Game Developer vs Analytics Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Game Developer
Build video games for PC, console, and mobile platforms.
Analytics Engineer
Build and maintain the data models and pipelines that power business intelligence.
Game Developer earns more on average — the national median is $15,895/year (13%) higher than a Analytics Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Game Developer vs Analytics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Game Developer | Analytics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $193,262 | $171,525 | Game +$21,737 |
| New York, NY | $160,244 | $147,203 | Game +$13,041 |
| Seattle, WA | $191,791 | $173,765 | Game +$18,026 |
| Austin, TX | $153,586 | $131,230 | Game +$22,356 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,561 | $125,515 | Game +$24,046 |
| Boston, MA | $175,129 | $158,382 | Game +$16,747 |
| London, UK | £103,778 | £93,991 | Game +$9,787 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,136 | CA$163,067 | Game +$18,069 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Game Developer or Analytics Engineer earn more?+
A Game Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Game Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $120,085/year for a Analytics Engineer — a difference of $15,895 (13%).
Which has better career growth — Game Developer or Analytics Engineer?+
Game Developer roles are growing at 14% YoY while Analytics Engineer demand is growing at 38% YoY. Analytics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Game Developer to Analytics Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Game Developer or Analytics Engineer?+
Analytics Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.