Technology North Dakota (ND) Rank #41 of 50

Game Developer Salary in North Dakota

The median game developer salary in North Dakota is $73,100 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $85,000.

Median Salary
$73,100
vs National
$-11,900
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Game Developer Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #41 out of 50 states for game developer compensation. Game Developer salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $73,100 per year, game developers in North Dakota earn $11,900 less than the national median of $85,000.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $73,100 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $81,222 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: game developers at the 10th percentile earn $41,280, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $133,300 — a $92,020 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $76,500.

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 North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level game developer earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,280 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,820
$-12,180 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,280
$-20,720 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $55,900
Median (50th) $73,100
75th Percentile $103,200
90th Percentile $133,300

Game Developer Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for game developers in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Game Developer in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

C++Unity/Unreal3D MathGame PhysicsGPU ProgrammingVersion Control

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Game Developer make in North Dakota? ▼
The median game developer salary in North Dakota is $73,100 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $133,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,100, a game developer in North Dakota earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for game developers? ▼
North Dakota ranks #41 out of 50 states for game developer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level game developers earn $43,000, while senior professionals earn $127,280.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for game developer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for game developers is Hawaii at $140,250. North Dakota's median of $73,100 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($73,950) and Iowa ($73,100).
What is the entry-level game developer salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level game developer in North Dakota earns approximately $43,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $74,820. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $127,280.
What city in North Dakota pays game developers the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for game developers, with a median salary of $76,500. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.