Game Developer Salary: How Much Can You Make?

Key takeaways

• The median total game developer salary is $97,000 in the US, according to Glassdoor [1].

• A video game developer’s salary depends on various factors, including education, experience, and location.

• The average game developer salary for bachelor’s degree holders is $89,013, while master’s degree holders earn $97,928 [2].

Entry-level game developers earn a median total salary of $75,000 [1]. Learn more about what you can expect to earn as a video game developer, including how common factors like location and work experience may impact what you can expect to earn.

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What is the salary of a game developer?

The annual salary of a game developer or other software developer varies depending on the source you consult. The table below presents salary information compiled by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Glassdoor, and two other popular job listing websites [1, 2, 3, 4].

Factors that affect a video game developer’s salary

The BLS reports that the top 10 percent of earners make a median annual salary of $211,450 [1]. Your ability to secure the highest salary depends on various factors, including education, certifications, skills, experience, and location.

Education: Average game developer salary based on degree

To get a job as a game developer, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in software development or a similar field. However, it’s only sometimes required. Employers often value the right skill set over education. On the other hand, education is a great way to gain these skills and a broad base of applicable knowledge.

According to Zippia [2], the average annual salary for game developers based on education level is as follows:

• Associate: $76,281

• Bachelor’s: $89,013

• Master’s: $97,928

• Doctorate: $107,042

Read more: Game Development Degrees and Alternatives

Experience: Game developer salary entry-level to senior-level

The more experience you have, the more likely you'll earn a higher salary. Experience can come in a variety of forms, including paid professional experience, internships, and work on personal projects. Many game developers start in roles such as coders or junior game developers before moving into the position of game developer and eventually senior game developer, each of which typically comes with an increase in salary.

Building a portfolio can help demonstrate your skills and experience. Developing your own game is also a great way to showcase your abilities.

According to Glassdoor, a game developer's level of experience impacts their median total salary as follows [1]:

• 0–1 years: $75,000

• 1–3 years: $83,000

• 4–6 years: $93,000

• 7–9 years: $101,000

• 10–14 years: $112,000

• 15+ years: $130,000

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of July 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Location: Video game developer salary across the US

Geographic profiles show that even in the same job, you may receive a different salary, depending on where in the country you live and work. As a software developer, which includes game developers, the top-paying metropolitan areas are as follows [2]:

Company: Highest-paying organizations for game developers

You’ll find some well-known companies hiring video game developers, such as SEGA, Sony, and Electronic Arts, as well as smaller companies and public sector departments. According to Zippia, some of the top-paying companies hiring game developers and their salaries include [2]:

• Microsoft: $135,535

• Amazon: $134,524

• Robot Entertainment: $114,785

• Sony Interactive Entertainment: $105,419

• Intel: $103,821

Job outlook

The gaming industry has grown and continues to grow in recent years, with a predicted market revenue of $498 billion by 2033 [5]. The BLS cites a job growth rate of 15 percent between 2024 and 2034 for software developers, which includes game developers [1]. This growth rate is much faster than the average for all industries.

Navigate your next career move with confidence

Explore career paths, assess your skills, and connect with resume guidance while browsing our Career Resources Hub. Or if you want to learn more about game development, check out these free resources:

• Read our Career Chat issue: How to Become a Game Developer

• Hear from a peer: Meet the Video Game Designer Who’s Leveling Up with AI

• Watch on YouTube: From Player to Creator: Your Video Game Design Career Guide

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