Game Developer vs AR/VR Developer: 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.
AR/VR Developer
Build augmented and virtual reality experiences for gaming, enterprise, and training.
Game Developer earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a AR/VR Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Game Developer vs AR/VR Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Game Developer | AR/VR Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $193,262 | $194,489 | Game $1,227 |
| New York, NY | $160,244 | $166,830 | Game $6,586 |
| Seattle, WA | $191,791 | $188,885 | Game +$2,906 |
| Austin, TX | $153,586 | $153,759 | Game $173 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,561 | $144,495 | Game +$5,066 |
| Boston, MA | $175,129 | $172,806 | Game +$2,323 |
| London, UK | £103,778 | £103,650 | Game +$128 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,136 | CA$175,134 | Game +$6,002 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Game Developer or AR/VR Developer earn more?+
A Game Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Game Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $135,980/year for a AR/VR Developer — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Game Developer or AR/VR Developer?+
Game Developer roles are growing at 14% YoY while AR/VR Developer demand is growing at 38% YoY. AR/VR Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Game Developer to AR/VR Developer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Unity, C#, Unreal Engine.
Which is harder to automate — Game Developer or AR/VR Developer?+
AR/VR Developer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.