As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Game Engine Developer in the United States is $65,826 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Game Engine Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Game Engine Developer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Game Engine Developer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Game Engine Developer | $66,718 |
| Intermediate Level Game Engine Developer | $67,343 |
| Senior Level Game Engine Developer | $68,681 |
| Specialist Level Game Engine Developer | $68,949 |
| Expert Level Game Engine Developer | $69,127 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Game Engine Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 16.59% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.61% |
| CPA | 1.02% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$68,459 |
4%
|
|
Financial Management
|
$68,459 |
4%
|
|
Insight
|
$67,800 |
3%
|
|
Financial Services
|
$67,800 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$67,800 |
3%
|
|
Economics
|
$67,142 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Game Engine Developers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Game Engine Developer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $64,535 and $67,849).
Game Engine Developer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 1.9% |
| Associates | 3.1% |
| Bachelors | 65.9% |
| Masters | 28.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.7% |
Understanding how a Game Engine Developer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Game Engine Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $63,229 in 2023 to around $62,204 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Game Engine Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $63,229 |
| 2024 | $62,729 |
| 2025 | $62,204 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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