As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Games Developer in the United States is $120,978 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a Games Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Games 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 Games 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 Games Developer | $118,593 |
| Intermediate Level Games Developer | $118,874 |
| Senior Level Games Developer | $119,996 |
| Specialist Level Games Developer | $124,678 |
| Expert Level Games Developer | $126,926 |
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 Games Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.29% |
| Application Development | 2.96% |
| HTML | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Python
|
$123,398 |
2%
|
|
Presentation
|
$123,398 |
2%
|
|
Agile
|
$122,188 |
1%
|
|
Software Development
|
$122,188 |
1%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$122,188 |
1%
|
|
Team Development
|
$122,188 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Games Developers enter the field with a Associate'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 Games Developer with a Associate's Degree is between $113,417 and $120,234).
Games Developer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.8% |
| High School | 4.0% |
| Associates | 10.1% |
| Bachelors | 57.9% |
| Masters | 25.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how a Games 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 Games Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $116,907 in 2023 to around $115,254 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Games Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $116,907 |
| 2024 | $116,425 |
| 2025 | $115,254 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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