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AR and VR Developers, or Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Developers, are not just used for gaming anymore. The multi faceted industry is a “game changer” for a variety of industries.
Wendy Gonzalez, CEO at Sama, says the adoption of AR and VR technologies is no longer an option, but a necessity to close the gaps between physical and virtual spaces.
AR and VR are often used interchangeably, but in practice an AR developer works with mobile apps to create an augmented reality experience layered over the real world (like Snapchat filters), while a VR developer creates a whole new simulated experience for users to see through a device (like a headset or console). In most cases, an AR and VR developer must be familiar with video game engines (like Unreal or Unity) as well as constructing 3D environments.
According to Allied Market Research, the global augmented and virtual reality market was valued at $27.6 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $856.2 billion by 2031, a compound annual growth rate of 41.1 percent over that period. The rise of mobile gaming, growing internet connectivity, and increased adoption of consumer electronic devices have all propelled the growth of the AR and VR industry, and prominent technology companies continue to invest heavily in AR, VR, and mixed reality initiatives across many industry verticals.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for software developers, the broader occupational category that includes AR and VR developers, is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 106,100 job openings anticipated annually over that decade.
There is no dedicated Bureau of Labor Statistics profile specifically for AR and VR developers. According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for software developers, the broader occupational category that includes AR and VR developers, was $135,980 as of May 2025. Actual AR and VR developer pay varies by specialization, experience, employer, and region.
TIP: Glider AI enables recruiters, staffing firms, and hiring teams to assess skills across technical and non technical job roles, including specialized engineering positions. Use Glider AI Skill Intelligence Platform™ to evaluate coding ability, 3D development skills, and problem solving before you hire.
What does an AR and VR developer do?
An AR and VR developer designs and builds augmented reality and virtual reality applications, working with game engines and 3D environments to create immersive user experiences.
What skills does an AR and VR developer need?
AR and VR developers need strong programming skills (such as C++, C#, JavaScript, or Swift), experience with game engines like Unreal or Unity, spatial thinking, and strong problem solving and debugging skills.
How much do AR and VR developers make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for software developers, the broader category that includes AR and VR developers, was $135,980 as of May 2025, though actual pay varies by specialization and experience.
What qualifications are needed to become an AR and VR developer?
Most employers look for a degree in computer science or a related field (or equivalent experience), proficiency in relevant programming languages, and hands on experience with AR/VR hardware and game engines.
How do I evaluate an AR and VR developer candidate’s skills before hiring?
A structured coding and 3D development skills assessment gives a clearer picture of a candidate’s real world ability than a resume alone.
Glider’s recruitment platform is built on the mission of “competency over credentials”. This way, you can make the most of the hiring assessments through a structured and data driven candidate evaluation process. Access thousands of pre built assessments across hundreds of skills, including for the AR and VR developer role.
Go ahead and spotlight your AR and VR Developer with Glider AI today!
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