Technology Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Game Developer Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median game developer salary in Norfolk, VA is $88,400 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.1% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$88,400
vs State Avg
$-6,800
vs National
+$3,400
Cost of Living
96%

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

Norfolk offers a median game developer salary of $88,400, which is $6,800 below the Virginia state average of $95,200. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Norfolk pays above average for this role.

Norfolk's cost of living is 96% 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 Norfolk spans from $49,920 at the 10th percentile to $161,200 at the 90th percentile — a $111,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,000, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $153,920. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Game Developer Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, an entry-level game developer earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
+$2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,480
+$3,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,920
+$5,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
10th Percentile $49,920
25th Percentile $67,600
Median (50th) $88,400
75th Percentile $124,800
90th Percentile $161,200

Game Developer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Game Developer in Norfolk

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open game developer positions in Norfolk, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Game Developer make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median game developer salary in Norfolk, Virginia is $88,400 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $49,920 (10th percentile) to $161,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,400, a game developer in Norfolk earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for game developer pay? ▼
Norfolk's median game developer salary of $88,400 is 7.1% below the Virginia state average of $95,200. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $88,400 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Norfolk? ▼
Most game developer positions in Norfolk 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.