Game Developer Salary in Missoula, MT: $83,300 (2026)

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

Missoula offers a median game developer salary of $83,300, which is $5,950 above the Montana state average of $77,350. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Missoula pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% 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 Missoula spans from $47,040 at the 10th percentile to $151,900 at the 90th percentile — a $104,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,000, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,040. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Game Developer Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level game developer earns around $49,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$49,000

$-1,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$85,260

$-1,740 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$145,040

$-2,960 vs national

Percentile	Missoula	MT State	National
10th Percentile	$47,040	$43,680	$48,000
25th Percentile	$63,700	$59,150	$65,000
Median (50th)	$83,300	$77,350	$85,000
75th Percentile	$117,600	$109,200	$120,000
90th Percentile	$151,900	$141,050	$155,000

Percentile

Missoula

10th Percentile

$47,040

25th Percentile

$63,700

Median (50th)

$83,300

75th Percentile

$117,600

90th Percentile

$151,900

How to Become a Game Developer in Missoula

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Missoula

How much does a Game Developer make in Missoula, MT? ▼

The median game developer salary in Missoula, Montana is $83,300 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $47,040 (10th percentile) to $151,900 (90th percentile).

How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Missoula? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $83,300, a game developer in Missoula earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for game developer pay? ▼

Missoula's median game developer salary of $83,300 is 7.7% above the Montana state average of $77,350. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼

Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $83,300 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Missoula? ▼

Most game developer positions in Missoula 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.

Game Developer Salary in Missoula, Montana