Technology Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Game Developer Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median game developer salary in Memphis, TN is $73,100 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$73,100
vs State Avg
$-2,550
vs National
$-11,900
Cost of Living
86%

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

Memphis offers a median game developer salary of $73,100, which is $2,550 below the Tennessee state average of $75,650. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for game developers in Memphis 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. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Game Developer Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, 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 Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
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 Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$85,000
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$78,200
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$74,800
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$74,800
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Game Developer in Memphis

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Memphis

Browse open game developer positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Memphis

How much does a Game Developer make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median game developer salary in Memphis, Tennessee 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 Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,100, a game developer in Memphis earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for game developer pay? ▼
Memphis's median game developer salary of $73,100 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $75,650. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $73,100 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Memphis? ▼
Most game developer positions in Memphis 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.