Technology Minnesota (MN) Rank #19 of 50

Game Developer Salary in Minnesota

The median game developer salary in Minnesota is $85,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $85,000.

Median Salary
$85,000
vs National
+$0
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Game Developer Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #19 out of 50 states for game developer compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for game developer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $85,000 per year, game developers in Minnesota earn $0 more than the national median of $85,000.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning game developer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: game developers at the 10th percentile earn $48,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $155,000 — a $107,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $91,800.

Nationally, game developer employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for game developers across the country.

Game Developer Salary in Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level game developer earns around $50,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,000 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,000
+$0 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $48,000
25th Percentile $65,000
Median (50th) $85,000
75th Percentile $120,000
90th Percentile $155,000

Game Developer Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for game developers in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Game Developer in Minnesota

Education

Most game developer positions require a bachelor's degree. Minnesota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

C++Unity/Unreal3D MathGame PhysicsGPU ProgrammingVersion Control

Job Outlook in Minnesota

Nationally, game developer employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Minnesota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Game Developer make in Minnesota? ▼
The median game developer salary in Minnesota is $85,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $48,000 (10th percentile) to $155,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,000, a game developer in Minnesota earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for game developers? ▼
Minnesota ranks #19 out of 50 states for game developer pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level game developers earn $50,000, while senior professionals earn $148,000.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for game developer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for game developers is Hawaii at $140,250. Minnesota's median of $85,000 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Florida ($85,000) and Illinois ($85,000).
What is the entry-level game developer salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level game developer in Minnesota earns approximately $50,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $87,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $148,000.
What city in Minnesota pays game developers the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for game developers, with a median salary of $91,800. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.