The average video game developer salary in the U.S. varies significantly across states, shaped by factors such as project scale, tech stack, studio funding, and job role. Experienced devs command competitive compensation nationwide, often earning between $100K and $200K per year, while junior devs typically start between $50K and $90K, depending on region and specialization. Developers in states with major tech and gaming hubs, such as New York, California, and Washington, command higher salaries than those in states with little or no game industry presence, like Montana, Wyoming, and Mississippi. Game developers in different areas of the industry command different salaries. For example, indie mobile developers average $100K per year, while those working on AAA console projects at major studios earn upwards of $160K. Read on to learn about average game developer salaries by state and the factors that influence them.
What is the average salary for a game developer?
The average base salary for a game developer in the United States, as of January 2025, ranges between $75,000 and $120,000 per annum. This includes bonuses and other additional cash compensation. This range represents a blended estimate across all roles, industries, and experience levels. Multiple salary reporting sources in the US place the average pay for game developers within a broader range because of state wage differences. According to Built In, the figure stands at $115,999, with ZipRecruiter and Zippia citing $108,471 and $91,009, respectively. Across different platforms, the national average game developer salary sits at approximately $71,295. However, this figure will depend on the location of the developer and their responsibilities. Some cities, such as Chicago and Los Angeles, compensate game developers as high as $118,833.
The average game developer salaries for experienced engine devs, technical artists, and programmers are often higher than entry-level gameplay coders and generalists. Devs for different platforms, such as consoles, mobile, and PCs, will have significant salary differences. Team size and sources of funding affect the pay of devs. AAA studios often have higher pay bands that surpass $100K for mid-level roles, while those in entry-level roles earn slightly lower than the national average. A freelance programmer or an indie game developer will report lower pay because of limited funding, revenue-sharing models, and inconsistency in contracts.
What is the average salary for an entry-level game developer?
The average salary for an entry-level game developer ranges between $42,183 and $105,898 based on 2025 salary and remuneration reports. In lower markets where freelancers and independent devs operate, the pay is as low as $30,000 per year. Data targeting top-paying game dev companies report higher figures with entry-level programmers earning as high as $92,636 per year ($44.54/hour), while game devs average $108,471 ($52.15/hour). Entry-level game developer salaries will typically range between $40K and $110K, depending on the studio size, location, and job title. Upper-end companies offer good pay packages because they are well-funded and mostly located in tech hub cities in states like New York and California.
What is the average salary of a mobile game developer?
The average salary for a mobile game developer in the U.S. varies depending on the state, compensation structure, and roles. As of mid-2025, mobile game developers in tech hub states earned a base salary of $112,387 annually with an additional $20K in bonuses and other compensation terms. A 2025 Glassdoor survey estimates the base pay for mobile game developers sits at $96,250 per year. Entry-level mobile developers earn a little less, starting from $75K to $90K annually. Mid-tier roles offer a base pay ranging between $100K and $120K. Major studios offer as high as $200K, including bonuses and other revenue-sharing arrangements. Mobile game developers, even at the entry-level, make more than general game developers when considering performance pay. This role is among the highest-paying specializations within game dev and is reflected in both base salaries and performance bonuses.
What is the average senior game developer salary?
In 2025, the annual average salary for a senior game developer ranges between $112K and $180K. A senior game developer has a base salary of $154,062 or $74.17 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. Senior game developers are among the top-compensated individuals in the industry. Glassdoor data supports similar pay trends, reporting the median base salary for a senior game software developer in the US as $111,751, and total compensation, including bonuses and profit-sharing, reaching $152,045. However, because of regional pay differences, a senior game developer in California or New York will earn about $150K, while those in Wyoming or Montana earn just about $110K. Built-in records a gender gap in compensation at senior levels. A senior male game developer earns approximately $10K to $20K more than a senior female colleague in most states. The gender gap in compensation is decreasing as more companies and regions push for gender equality in pay, however.
What is the highest paid salary for a game developer?
The highest-paid salaries for game developers are concentrated in top-tier tech companies like Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Nintendo, Tencent, and Argentics. The annual compensation at Microsoft as of mid-2025 sits at $279,834, which is in the 90th percentile. Microsoft offers its devs competitive salaries ranging from $174K to $260K in total compensation. These figures include bonuses, stock options, base pay, and other benefits offered by the company. Other than Microsoft and other big tech companies, ZipRecruiter reports that the upper limit for devs in mid and lower-level companies stands at $180K per year, with senior developers walking away with as much as $176,600. This limit depends on the studio funding, system architecture, engine development, and multiplayer infrastructure. Smaller studios with 1 to 10 employees have a limit of about $146K for senior and founding developers working in both technical and managerial roles. The industry’s top earners must have a combination of experience and deep specialization in roles that offer high value to a company.
Is being a game developer a good career?
Yes, game design is a good career for individuals passionate about creativity, storytelling, technology, and problem-solving through interactive media. Game developers form part of a fast-paced and collaborative industry that blends artistic imagination and technical execution. Game development is the right career for you if you thrive in structured and imaginative environments. As a career, game development provides more than creative satisfaction. The gaming industry offers strong career growth fueled by the ever-evolving video game demands from gamers. In the coming years, the video game industry is expected to surpass $300 billion in net worth. This means more work and lucrative compensation packages for devs at both entry and experienced levels, driven by the demand for mobile, console, and cloud-based games. A game developer career provides an opportunity for competitive salaries, especially for those building a strong portfolio and mastering in-demand technical skills. While entry-level pay is modest, senior positions offer as much as six-figure compensation, together with other bonuses and benefits. Game development is less of a job and more of a collaborative craft where passion meets innovation.
