Technology Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Game Developer Salary in Arkansas

The median game developer salary in Arkansas is $66,300 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $85,000.

Median Salary
$66,300
vs National
$-18,700
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Game Developer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for game developer compensation. Game Developer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $66,300 per year, game developers in Arkansas earn $18,700 less than the national median of $85,000.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $66,300 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $78,929 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: game developers at the 10th percentile earn $37,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $120,900 — a $83,460 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $69,700.

Nationally, game developer employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for game developers across the country.

Game Developer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level game developer earns around $39,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,440 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,000
$-11,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,860
$-19,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,440
$-32,560 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $37,440
25th Percentile $50,700
Median (50th) $66,300
75th Percentile $93,600
90th Percentile $120,900

Game Developer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for game developers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Game Developer in Arkansas

Education

Most game developer positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

C++Unity/Unreal3D MathGame PhysicsGPU ProgrammingVersion Control

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, game developer employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Game Developer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median game developer salary in Arkansas is $66,300 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $37,440 (10th percentile) to $120,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,300, a game developer in Arkansas earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for game developers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for game developer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level game developers earn $39,000, while senior professionals earn $115,440.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for game developer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for game developers is Hawaii at $140,250. Arkansas's median of $66,300 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($69,700) and Oklahoma ($69,700).
What is the entry-level game developer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level game developer in Arkansas earns approximately $39,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,860. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $115,440.
What city in Arkansas pays game developers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for game developers, with a median salary of $69,700. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.