Technology Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Game Developer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median game developer salary in Chicago, IL is $95,200 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 12.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$95,200
vs State Avg
+$10,200
vs National
+$10,200
Cost of Living
107%

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

Chicago offers a median game developer salary of $95,200, which is $10,200 above the Illinois state average of $85,000. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for game developers in Chicago spans from $53,760 at the 10th percentile to $173,600 at the 90th percentile — a $119,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,000, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $165,760. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Game Developer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level game developer earns around $56,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,000
+$6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,440
+$10,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,760
+$17,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $53,760
25th Percentile $72,800
Median (50th) $95,200
75th Percentile $134,400
90th Percentile $173,600

Game Developer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$96,050
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$85,000
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$76,500
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$73,950
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Game Developer in Chicago

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open game developer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Game Developer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median game developer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $95,200 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $53,760 (10th percentile) to $173,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,200, a game developer in Chicago earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for game developer pay? ▼
Chicago's median game developer salary of $95,200 is 12.0% above the Illinois state average of $85,000. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $95,200 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Chicago? ▼
Most game developer positions in Chicago 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.