Technology Akron, OH Pop. 190,469

Game Developer Salary in Akron, Ohio

The median game developer salary in Akron, OH is $71,400 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$71,400
vs State Avg
$-5,100
vs National
$-13,600
Cost of Living
84%

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

Akron offers a median game developer salary of $71,400, which is $5,100 below the Ohio state average of $76,500. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Akron pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Akron's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $71,400 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $85,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Akron an attractive option for game developers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for game developers in Akron 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. With a population of 190,469, Akron is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Game Developer Salary in Akron by Experience

In Akron, 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 84% 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 Akron, OH

Percentile Akron
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 Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$80,750
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$76,500
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$73,100
Pop. 372,624
Toledo, OH
$69,700
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Game Developer in Akron

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Akron

Browse open game developer positions in Akron, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Akron

How much does a Game Developer make in Akron, OH? ▼
The median game developer salary in Akron, Ohio 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 Akron? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,400, a game developer in Akron earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Akron compare to the Ohio state average for game developer pay? ▼
Akron's median game developer salary of $71,400 is 6.7% below the Ohio state average of $76,500. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Akron, OH? ▼
Akron has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $71,400 in Akron has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Akron? ▼
Most game developer positions in Akron 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.