TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years

Entry Level Game Developer Salary in San Francisco

2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.

$106,835/yr

Typical range: $101,602 $124,934

P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Game Developer Salary Progression in San Francisco

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
EntryThis page0 yrs0 yrs$106,835$8,903
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$131,972$10,998+24%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$148,731$12,394+39%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$172,193$14,349+61%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$232,523$19,377+118%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$291,596$24,300+173%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$306,365$25,530+187%
Current Salary
$106,835
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $51/hr
Next Level Target
$131,972
Junior · 2
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
46/100
Below Average
+14% demand · Moderate AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry level Game Developer salary in San Francisco, CA?

Entry Level Game Developers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $107K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a entry level Game Developer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?

Based on $107K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $51/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from entry level to senior Game Developer in San Francisco, CA?

The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Game Developer in San Francisco, CA earns $198K–$243K/yr.