What is the average salary for a video game developer

What is the average salary for a video game developer

Factors Affecting Game Developer Salaries

If you are passionate about creating immersive and engaging video games, becoming a game developer may be the perfect career for you. However, before you take the plunge into this exciting industry, it’s important to consider the average salary of a video game developer. In this article, we will explore the various factors that influence a game developer’s salary and provide insights into what you can expect to earn.

Factors Affecting Game Developer Salaries

Experience Level

Experience plays a crucial role in determining a game developer’s salary. As with any profession, the more experience you have, the higher your salary is likely to be. For instance, a senior game developer with over 10 years of experience can expect to earn significantly more than a junior game developer who has just started out in their career.

Location

The location where you live and work can also affect your salary as a video game developer. Salaries tend to be higher in cities that are known for their gaming industry, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. Additionally, salaries may be higher in countries with a stronger economy or higher cost of living, such as Japan and Europe.

Skills and Expertise

Having specialized skills and expertise in certain areas of game development can also boost your salary. For example, a game developer who specializes in programming or game design may earn more than someone who is a generalist. Similarly, having experience in specific gaming platforms, such as mobile or PC, can also impact your earning potential.

Company Size and Type

The size and type of the company you work for can also affect your salary as a video game developer. Large corporations tend to offer higher salaries than smaller startups, while certain types of companies, such as mobile game developers, may have lower salaries than console or PC game developers.

Average Salaries for Game Developers

Now that we have explored the factors that can affect a game developer’s salary let’s take a look at what you can expect to earn on average. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a video game developer in the United States is $92,000 per year. However, this can vary widely depending on the factors we discussed earlier.

Senior Game Developers

For example, senior game developers with over 10 years of experience can expect to earn an average of $135,000 per year, while junior game developers with less than two years of experience may only earn an average of $70,000 per year.

Location

In terms of location, salaries tend to be higher in cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. The average salary for a video game developer in San Francisco is $125,000 per year, while in Los Angeles it is $95,000 per year.

Skills and Expertise

When it comes to skills and expertise, programmers tend to earn the most, with an average base salary of $107,000 per year. Game designers, on the other hand, can expect to earn an average of $92,000 per year.

Company Size and Type

In terms of company size and type, console game developers tend to earn the most, with an average base salary of $105,000 per year. Mobile game developers, on the other hand, can expect to earn an average of $86,000 per year.

FAQs

What is the highest paying job in the gaming industry?

A: The highest paying job in the gaming industry tends to be that of a senior game developer with specialized skills and expertise. These individuals can earn salaries in excess of $150,000 per year.

How much do entry level game developers earn?

A: Entry level game developers can expect to earn an average of $70,000 per year or less. However, this can vary depending on factors such as location and experience level.

What is the difference between a game designer and a programmer in the gaming industry?

A: Game designers are responsible for creating the overall concept and design of a game, while programmers are responsible for coding the game and bringing it to life.

What skills do you need to become a successful video game developer?

A: To become a successful video game developer, you will need specialized skills in programming, game design, and/or art.