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Game Developer Salary in Wausau, WI

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

Median Salary
$56,156
per year in Wausau
Entry Level
$32,662
Starting salary
Senior Level
$75,639
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
84
16% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$32,662$56,156$75,639
Monthly$2,722$4,680$6,303
Biweekly$1,256$2,160$2,909
Weekly$628$1,080$1,455
Hourly$16$27$36

Wausau vs National Average

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

Wausau Salary
$56,156
COL Index: 84
National Average
$74,280
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$18,124
Lower in Wausau

Cost of Living in Wausau

1-Bedroom Rent
$720
per month
Median Income
$46,821
per year
Population
39,910
residents
Rent % of Income
18.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 84 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Wausau 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
+114%
Los Angeles, CA
$102,660
+83%
Chicago, IL
$95,060
+69%
Houston, TX
$82,710
+47%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,370
+40%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Game Developer Salary in Wausau, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a game developer in Wausau, WI is $56,156 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 84. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Wausau's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level game developer professionals in Wausau can expect to earn around $32,662 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level game developers earning approximately $75,639 per year. This represents a 132% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Wausau's cost of living index of 84 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Wausau 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 Wausau typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $720 per month, housing represents about 15.4% 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 Wausau, 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.