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Game Developer Salary in Raleigh, NC

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

Median Salary
$84,990
per year in Raleigh
Entry Level
$49,433
Starting salary
Senior Level
$114,477
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
113
13% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$49,433$84,990$114,477
Monthly$4,119$7,083$9,540
Biweekly$1,901$3,269$4,403
Weekly$951$1,634$2,201
Hourly$24$41$55

Raleigh vs National Average

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

Raleigh Salary
$84,990
COL Index: 113
National Average
$74,280
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$10,710
Higher in Raleigh

Cost of Living in Raleigh

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$63,456
per year
Population
467,665
residents
Rent % of Income
32.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 113 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Raleigh 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
+42%
Los Angeles, CA
$102,660
+21%
Chicago, IL
$95,060
+12%
Houston, TX
$82,710
-3%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,370
-8%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Game Developer Salary in Raleigh, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a game developer in Raleigh, NC is $84,990 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 113. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Raleigh's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level game developer professionals in Raleigh can expect to earn around $49,433 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level game developers earning approximately $114,477 per year. This represents a 132% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Raleigh's cost of living index of 113 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Raleigh 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 Raleigh typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 24.0% 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 Raleigh, 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.