Game developers earn a range of salaries
As you can see, the average game dev salary is much lower than the national average. The industry’s high demand for technical professionals, combined with zero job security, make it even harder to come by the higher salaries. A game developer who works from home with a modest salary can make up to 34k USD a year, but this is likely only if they live in a city. Housing costs in these areas are often so high that it’s difficult for anyone to afford a house.
how much does a game developer make
Game developers earn a range of salaries, ranging from entry-level to senior positions. The lowest entry-level salaries are typically between $28,562 and $65,000 a year. The average middle-level game developer salary is $46,377 to $80,000. The highest paid senior game developers earn upwards of $123,000 a year. The salary range is much more varied. A game developer’s experience is one of the cornerstones of compensation, but there are other factors that influence pay.
Entry-level game developers, also called Associate Programmers or Programmer/Analysts, generally work in existing code systems. As they gain experience, they may begin to take on more responsibility, including managing smaller teams. Senior game programmers, on the other hand, have more responsibility, including developing new technologies. Lead game programmers generally manage teams of three or more programmers. The technical director typically manages a team of game developers that works on important technology. Eventually, they’ll oversee the entire programming department.
Game Developer Salary – Game developers earn a range of salaries
While the video game industry has changed considerably since the days of Atari and Nintendo Entertainment System, it remains an extremely lucrative field. Game developers are required to learn a range of technologies, from C++ to game engines. Commercial game engines, including Unreal and Unity, require developers to master a variety of programming languages. During a typical work week, a game developer may work up to 40 hours per week. As a result, the average game dev salary is $46,800 per year.
In Canada, the median game developer salary is $71,300 annually. Junior coders earn around $43,000, while senior game developers make an average of $101,000. The salary range is higher in Canada than in the USA, but lower in the UK. For example, in Toronto, the median salary for senior game developers is $71,300. It’s important to note that this is only the average game dev salary in Canada. If you’re looking to start a career in this field, it’s important to know that the average salary range is not the same everywhere.
Often, entry-level jobs are not advertised and so you’ll need to make contacts in the industry. Make sure to do your research before approaching companies. UK Interactive Entertainment is a good place to look for job opportunities in the industry. Most game studios start at the junior level and train you under a more senior game developer. Some companies even train their employees in-house, which may be a great way to get your foot in the door.