Technology Kansas City, KS Pop. 156,607

Game Developer Salary in Kansas City, Kansas

The median game developer salary in Kansas City, KS is $72,250 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 1.2% above the Kansas state average.

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

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

Kansas City offers a median game developer salary of $72,250, which is $850 above the Kansas state average of $71,400. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kansas City'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 Kansas City an attractive option for game developers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for game developers in Kansas City 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 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Game Developer Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, KS

Percentile Kansas City
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 Kansas Cities

How to Become a Game Developer in Kansas City

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open game developer positions in Kansas City, KS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Game Developer make in Kansas City, KS? ▼
The median game developer salary in Kansas City, Kansas 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 Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,250, a game developer in Kansas City earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for game developer pay? ▼
Kansas City's median game developer salary of $72,250 is 1.2% above the Kansas state average of $71,400. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $72,250 in Kansas 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 Kansas City? ▼
Most game developer positions in Kansas 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.