Technology Missouri (MO) Rank #36 of 50

Game Developer Salary in Missouri

The median game developer salary in Missouri is $74,800 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $85,000.

Median Salary
$74,800
vs National
$-10,200
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Game Developer Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #36 out of 50 states for game developer compensation. Game Developer salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $74,800 per year, game developers in Missouri earn $10,200 less than the national median of $85,000.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $74,800 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $85,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: game developers at the 10th percentile earn $42,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $136,400 — a $94,160 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $78,200.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level game developer earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,240 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,560
$-10,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,240
$-17,760 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $57,200
Median (50th) $74,800
75th Percentile $105,600
90th Percentile $136,400

Game Developer Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for game developers in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Game Developer in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

C++Unity/Unreal3D MathGame PhysicsGPU ProgrammingVersion Control

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Data shows Game Developers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $55,440 over your career trajectory.

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Open to Game Developer Roles in Missouri?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Missouri

How much does a Game Developer make in Missouri? ▼
The median game developer salary in Missouri is $74,800 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $136,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,800, a game developer in Missouri earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for game developers? ▼
Missouri ranks #36 out of 50 states for game developer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level game developers earn $44,000, while senior professionals earn $130,240.
How does Missouri compare to other states for game developer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for game developers is Hawaii at $140,250. Missouri's median of $74,800 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($75,650) and Indiana ($74,800).
What is the entry-level game developer salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level game developer in Missouri earns approximately $44,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $76,560. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $130,240.
What city in Missouri pays game developers the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for game developers, with a median salary of $78,200. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.