Game Developer vs QA 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.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
Game Developer earns more on average — the national median is $31,680/year (30%) higher than a QA Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Game Developer vs QA Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Game Developer | QA Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $193,262 | $151,085 | Game +$42,177 |
| New York, NY | $160,244 | $126,759 | Game +$33,485 |
| Seattle, WA | $191,791 | $150,155 | Game +$41,636 |
| Austin, TX | $153,586 | $114,009 | Game +$39,577 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,561 | $115,087 | Game +$34,474 |
| Boston, MA | $175,129 | $133,460 | Game +$41,669 |
| London, UK | £103,778 | £82,816 | Game +$20,962 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,136 | CA$136,813 | Game +$44,323 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Game Developer or QA Engineer earn more?+
A Game Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Game Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $104,300/year for a QA Engineer — a difference of $31,680 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Game Developer or QA Engineer?+
Game Developer roles are growing at 14% YoY while QA Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. Game Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Game Developer to QA 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 QA Engineer?+
Game Developer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.