Technology Idaho (ID) Rank #28 of 50

Game Developer Salary in Idaho

The median game developer salary in Idaho is $79,900 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $85,000.

Median Salary
$79,900
vs National
$-5,100
State Rank
#28 of 50
Cost of Living
94%

Game Developer Salary Overview in Idaho (2026)

Idaho ranks #28 out of 50 states for game developer compensation. Game Developer salaries in Idaho are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $79,900 per year, game developers in Idaho earn $5,100 less than the national median of $85,000.

A key advantage of working in Idaho is its below-average cost of living (94% of the national index). This means the $79,900 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $85,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Idaho is significant: game developers at the 10th percentile earn $45,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $145,700 — a $100,580 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Idaho for this role is Boise, where the median reaches $85,000.

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 Idaho by Experience

In Idaho, an entry-level game developer earns around $47,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,120 per year. The cost of living index in Idaho is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,000
$-3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,780
$-5,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,120
$-8,880 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Idaho

Percentile ID Salary
10th Percentile $45,120
25th Percentile $61,100
Median (50th) $79,900
75th Percentile $112,800
90th Percentile $145,700

Game Developer Salary by City in Idaho

The largest employment areas for game developers in Idaho include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Game Developer in Idaho

Education

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

Key Skills

C++Unity/Unreal3D MathGame PhysicsGPU ProgrammingVersion Control

Job Outlook in Idaho

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Idaho

How much does a Game Developer make in Idaho? ▼
The median game developer salary in Idaho is $79,900 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $45,120 (10th percentile) to $145,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Idaho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,900, a game developer in Idaho earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Idaho a good state for game developers? ▼
Idaho ranks #28 out of 50 states for game developer pay. The cost of living index is 94% of the national average. Entry-level game developers earn $47,000, while senior professionals earn $139,120.
How does Idaho compare to other states for game developer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for game developers is Hawaii at $140,250. Idaho's median of $79,900 ranks #28 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($81,600) and Maine ($80,750).
What is the entry-level game developer salary in Idaho? ▼
An entry-level game developer in Idaho earns approximately $47,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $81,780. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $139,120.
What city in Idaho pays game developers the most? ▼
Boise is the highest paying city in Idaho for game developers, with a median salary of $85,000. Other cities include Meridian and Nampa.