Question for the Veterans

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Hi everyone, I have a noobish question for all you vets out there. I currently work at a small to medium sized game company on the east coast Im an object modeler, and I just got into the industry months ago. I have been told that a move up to Level Builder (not level designer) is a step up from my position. So my question is this, If I were to aim for this position how much is a reasonable raise? Whats the pay difference between an object modeler and a level builder? Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks for taking the time to read my question.

StrangeFate

As usual, that depends of your experience and skills, both at working and licking people's youknowhat.

But yeah, if you were modeling crates then it's a step up normally. An objects/prop modeler with a bit more experience will still make more tho. If they really differenciate between object and level modelers wages then it will be most likely a smaller difference.

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Thanks StrangeFate, I appreciate you answering. Have a good one and thanks again man.

Eric Chadwick

There are some sites around that publish game industry salaries, but it's very general, there are really no standards.

http://gamecareerguide.com/features/266/index.php?page=3
http://www.animationarena.com/video-game-salary.html

You've been working for some months, maybe not a full year? Well, time really doesn't make a huge difference early on in a career, at this point your skills and reputation count way more.

This is the best time to negotiate a raise, when you're being asked to do more, bigger responsibility and all that. They wouldn't ask you if they didn't think you were worth it. Take it from one who hires and fires, the ones with balls are usually the ones who get the dough, the squeaky wheel gets oiled, etc.

Saw this in Wired recently, good advice...
http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/magazine/15-08/howto_work#getpromoted

Good luck man!

pliang

...well I'm not a "Veteran". but one thing for sure is that your amount of work, influence and reputation will decided not only that, but your shelf life as well.

Emil Mujanovic

I would definitely not be considered a vet (I've only been in the industry for about a year and 3 months), but I figured I'd throw in my thoughts.

The different between and object modeler and a level builder varies from studio to studio and project to project. A level builder here doesn't even do any art whatsoever. Their position is to basically arrange props in the environment (using the level editor), setting up enemy spawn pools, loading between levels/cutscene/event cameras and some minor scripting.
Whereas in other studios, a level builder may be considered the same as an Environment Artist. An Environment Artist here does all the core environment work and any static meshes that go into the environment. The Prop Artists generally build everything else. But now I'm going off topic.

Personally, I don't think it really matters what position you have (unless its a Senior, Lead, Director, Producer position), because you'll only be earning what the studio thinks you're worth. Don't expect to get a major pay rise within the first 6 months of employment (except in certain situations where they are trying to butter you up to keep you there, or you've really excelled, or you demand more money).
It comes down to experience and skill level. The more you have with either, the more you will earn in the long run.

-caseyjones

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Wow! Thanks alot guys, I REALLY appreciate your input and Eric, thanks for the links! You guys rock. Again thanks for answering my question. Have a good one Eric, Pliang and Casey.