Technology Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Game Developer Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median game developer salary in Chattanooga, TN is $74,800 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$74,800
vs State Avg
$-850
vs National
$-10,200
Cost of Living
88%

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

Chattanooga offers a median game developer salary of $74,800, which is $850 below the Tennessee state average of $75,650. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $74,800 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $85,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for game developers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for game developers in Chattanooga spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $136,400 at the 90th percentile — a $94,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,240. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Game Developer Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level game developer earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,560
$-10,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,240
$-17,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $57,200
Median (50th) $74,800
75th Percentile $105,600
90th Percentile $136,400

Game Developer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$85,000
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$78,200
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$74,800
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$73,100
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Game Developer in Chattanooga

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open game developer positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Game Developer make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median game developer salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $74,800 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $136,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,800, a game developer in Chattanooga earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for game developer pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median game developer salary of $74,800 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $75,650. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $74,800 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Chattanooga? ▼
Most game developer positions in Chattanooga 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.