Technology Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Game Developer Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median game developer salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $72,250 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 1.2% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$72,250
vs State Avg
$-850
vs National
$-12,750
Cost of Living
88%

Game Developer Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median game developer salary of $72,250, which is $850 below the Iowa state average of $73,100. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $72,250 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,102 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for game developers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for game developers in Cedar Rapids spans from $40,800 at the 10th percentile to $131,750 at the 90th percentile — a $90,950 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,500, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $125,800. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Game Developer Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level game developer earns around $42,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $125,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,500
$-7,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,950
$-13,050 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,800
$-22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $40,800
25th Percentile $55,250
Median (50th) $72,250
75th Percentile $102,000
90th Percentile $131,750

Game Developer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$78,200
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$75,650
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$70,550
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$68,850
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Game Developer in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open game developer positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Game Developer make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median game developer salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $72,250 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $40,800 (10th percentile) to $131,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,250, a game developer in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for game developer pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median game developer salary of $72,250 is 1.2% below the Iowa state average of $73,100. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $72,250 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most game developer positions in Cedar Rapids 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.