Technology Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Game Developer Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median game developer salary in Aberdeen, SD is $67,150 per year, which is 21% below the national median and 4.8% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$67,150
vs State Avg
$-3,400
vs National
$-17,850
Cost of Living
84%

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

Aberdeen offers a median game developer salary of $67,150, which is $3,400 below the South Dakota state average of $70,550. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Aberdeen pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Aberdeen's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $67,150 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for game developers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for game developers in Aberdeen spans from $37,920 at the 10th percentile to $122,450 at the 90th percentile — a $84,530 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,500, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,920. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Game Developer Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level game developer earns around $39,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,500
$-10,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,730
$-18,270 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,920
$-31,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $37,920
25th Percentile $51,350
Median (50th) $67,150
75th Percentile $94,800
90th Percentile $122,450

Game Developer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$73,950
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$72,250
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$68,850
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$65,450
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Game Developer in Aberdeen

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open game developer positions in Aberdeen, SD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Game Developer make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median game developer salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $67,150 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $37,920 (10th percentile) to $122,450 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,150, a game developer in Aberdeen earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for game developer pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median game developer salary of $67,150 is 4.8% below the South Dakota state average of $70,550. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
Aberdeen has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $67,150 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Aberdeen? ▼
Most game developer positions in Aberdeen 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.