Technology Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Game Developer Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median game developer salary in Fort Smith, AR is $62,900 per year, which is 26% below the national median and 5.1% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$62,900
vs State Avg
$-3,400
vs National
$-22,100
Cost of Living
80%

Game Developer Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median game developer salary of $62,900, which is $3,400 below the Arkansas state average of $66,300. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Fort Smith pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Smith's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $62,900 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,625 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for game developers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for game developers in Fort Smith spans from $35,520 at the 10th percentile to $114,700 at the 90th percentile — a $79,180 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,000, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,520. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Game Developer Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level game developer earns around $37,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,000
$-13,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,380
$-22,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,520
$-38,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $35,520
25th Percentile $48,100
Median (50th) $62,900
75th Percentile $88,800
90th Percentile $114,700

Game Developer Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$69,700
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$68,850
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$66,300
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$64,600
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Game Developer in Fort Smith

Education

Most game developer positions require a bachelor's degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

C++Unity/Unreal3D MathGame PhysicsGPU ProgrammingVersion Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, game developer employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Game Developer Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open game developer positions in Fort Smith, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Game Developer make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median game developer salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $62,900 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $35,520 (10th percentile) to $114,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,900, a game developer in Fort Smith earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for game developer pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median game developer salary of $62,900 is 5.1% below the Arkansas state average of $66,300. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
Fort Smith has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $62,900 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Fort Smith? ▼
Most game developer positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include C++, Unity/Unreal, 3D Math, Game Physics. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.