Home > Salary > South Africa > 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: 208,454 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,371 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,009 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 100 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 16,752 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,866 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 97 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05
Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,401 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 867 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 200 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
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
Estimated Yearly Salary: 208,454 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,371 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,009 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 100 ZAR per hour
By working as Games Programmer a person can save up to 596 USD per month or 7,147 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 South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
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 South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Games Programmer in South Africa is approximately 208,454 ZAR (10,401 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?
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.
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: 208,454 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,371 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,009 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 100 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 201,020 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 16,752 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,866 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 97 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05Games Programmer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,401 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 867 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 200 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %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
Compare salary to other countries
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Games Programmer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Games Programmer in South Africa earns on average:
1.64 times the average salary (or 164% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Games Programmer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Games Programmer in South Africa earns on average:
1.64 times the average salary (or 164% 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 229,299 ZAR and 302,258 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Games Programmer in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 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: 208,454 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,371 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,009 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 100 ZAR per hour
By working as Games Programmer a person can save up to 596 USD per month or 7,147 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 South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. 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
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Salary 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
+12% salary increase- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
+25% salary increase- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
+16% salary increase- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
+9% salary increase- more than 25 years of experience yields
+10% salary increaseTop 10 highest salaries in South Africa
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Data as of 2025Random salary:
Backup operator (69,460 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Loan review analyst (135,980 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Sales manager insideoutside (104,319 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Project engineer manufacturing (153,690 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Dental financial coordinator (92,670 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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