Technology Knoxville, TN Pop. 190,740

Game Developer Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee

The median game developer salary in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville 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, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Knoxville'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 Knoxville an attractive option for game developers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for game developers in Knoxville 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 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Game Developer Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN

Percentile Knoxville
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
Chattanooga, TN
$74,800
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$73,100
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Game Developer in Knoxville

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Knoxville

Browse open game developer positions in Knoxville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Game Developer make in Knoxville, TN? ▼
The median game developer salary in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,800, a game developer in Knoxville earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for game developer pay? ▼
Knoxville'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 Knoxville, TN? ▼
Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $74,800 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Knoxville? ▼
Most game developer positions in Knoxville 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.