,425 JPY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4,811 JPY per hour
By working as Games Programmer a person can save up to 3,746 USD per month or 44,956 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Japan, see costs of living in Japan.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: China, South Korea, North Korea, Russia. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Games Programmer
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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