Virtual Reality Job Description

Virtual reality (VR) is an exciting area of the software development industry that immerses users in a digital world using equipment like a VR headset and motion controllers. As technology for VR headsets and other equipment continues to advance, investors around the globe have increased their spending on virtual reality experiences and technology. The global market for virtual reality could reach $62 billion by 2029, with a compounded annual growth rate of 7.42 percent [1]. The United States will likely generate the most revenue, with 56.5 percent market penetration expected by 2029 [1]. These figures demonstrate the opportunity and increase in job growth for software developers and other professionals who want to explore virtual reality jobs. 

Explore virtual reality job description details for various virtual reality jobs, including virtual reality developers and similar titles such as VR graphic designer, VR product manager, and VR hardware engineer, to see what may suit your skills. 

What is virtual reality?

Virtual reality is a combination of software and equipment that immerses your senses in a digital world, providing the sensation of being in another place. It can be used in many different industries, from virtual entertainment like concerts and live events to gaming, training and education, and health care solutions that reach more patients. 

Jobs in virtual reality

If you want a career helping to plan and create virtual reality games, software, or other VR experiences, you may want to become a virtual reality developer. You can also explore a variety of careers in the field of VR; search for career titles similar to “VR developer” to find other virtual reality job descriptions that focus on specific areas of VR design. 

Virtual reality developer duties and responsibilities

As a virtual reality developer, you will create and design virtual reality experiences. While your exact responsibilities will vary depending on what part of the development process you focus on and the size of your team, everyday responsibilities for a virtual reality developer include the following: 

• Work with designers, artists, clients, or marketing to develop engaging virtual reality experiences that meet the goals of your organization. 

• Use software and tools like Unity and Unreal Engine to write the code for virtual reality programs. 

• Create 3-D models and virtual objects that users can interact with while running and engaging with your VR program.

• Test, debug, and perform quality analysis to make sure VR experiences are functional and enjoyable for the end user. 

• Train others to use your product or provide technical support for users.

• Implement feedback from users or clients to improve your development project.

Virtual reality job description example: VR developer

We are seeking an experienced and talented individual to join our fast-paced team as a virtual reality developer. In this role, you will have the opportunity to design exciting virtual reality experiences for video games. You will be responsible for: 

• Working with a team of designers and other developers to write the code needed to support virtual reality games and experiences 

• Providing updates and maintenance to the VR development project and offering technical support and training to users as needed 

• Improving the development project with feedback from clients and test users 

This position requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in computer science, programming, math, or a related field. We prefer a master’s degree but will consider experience in lieu of an advanced degree. You will need experience with virtual reality with a solid understanding of 3-D interactive development, game design, and Agile development methodology. You will also need experience with Unreal Engine and developing for platforms like PS VR, HTC Vive, and Meta Quest, as well as communication and problem-solving skills.

VR developer experience requirements

Software developers typically earn a bachelor’s degree. Seventy-three percent of software developers hold a bachelor’s degree, while 20 percent hold a master’s degree and 4 percent an associate degree [2]. Depending on your desired role, some hiring managers may prefer you to have an advanced degree. Likewise, some employers seek candidates with experience in virtual reality or in the software development industry as a whole. 

VR developers' average salary

As a VR developer in the United States, you can expect an average salary of $94,899 annually [3]. This figure represents base pay and does not include additional pay like bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing. Additional pay averages $29,161 per year, bringing the total average salary for a VR developer to $124,061 [3]. 

Other virtual reality job descriptions

If you want to start a career in virtual reality but prefer to work in areas other than coding and software development, you can choose from a variety of occupations that are an integral part of a development team. You might consider becoming a VR graphic designer, a VR hardware engineer, or a VR product manager. 

VR graphic designer

Average salary in the US (Glassdoor): $82,823 [4] 

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 2 percent [5]

As a graphic designer, you will use computers and other tools to create digital images and designs. Working in virtual reality, you will apply your skills to VR games and other VR experiences. You can also choose to work as a graphic designer for marketing, product packaging, and other creative design applications. 

VR hardware engineer 

Average salary in the US (Glassdoor): $125,608 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 7 percent [7]

As a hardware engineer, you will design, test, and analyze computer hardware based on your client's needs and the intended purpose of the hardware. In virtual reality, you will work on VR hardware, such as VR headsets, motion controllers, and VR consoles, to create a better, more powerful, and more realistic VR experience. 

VR product manager

Average salary in the US (Glassdoor): $157,593 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 8 percent [9]

As a product manager, you will oversee the big picture of VR development. You will help shape product design, marketing, and distribution, keeping the needs of your consumer and your company goals in mind. In this role, you will manage project budgets and timelines and help your team overcome any challenges that happen during development. 

What are VR skills?

If you want to become a VR developer, you can start by learning virtual reality skills. Some of the skills you will need to gain experience with to build virtual reality apps include: 

• 3-D modeling and computer-aided design (CAD): You will need to know how to use 3-D modeling tools to create digital objects that users can interact with in virtual reality. 

• Wearable devices like HTC VIVE, Meta Quest, and HoloLens: You will need to understand the capabilities and specifications of the hardware you develop applications for. You will also likely need to understand how variations in VR hardware lead to different user experiences. 

• Unity and Unreal Engine: Unity and Unreal Engine are often called game engines because they are both platforms that offer a suite of tools to make video games, but you can also use these development platforms for a broader range of applications in industries like business, television and movies, and more. 

• Sound design and spatialization: You will need to have experience with sound design and mapping audio to a 3-D environment. 

• User interaction/user experience design: UI and UX design are similar but related parts of VR development. In both, you consider how the end user will interact with your program. A user experience designer looks at the user’s experience as a whole, while a user interaction designer looks at individual interactions the end user will have, such as clicking a button or interacting with a graphic. 

Prepare for a virtual reality job on Coursera

A variety of careers related to VR exist. To determine which might be right for you, read virtual reality job descriptions to find options that fit your goals and skills. Whether you want to become a VR developer or explore other VR jobs, you can learn the skills you need to be successful on Coursera. For example, you can learn software development skills to prepare for a role as a software developer with the IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate. If you prefer to focus on virtual reality technology, you might consider the Virtual Reality Specialization offered by the University of London.