Technology Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Game Developer Salary in Austin, Texas

The median game developer salary in Austin, TX is $94,350 per year, which is 11.0% above the national median and 13.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$94,350
vs State Avg
+$11,050
vs National
+$9,350
Cost of Living
105%

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

Austin offers a median game developer salary of $94,350, which is $11,050 above the Texas state average of $83,300. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for game developers in Austin spans from $53,280 at the 10th percentile to $172,050 at the 90th percentile — a $118,770 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,500, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $164,280. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Game Developer Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level game developer earns around $55,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $164,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,500
+$5,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,570
+$9,570 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$164,280
+$16,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $53,280
25th Percentile $72,150
Median (50th) $94,350
75th Percentile $133,200
90th Percentile $172,050

Game Developer Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Game Developer in Austin

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Austin

Browse open game developer positions in Austin, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Austin

How much does a Game Developer make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median game developer salary in Austin, Texas is $94,350 per year, which is 11.0% above the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $53,280 (10th percentile) to $172,050 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,350, a game developer in Austin earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for game developer pay? ▼
Austin's median game developer salary of $94,350 is 13.3% above the Texas state average of $83,300. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $94,350 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Austin? ▼
Most game developer positions in Austin 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.