Technology Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Game Developer Salary in Helena, Montana

The median game developer salary in Helena, MT is $76,500 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$76,500
vs State Avg
$-850
vs National
$-8,500
Cost of Living
94%

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

Helena offers a median game developer salary of $76,500, which is $850 below the Montana state average of $77,350. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% 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 Helena spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $139,500 at the 90th percentile — a $96,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,000, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,200. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Game Developer Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level game developer earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,300
$-8,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,200
$-14,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $58,500
Median (50th) $76,500
75th Percentile $108,000
90th Percentile $139,500

Game Developer Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$94,350
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$83,300
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$78,200
Pop. 117,116
Great Falls, MT
$71,400
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Game Developer in Helena

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Helena

Browse open game developer positions in Helena, MT:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Helena

How much does a Game Developer make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median game developer salary in Helena, Montana is $76,500 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $139,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,500, a game developer in Helena earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for game developer pay? ▼
Helena's median game developer salary of $76,500 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $77,350. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $76,500 in Helena has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Helena? ▼
Most game developer positions in Helena 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.