GDC: 60% of game developers in the U.S. reported an increase in salaries, with an average annual pay of $142,000
The median salary is lower — $129,000.
GTA VI
This is stated in a recent Game Developers Conference (GDC) study, which involved 562 American developers. Below are some more findings from it.
- The highest average annual salaries were for managers ($160,000) and programmers ($150,000). The lowest were for artists ($124,000).
- Only 15% of surveyed AAA studio employees reported earning less than $100,000 annually. In AA studios, 25% earn less than this amount, whereas in indie teams, it’s already half.
- 53% of respondents are dissatisfied with their salary. Specifically, 11% stated they barely make ends meet, and 6% admitted their salary doesn't allow them to meet even basic needs.
- 11% of developers take side gigs. They mostly do so for additional income (57% of cases), but other popular reasons include creative fulfillment (52%), career development (31%), and the desire to engage in diverse projects (30%).
- Over the past two years, 24% of developers experienced layoffs, and half of them have yet to find a new job.
- 80% of developers consider the game development industry less secure from layoffs compared to many others. Nonetheless, 82% of respondents still do not plan to leave the industry for at least the next five years.
- Union formation is supported by 64% of developers, yet only 9% are members.
WN Media Group also conducted a salary study, but it focuses on the Russian-speaking gaming industry. From it, you will learn how much developers earn in Russia, Serbia, Cyprus, and other countries, what they think about working conditions, how much they typically spend — and much more.
Access to our study is paid. Its cost is €1,100. To receive the report, simply email us at welcome@wn.media.