Game Developer Salary in 2026
Create interactive games for consoles, PCs, and mobile devices using game engines.
Median Salary
$95,000
$7,917/mo
Entry Level
$62,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$138,000
experienced
Job Growth
+10%
10-yr outlook
Game Developer Overview
Create interactive games for consoles, PCs, and mobile devices using game engines.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
65K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$45.67/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,917
Game Developer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Game Developer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Game Developer Salary
$112,000
$9,333/month · $4,308/biweekly · $53.85/hr
Game Developer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Game Developer field.
Entry-level Game Developers earn around $62,000, while the top 10% earn $153,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Game Developers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $112,000 | +$17,000 |
| New York | $109,000 | +$14,000 |
| Washington | $106,000 | +$11,000 |
| Massachusetts | $106,000 | +$11,000 |
| Texas | $93,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Game Developers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $119,000 | +$24,000 |
| New York | $112,000 | +$17,000 |
| Seattle | $108,000 | +$13,000 |
| Los Angeles | $106,000 | +$11,000 |
| Austin | $98,000 | +$3,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Game Developer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Game Developer from entry level to expert.
$62,000
0-2 years
$100,000
3-7 years
$138,000
8-14 years
$168,000
15+ years
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Game Developer Salary FAQ
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