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Game Developer Salary in Needham, MA

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

Median Salary
$131,401
per year in Needham
Entry Level
$76,428
Starting salary
Senior Level
$176,990
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
145
45% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$76,428$131,401$176,990
Monthly$6,369$10,950$14,749
Biweekly$2,940$5,054$6,807
Weekly$1,470$2,527$3,404
Hourly$37$63$85

Needham vs National Average

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

Needham Salary
$131,401
COL Index: 145
National Average
$74,280
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$57,121
Higher in Needham

Cost of Living in Needham

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,000
per month
Median Income
$162,234
per year
Population
32,330
residents
Rent % of Income
14.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 145 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Needham 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
-8%
Los Angeles, CA
$102,660
-22%
Chicago, IL
$95,060
-28%
Houston, TX
$82,710
-37%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,370
-40%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Game Developer Salary in Needham, MA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a game developer in Needham, MA is $131,401 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 145. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Needham's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level game developer professionals in Needham can expect to earn around $76,428 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level game developers earning approximately $176,990 per year. This represents a 132% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Needham's cost of living index of 145 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Needham 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 Needham typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,000 per month, housing represents about 18.3% 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 Needham, 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.