Technology Minneapolis, MN Pop. 429,954

Game Developer Salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota

The median game developer salary in Minneapolis, MN is $91,800 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 8.0% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$91,800
vs State Avg
+$6,800
vs National
+$6,800
Cost of Living
105%

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

Minneapolis offers a median game developer salary of $91,800, which is $6,800 above the Minnesota state average of $85,000. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Minneapolis pays above average for this role.

Minneapolis's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for game developers in Minneapolis spans from $51,840 at the 10th percentile to $167,400 at the 90th percentile — a $115,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,000, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,840. With a population of 429,954, Minneapolis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Game Developer Salary in Minneapolis by Experience

In Minneapolis, an entry-level game developer earns around $54,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,000
+$4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,960
+$6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,840
+$11,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Minneapolis, MN

Percentile Minneapolis
10th Percentile $51,840
25th Percentile $70,200
Median (50th) $91,800
75th Percentile $129,600
90th Percentile $167,400

Game Developer Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

Bloomington, MN
$89,250
Pop. 89,987
Saint Paul, MN
$87,550
Pop. 311,527
Rochester, MN
$85,850
Pop. 121,395
Duluth, MN
$79,050
Pop. 90,884

How to Become a Game Developer in Minneapolis

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Minneapolis

Browse open game developer positions in Minneapolis, MN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Minneapolis

How much does a Game Developer make in Minneapolis, MN? ▼
The median game developer salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota is $91,800 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $51,840 (10th percentile) to $167,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Minneapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,800, a game developer in Minneapolis earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Minneapolis compare to the Minnesota state average for game developer pay? ▼
Minneapolis's median game developer salary of $91,800 is 8.0% above the Minnesota state average of $85,000. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Minneapolis, MN? ▼
Minneapolis has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $91,800 in Minneapolis has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Minneapolis? ▼
Most game developer positions in Minneapolis 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.