Technology Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Game Developer Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median game developer salary in Chesapeake, VA is $90,100 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 5.4% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$90,100
vs State Avg
$-5,100
vs National
+$5,100
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median game developer salary of $90,100, which is $5,100 below the Virginia state average of $95,200. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Chesapeake pays above average for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $50,880 at the 10th percentile to $164,300 at the 90th percentile — a $113,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,000, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $156,880. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Game Developer Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level game developer earns around $53,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,000
+$3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,220
+$5,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$156,880
+$8,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $50,880
25th Percentile $68,900
Median (50th) $90,100
75th Percentile $127,200
90th Percentile $164,300

Game Developer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$119,000
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$93,500
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$91,800
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$88,400
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Game Developer in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open game developer positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Game Developer make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median game developer salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $90,100 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $50,880 (10th percentile) to $164,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,100, a game developer in Chesapeake earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for game developer pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median game developer salary of $90,100 is 5.4% below the Virginia state average of $95,200. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $90,100 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Chesapeake? ▼
Most game developer positions in Chesapeake 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.