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Game Developer Salary in Glendale, CA

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

Median Salary
$102,660
per year in Glendale
Entry Level
$59,711
Starting salary
Senior Level
$138,277
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
146
46% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$59,711$102,660$138,277
Monthly$4,976$8,555$11,523
Biweekly$2,297$3,948$5,318
Weekly$1,148$1,974$2,659
Hourly$29$49$66

Glendale vs National Average

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

Glendale Salary
$102,660
COL Index: 146
National Average
$74,280
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$28,380
Higher in Glendale

Cost of Living in Glendale

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,000
per month
Median Income
$61,234
per year
Population
203,054
residents
Rent % of Income
39.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 146 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Glendale 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
+17%
Los Angeles, CA
$102,660
0%
Chicago, IL
$95,060
-7%
Houston, TX
$82,710
-19%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,370
-24%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Game Developer Salary in Glendale, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a game developer in Glendale, CA is $102,660 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 146. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Glendale's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level game developer professionals in Glendale can expect to earn around $59,711 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level game developers earning approximately $138,277 per year. This represents a 132% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Glendale's cost of living index of 146 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Glendale 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 Glendale typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,000 per month, housing represents about 23.4% 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 Glendale, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.