Game Developer vs Web 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.
Web Developer
Build and maintain websites and web applications.
Game Developer earns more on average — the national median is $31,980/year (31%) higher than a Web Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Game Developer vs Web Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Game Developer | Web Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $193,262 | $147,801 | Game +$45,461 |
| New York, NY | $160,244 | $122,892 | Game +$37,352 |
| Seattle, WA | $191,791 | $148,827 | Game +$42,964 |
| Austin, TX | $153,586 | $113,006 | Game +$40,580 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,561 | $113,802 | Game +$35,759 |
| Boston, MA | $175,129 | $134,947 | Game +$40,182 |
| London, UK | £103,778 | £80,939 | Game +$22,839 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,136 | CA$138,013 | Game +$43,123 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Game Developer or Web Developer earn more?+
A Game Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Game Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $104,000/year for a Web Developer — a difference of $31,980 (31%).
Which has better career growth — Game Developer or Web Developer?+
Game Developer roles are growing at 14% YoY while Web Developer demand is growing at 16% YoY. Web Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Game Developer to Web Developer?+
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 Web Developer?+
Game Developer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.