Technology Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Game Developer Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median game developer salary in Kearney, NE is $71,400 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$71,400
vs State Avg
$-3,400
vs National
$-13,600
Cost of Living
86%

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

Kearney offers a median game developer salary of $71,400, which is $3,400 below the Nebraska state average of $74,800. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $71,400 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,023 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for game developers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for game developers in Kearney spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $130,200 at the 90th percentile — a $89,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,320. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Game Developer Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level game developer earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,080
$-13,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,320
$-23,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $54,600
Median (50th) $71,400
75th Percentile $100,800
90th Percentile $130,200

Game Developer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$77,350
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$76,500
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$74,800
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$69,700
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Game Developer in Kearney

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Kearney

Browse open game developer positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Kearney

How much does a Game Developer make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median game developer salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $71,400 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $130,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,400, a game developer in Kearney earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for game developer pay? ▼
Kearney's median game developer salary of $71,400 is 4.5% below the Nebraska state average of $74,800. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼
Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $71,400 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Kearney? ▼
Most game developer positions in Kearney 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.