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Game Developer Salary in Elmhurst, IL

How much does a game developer make in Elmhurst? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Elmhurst's cost of living.

Median Salary
$87,353
per year in Elmhurst
Entry Level
$50,808
Starting salary
Senior Level
$117,660
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how game developer salaries break down across different pay periods in Elmhurst.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$50,808$87,353$117,660
Monthly$4,234$7,279$9,805
Biweekly$1,954$3,360$4,525
Weekly$977$1,680$2,263
Hourly$24$42$57

Elmhurst vs National Average

How Elmhurst's game developer salaries compare to national figures.

Elmhurst Salary
$87,353
COL Index: 112
National Average
$74,280
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$13,073
Higher in Elmhurst

Cost of Living in Elmhurst

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$102,234
per year
Population
47,040
residents
Rent % of Income
15.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Elmhurst have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Game Developer

Overview

Design and develop video games and interactive entertainment experiences.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Game Development

Key Skills

UnityUnreal EngineC#Game DesignGraphics Programming

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +24% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Game Developer Salary

See Game Developer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$120,430
+38%
Los Angeles, CA
$102,660
+18%
Chicago, IL
$95,060
+9%
Houston, TX
$82,710
-5%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,370
-10%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Game Developer Salary in Elmhurst, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a game developer in Elmhurst, IL is $87,353 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Elmhurst's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level game developer professionals in Elmhurst can expect to earn around $50,808 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level game developers earning approximately $117,660 per year. This represents a 132% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Elmhurst's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Elmhurst are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $74,280, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a game developer's salary in Elmhurst typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 18.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Game Developers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 24% over the next decade. In Elmhurst, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.