Salary Range for Game Developers
According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a game developer in the United States is $91,725 per year. However, this can vary widely depending on factors such as the company you work for, your level of experience, and the type of game you’re working on.
Factors Affecting Game Developer Salaries
Education
Having a degree in computer science or a related field can help you secure a higher-paying job as a game developer. According to Payscale, the median annual salary for a game designer with a bachelor’s degree is $103,246, while those with a master’s degree can earn over $117,000.
Experience
As with any field, experience is highly valued in game development. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a game developer with 5-9 years of experience is $99,274 per year, while those with 10+ years of experience can earn over $132,000.
Location
The location where you work can also have an impact on your salary as a game developer. For example, developers working in San Francisco tend to earn the highest salaries, with average base salaries of $94,587 per year according to Glassdoor. In contrast, developers in Dallas can expect to earn an average of $86,721.
Type of Game
The type of game you’re working on can also affect your salary as a game developer. For example, developers working on mobile games may not be able to command the same salaries as those working on console or PC games due to lower revenue streams. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a mobile game developer is $70,125 per year, while console and PC game developers can expect to earn over $90,000.
Real-Life Examples of Game Developer Salaries
To get a better understanding of how much game developers are paid, let’s take a look at some real-life examples:
- A junior game developer with 1-2 years of experience working on mobile games in New York City can expect to earn an average of $80,000 per year.
- A senior game designer with 10+ years of experience working on console and PC games in San Francisco can expect to earn an average of over $130,000 per year.
- An entry-level programmer with a bachelor’s degree working on PC and console games in Austin can expect to earn an average of $85,000 per year.
FAQs
Q: What is the typical salary range for game developers?
A: The average base salary for a game developer in the United States is around $91,725 per year, but this can vary widely depending on factors such as experience and location.
Q: How does education affect game developer salaries?
A: Having a degree in computer science or a related field can help you secure a higher-paying job as a game developer.
Q: What is the difference in salary between mobile and console/PC game developers?
A: Mobile game developers may not be able to command the same salaries as those working on console or PC games due to lower revenue streams.
