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Game Developer Salary in Portland, OR

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

Median Salary
$101,650
per year in Portland
Entry Level
$59,123
Starting salary
Senior Level
$136,917
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
132
32% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$59,123$101,650$136,917
Monthly$4,927$8,471$11,410
Biweekly$2,274$3,910$5,266
Weekly$1,137$1,955$2,633
Hourly$28$49$66

Portland vs National Average

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

Portland Salary
$101,650
COL Index: 132
National Average
$74,280
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$27,370
Higher in Portland

Cost of Living in Portland

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$66,789
per year
Population
652,503
residents
Rent % of Income
34.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 132 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Portland 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
+18%
Los Angeles, CA
$102,660
+1%
Chicago, IL
$95,060
-6%
Houston, TX
$82,710
-19%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,370
-23%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Game Developer Salary in Portland, OR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a game developer in Portland, OR is $101,650 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 132. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Portland's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level game developer professionals in Portland can expect to earn around $59,123 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level game developers earning approximately $136,917 per year. This represents a 132% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Portland's cost of living index of 132 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Portland 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 Portland typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,900 per month, housing represents about 22.4% 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 Portland, 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.