Technology Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Game Developer Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median game developer salary in Sioux City, IA is $68,850 per year, which is 19% below the national median and 5.8% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$68,850
vs State Avg
$-4,250
vs National
$-16,150
Cost of Living
84%

Game Developer Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median game developer salary of $68,850, which is $4,250 below the Iowa state average of $73,100. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $68,850 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,964 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for game developers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for game developers in Sioux City spans from $38,880 at the 10th percentile to $125,550 at the 90th percentile — a $86,670 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,500, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,880. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Game Developer Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level game developer earns around $40,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,500
$-9,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,470
$-16,530 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,880
$-28,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $38,880
25th Percentile $52,650
Median (50th) $68,850
75th Percentile $97,200
90th Percentile $125,550

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
Davenport, IA
$70,550
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Game Developer in Sioux City

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open game developer positions in Sioux City, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Game Developer make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median game developer salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $68,850 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $38,880 (10th percentile) to $125,550 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,850, a game developer in Sioux City earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for game developer pay? ▼
Sioux City's median game developer salary of $68,850 is 5.8% below the Iowa state average of $73,100. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $68,850 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Sioux City? ▼
Most game developer positions in Sioux City 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.