Technology Montana (MT) Rank #31 of 50

Game Developer Salary in Montana

The median game developer salary in Montana is $77,350 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $85,000.

Median Salary
$77,350
vs National
$-7,650
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Game Developer Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #31 out of 50 states for game developer compensation. Game Developer salaries in Montana are below the national median, though the higher cost of living makes this gap more significant. At $77,350 per year, game developers in Montana earn $7,650 less than the national median of $85,000.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning game developer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: game developers at the 10th percentile earn $43,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $141,050 — a $97,370 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $94,350.

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 Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level game developer earns around $45,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,680 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,500
$-4,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,170
$-7,830 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,680
$-13,320 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $43,680
25th Percentile $59,150
Median (50th) $77,350
75th Percentile $109,200
90th Percentile $141,050

Game Developer Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for game developers in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Game Developer in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

C++Unity/Unreal3D MathGame PhysicsGPU ProgrammingVersion Control

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, game developer employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Montana'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 $57,330 over your career trajectory.

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Open to Game Developer Roles in Montana?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Montana

How much does a Game Developer make in Montana? ▼
The median game developer salary in Montana is $77,350 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $43,680 (10th percentile) to $141,050 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,350, a game developer in Montana earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for game developers? ▼
Montana ranks #31 out of 50 states for game developer pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level game developers earn $45,500, while senior professionals earn $134,680.
How does Montana compare to other states for game developer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for game developers is Hawaii at $140,250. Montana's median of $77,350 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($79,050) and Wisconsin ($78,200).
What is the entry-level game developer salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level game developer in Montana earns approximately $45,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $79,170. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $134,680.
What city in Montana pays game developers the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for game developers, with a median salary of $94,350. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.