Technology San Jose, CA
Pop. 1,013,240
Game Developer Salary in San Jose, California
The median game developer salary in San Jose, CA is $155,550 per year, which is 83.0% above the national median and 19.6% above the California state average.
City Median
$155,550
vs State Avg
+$25,500
vs National
+$70,550
Cost of Living
168%
Game Developer Salary in San Jose by Experience
In San Jose, an entry-level game developer earns around $91,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $270,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,500
+$41,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$159,210
+$72,210 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$270,840
+$122,840 vs national
Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA
| Percentile | San Jose |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $87,840 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,950 |
| Median (50th) | $155,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $219,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $283,650 |
Game Developer Salary in Other California Cities
How to Become a Game Developer in San Jose
Education
Most game developer positions require a bachelor's degree. San Jose and the surrounding California 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 San Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.