Technology Kailua, HI Pop. 38,635

Game Developer Salary in Kailua, Hawaii

The median game developer salary in Kailua, HI is $140,250 per year, which is 65.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$140,250
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$55,250
Cost of Living
170%

Game Developer Pay in Kailua: What to Expect (2026)

Kailua offers a median game developer salary of $140,250, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $140,250. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Kailua pays above average for this role.

However, Kailua's cost of living index is 170%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $140,250 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for game developers in Kailua spans from $79,200 at the 10th percentile to $255,750 at the 90th percentile — a $176,550 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $82,500, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $244,200. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Game Developer Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level game developer earns around $82,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $244,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,500
+$32,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$143,550
+$56,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$244,200
+$96,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kailua, HI

Percentile Kailua
10th Percentile $79,200
25th Percentile $107,250
Median (50th) $140,250
75th Percentile $198,000
90th Percentile $255,750

Game Developer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$144,500
Pop. 350,964
Pearl City, HI
$138,550
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$133,450
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$124,950
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Game Developer in Kailua

Education

Most game developer positions require a bachelor's degree. Kailua and the surrounding Hawaii 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 Kailua may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Game Developer Jobs in Kailua

Browse open game developer positions in Kailua, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Kailua

How much does a Game Developer make in Kailua, HI? ▼
The median game developer salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $140,250 per year, which is 65.0% above the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $79,200 (10th percentile) to $255,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Kailua? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,250, a game developer in Kailua earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kailua compare to the Hawaii state average for game developer pay? ▼
Kailua's median game developer salary of $140,250 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $140,250. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kailua, HI? ▼
Kailua has a cost of living index of 170% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $140,250 in Kailua has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Kailua? ▼
Most game developer positions in Kailua 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.