Technology Davenport, IA Pop. 101,724

Game Developer Salary in Davenport, Iowa

The median game developer salary in Davenport, IA is $70,550 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 3.5% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$70,550
vs State Avg
$-2,550
vs National
$-14,450
Cost of Living
86%

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

Davenport offers a median game developer salary of $70,550, which is $2,550 below the Iowa state average of $73,100. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Davenport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Davenport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $70,550 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,035 in an average-cost city. This makes Davenport an attractive option for game developers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for game developers in Davenport spans from $39,840 at the 10th percentile to $128,650 at the 90th percentile — a $88,810 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,500, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,840. With a population of 101,724, Davenport is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Game Developer Salary in Davenport by Experience

In Davenport, an entry-level game developer earns around $41,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,500
$-8,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,210
$-14,790 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,840
$-25,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Davenport, IA

Percentile Davenport
10th Percentile $39,840
25th Percentile $53,950
Median (50th) $70,550
75th Percentile $99,600
90th Percentile $128,650

Game Developer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$78,200
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$75,650
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$72,250
Pop. 137,710
Sioux City, IA
$68,850
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Game Developer in Davenport

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Davenport

Browse open game developer positions in Davenport, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Davenport

How much does a Game Developer make in Davenport, IA? ▼
The median game developer salary in Davenport, Iowa is $70,550 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $39,840 (10th percentile) to $128,650 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Davenport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,550, a game developer in Davenport earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Davenport compare to the Iowa state average for game developer pay? ▼
Davenport's median game developer salary of $70,550 is 3.5% below the Iowa state average of $73,100. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Davenport, IA? ▼
Davenport has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $70,550 in Davenport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Davenport? ▼
Most game developer positions in Davenport 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.