Technology Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Game Developer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median game developer salary in Brookings, SD is $68,850 per year, which is 19% below the national median and 2.4% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$68,850
vs State Avg
$-1,700
vs National
$-16,150
Cost of Living
86%

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

Brookings offers a median game developer salary of $68,850, which is $1,700 below the South Dakota state average of $70,550. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $68,850 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $80,058 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for game developers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for game developers in Brookings spans from $38,880 at the 10th percentile to $125,550 at the 90th percentile — a $86,670 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,500, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,880. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Game Developer Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level game developer earns around $40,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,500
$-9,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,470
$-16,530 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,880
$-28,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $38,880
25th Percentile $52,650
Median (50th) $68,850
75th Percentile $97,200
90th Percentile $125,550

Game Developer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$73,950
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$72,250
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$67,150
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$65,450
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Game Developer in Brookings

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Brookings

Browse open game developer positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Brookings

How much does a Game Developer make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median game developer salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $68,850 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $38,880 (10th percentile) to $125,550 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,850, a game developer in Brookings earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for game developer pay? ▼
Brookings's median game developer salary of $68,850 is 2.4% below the South Dakota state average of $70,550. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼
Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $68,850 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Brookings? ▼
Most game developer positions in Brookings 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.