How Much Does a Games Developer Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Games Developer in California is $132,513. While Salary.com is seeing that Games Developer salary in CA can go up to $157,820 or down to $104,072, but most earn between $117,626 and $145,759. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $117,626 10% $104,072 90% $157,820 75% $145,759 $132,513 50%(Median)
Related Job Titles to Games Developer
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Similar Job Salaries to Games Developer by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Discord
Senior Developer Advocate, Web Games
$150,404/yr
$138,440
$162,367
RANGE: $138,440 - $162,367
Lensa
Senior Software Developer, Amazon Games AI
$125,628/yr
$114,647
$136,608
RANGE: $114,647 - $136,608
Main Event Entertainment
Games Attendant
$39,330/yr
$35,717
$42,944
RANGE: $35,717 - $42,944
Cedar Fair
MANAGER, GAMES
$79,380/yr
$71,590
$87,169
RANGE: $71,590 - $87,169
Disney
Concept Artist- Marvel Games
$95,131/yr
$83,306
$106,956
RANGE: $83,306 - $106,956
Disney Experiences
Concept Artist- Marvel Games
$90,357/yr
$79,518
$101,197
RANGE: $79,518 - $101,197
Hard Rock International
SHIFT MANAGER - TABLE GAMES
$74,765/yr
$63,992
$85,538
RANGE: $63,992 - $85,538
Netflix
Associate, Finance & Strategy, Games
$101,537/yr
$91,636
$111,438
RANGE: $91,636 - $111,438
HB Leisure Ltd.
Customer Service Assistant (Games)
$51,996/yr
$46,992
$56,999
RANGE: $46,992 - $56,999
$25,671/yr
$23,575
$27,767
RANGE: $23,575 - $27,767

Open Games Developer Jobs in California

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Games Developer Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Games Developer can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Games Developer job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Games Developer jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Games Developer positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Games Developer salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Games Developer salary is $151,531 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Games Developer salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Games Developer in California is $132,513, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Games Developer jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Games Developer jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $151,531 $12,628 $2,914 $73
Santa Clara $151,531 $12,628 $2,914 $73
Fremont $151,242 $12,604 $2,909 $73
San Francisco $150,041 $12,503 $2,885 $72
Daly City $150,041 $12,503 $2,885 $72
Berkeley $146,713 $12,226 $2,821 $71
Oakland $146,713 $12,226 $2,821 $71
Hayward $146,473 $12,206 $2,817 $70
Antioch $138,423 $11,535 $2,662 $67
Vallejo $135,156 $11,263 $2,599 $65

What Does a Games Developer Do?

Minority developers have also been harassed from external groups due to the toxic nature of the video game culture.
Updated December 16, 2021
Aspiring video game developers can choose from many different tools and programs to learn coding languages.
Updated December 07, 2021
Video game developers usually seek full-time employment with a game studio or work independently as "indie" game developers.
Updated November 19, 2021
This classic Game Developer magazine feature celebrates the anniversary of the BASIC language by asking its creators about its inception, history, and influence on the game industry.
Updated November 12, 2021
While developers build the game and systems from the ground up, creating all of the internal logic that goes into making the game work, designers are more focused on a game’s story and art direction.
Updated November 07, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Games Developer Salaries

What is the average of a Games Developer in California?

The Games Developer salary range is from $117,626 to $145,759, and the average Games Developer salary is $132,513/year in California. The Games Developer's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Games Developer salary in the United States?

The Games Developer salary in San Jose, CA is $151,531 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Games Developer's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Games Developer.

What is the growth rate of the Games Developer's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Games Developer or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Games Developer.