Systems Administrator vs Game Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
Game Developer
Build video games for PC, console, and mobile platforms.
Game Developer earns more on average — the national median is $36,850/year (37%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Systems Administrator vs Game Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Systems Administrator | Game Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,173 | $193,262 | Systems $47,089 |
| New York, NY | $120,157 | $160,244 | Systems $40,087 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,912 | $191,791 | Systems $47,879 |
| Austin, TX | $108,712 | $153,586 | Systems $44,874 |
| Chicago, IL | $104,809 | $149,561 | Systems $44,752 |
| Boston, MA | $127,175 | $175,129 | Systems $47,954 |
| London, UK | £76,827 | £103,778 | Systems $26,951 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,867 | CA$181,136 | Systems $50,269 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Systems Administrator or Game Developer earn more?+
A Game Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Systems Administrator is $99,130/year, compared to $135,980/year for a Game Developer — a difference of $36,850 (37%).
Which has better career growth — Systems Administrator or Game Developer?+
Systems Administrator roles are growing at 4% YoY while Game Developer demand is growing at 14% YoY. Game Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Systems Administrator to Game 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 — Systems Administrator or Game Developer?+
Game Developer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.