Technology Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Game Developer Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median game developer salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $93,500 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 1.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$93,500
vs State Avg
$-1,700
vs National
+$8,500
Cost of Living
102%

Game Developer Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median game developer salary of $93,500, which is $1,700 below the Virginia state average of $95,200. Compared to the national median of $85,000, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% 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 Virginia Beach spans from $52,800 at the 10th percentile to $170,500 at the 90th percentile — a $117,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,000, while senior game developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Game Developer Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level game developer earns around $55,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,000
+$5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,700
+$8,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
+$14,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $52,800
25th Percentile $71,500
Median (50th) $93,500
75th Percentile $132,000
90th Percentile $170,500

Game Developer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$119,000
Pop. 238,643
Richmond, VA
$91,800
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$90,100
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$88,400
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Game Developer in Virginia Beach

Education

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

Find Game Developer Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open game developer positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Game Developer Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Game Developer make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median game developer salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $93,500 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $85,000. Salaries range from $52,800 (10th percentile) to $170,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Game Developer make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,500, a game developer in Virginia Beach earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for game developer pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median game developer salary of $93,500 is 1.8% below the Virginia state average of $95,200. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a game developer salary of $93,500 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a game developer in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most game developer positions in Virginia Beach 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.