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Game Developer Salary in Norfolk, VA

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

Median Salary
$59,490
per year in Norfolk
Entry Level
$34,602
Starting salary
Senior Level
$80,130
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$34,602$59,490$80,130
Monthly$2,884$4,958$6,678
Biweekly$1,331$2,288$3,082
Weekly$665$1,144$1,541
Hourly$17$29$39

Norfolk vs National Average

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

Norfolk Salary
$59,490
COL Index: 98
National Average
$74,280
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$14,790
Lower in Norfolk

Cost of Living in Norfolk

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$46,580
per year
Population
238,005
residents
Rent % of Income
30.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Norfolk 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
+102%
Los Angeles, CA
$102,660
+73%
Chicago, IL
$95,060
+60%
Houston, TX
$82,710
+39%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,370
+32%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a game developer salary in Norfolk.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Norfolk.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Game Developer Salary in Norfolk, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a game developer in Norfolk, VA is $59,490 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Norfolk's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level game developer professionals in Norfolk can expect to earn around $34,602 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level game developers earning approximately $80,130 per year. This represents a 132% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Norfolk's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Norfolk 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 Norfolk typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 24.2% 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 Norfolk, 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.