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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Junior Game Developer in California is $78,717 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Junior Game Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Junior Game Developer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $87,126 | $7,261 | $1,676 | $42 |
| Average | $78,717 | $6,560 | $1,514 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,184 | $5,932 | $1,369 | $34 |
A5 Labs - San Jose, CA
The Climate Registry - Los Angeles, CA
Vets Hired - San Diego, CA
Jobsbridge - Los Angeles, CA
A Junior Game 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Junior Game 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 |
|---|---|
| Junior Ga... Level Junior Game Developer | $80,286 |
| Field Ser... Level Junior Game Developer | $98,564 |
| Field Ser... Level Junior Game Developer | $115,397 |
| Field Ser... Level Junior Game Developer | $136,457 |
| Field Ser... Level Junior Game Developer | $158,470 |
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 Junior Game Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Junior Game Developer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Junior Game Developer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Junior Game Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $106,268 | $51.0 | 35% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $102,332 | $49.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $98,396 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $94,460 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $90,524 | $44.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Junior Game 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $87,126 | $7,261 | $1,676 | $42 |
| Average | $78,717 | $6,560 | $1,514 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,184 | $5,932 | $1,369 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Junior Game Developer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
NexTech Professional Services
Monterey, CA
NexTech Professional Services | Monterey, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Jr. Software Developer. Position Overview. The Junior Software Developer is responsible for coding, testing, and implemen... more
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Norco, CA
VSolvit | Norco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. POSITION IS 100% ONSITE DAILY IN NORCO, CA. Job Summary. VSolvit is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Junior Software ... more
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Patterned Learning AI
San Francisco, CA
Patterned Learning AI | San Francisco, CA
Junior Python Developer, Full-Time, Salary $70K - $80K Minimum 1 year of work experience - Remote (US/Canada Residing people only, with work permit) About ... more
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Perfict Global, Inc.
Concord, CA
Perfict Global, Inc. | Concord, CA
Job TitlePerfict Global is a leading IT consulting services provider focused on providing innovative and successful business workforce solutions to Fortune... more
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VSolvit
Norco, CA
VSolvit | Norco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. This is a 100% on-site position in Norco, CA. Job Summary. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Junior Full Sta... more
8 Days Ago
BioPhase Solutions
Orange County, CA
BioPhase Solutions | Orange County, CA
Job Description. Job Description. BioPhase Solutions. specializes in recruiting top talented professionals for Southern California's Scientific community. ... more
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