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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Video Game Developer in Iowa is $59,808 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Video Game Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Video Game Developer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $66,578 | $5,548 | $1,280 | $32 |
| Average | $59,808 | $4,984 | $1,150 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,287 | $4,441 | $1,025 | $26 |
ManTech International - HARMANS, MD
ManTech International - PIMMIT, VA
ManTech International - SAVAGE, MD
ManTech International - SAVAGE, MD
A Video 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.
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 Video 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 Video Game Developer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Video Game Developer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Video Game Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $89,712 | $43.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $86,721 | $42.0 | 45% |
| Energy & Utilities | $83,731 | $40.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $80,740 | $39.0 | 35% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $77,750 | $37.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Video 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 | $66,578 | $5,548 | $1,280 | $32 |
| Average | $59,808 | $4,984 | $1,150 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,287 | $4,441 | $1,025 | $26 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Video Game Developer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
ManTech International
HARMANS, MD
ManTech International | HARMANS, MD
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CHANTILLY, VA
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ManTech seeks an Application Developer dedicated to supporting our mission-critical programs for the intelligence and defense communities. In this role, yo... more
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ISSUE, MD
SimVentions, Inc | ISSUE, MD
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SimVentions, Inc
PORT TOBACCO, MD
SimVentions, Inc | PORT TOBACCO, MD
SimVentions, Inc. (Glassdoor 4.6) seeks a Software Developer to build secure, mission-critical solutions for Defense & Aerospace customers within our IT de... more
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CHARLOTTE HALL, MD
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LA PLATA, MD
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