Technology Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

Game Developer Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median game developer salary in Cleveland, OH is $73,100 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$73,100
vs State Avg
$-3,400
vs National
$-11,900
Cost of Living
86%

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

Cleveland offers a median game developer salary of $73,100, which is $3,400 below the Ohio state average of $76,500. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $73,100 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $85,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for game developers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for game developers in Cleveland spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $133,300 at the 90th percentile — a $92,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,280. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Game Developer Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level game developer earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% 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

Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH

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

Game Developer Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$80,750
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$76,500
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$71,400
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$69,700
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Game Developer in Cleveland

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open game developer positions in Cleveland, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Game Developer make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median game developer salary in Cleveland, Ohio 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 Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,100, a game developer in Cleveland earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for game developer pay? ▼
Cleveland's median game developer salary of $73,100 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $76,500. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $73,100 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Cleveland? ▼
Most game developer positions in Cleveland 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.