TechnologyUpdated Q1 2025

Game Developer Salary
in Aurora, IL

Design and build video games for consoles, PC, and mobile platforms. Median salary in Aurora: $98K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$98K
per year
Take-home: $64K

Salary range in Aurora

Entry level (25th)$72,000
Median (50th)$98,000
Senior (75th)$132,000
Top earner (90th)$172,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Aurora, Illinois.

Key facts for Aurora

Median salary
$98K
annual
Take-home pay
$64K
after fed/state tax
COL index
95
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.95%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,300
per month
YoY growth
+4.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Aurora Game Developer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $98K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Aurora

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Game Developer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$82K$89K$97K$104K$111K201920212023202520272029
2026
$100K
projected
2027
$103K
projected
2028
$106K
projected
2029
$108K
projected
2030
$111K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$98,000+$0
2028 projected$98,000+$0
2029 projected$98,000+$0
2030 projected$98,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Game Developer Salary in Aurora, Illinois: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Game Developer salary in Aurora, IL is $98,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Aurora–IL metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Game Developer in Aurora

Entry-level Game Developers in Aurora with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $72,000 and $98,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $98,000 to $132,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $132,000 to $172,000 or more.

Cost of living in Aurora for Game Developers

Aurora has a cost of living index of 95 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 5% further in Aurora than the national average. Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Game Developer

Bachelor's in CS or Game Design. This role is 55% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Aurora-based professionals.

Game Developer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Aurora (current)$98K95
Chicago107
Joliet90
Naperville118
Rockford80