TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Game Developer Salary
in Cedar Rapids, IA

Design and build video games for consoles, PC, and mobile platforms. Median salary in Cedar Rapids: $83K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$83K
per year
Take-home: $54K

Salary range in Cedar Rapids

Entry level (25th)$61,000
Median (50th)$83,000
Senior (75th)$112,000
Top earner (90th)$146,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Cedar Rapids

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

15% discount vs national median

Game Developers in Cedar Rapids earn approximately 15% lower than the US national median for this role β€” a $15,000 discount on annual base salary. Cedar Rapids's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 85 (US avg = 100).

Key facts for Cedar Rapids

Median salary
$83K
annual
Take-home pay
$54K
after fed/state tax
COL index
85
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.82%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,050
per month
YoY growth
+4.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Cedar Rapids Game Developer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $83K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Cedar Rapids

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

HistoricalProjected
Game Developer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$70K$76K$82K$88K$94K201920212023202520272029
2026
$85K
projected
2027
$87K
projected
2028
$89K
projected
2029
$92K
projected
2030
$94K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$83,000+$0
2028 projected$83,000+$0
2029 projected$83,000+$0
2030 projected$83,000+$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 Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Game Developer salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $83,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Cedar Rapids–IA 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 Cedar Rapids

Entry-level Game Developers in Cedar Rapids with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $61,000 and $83,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $83,000 to $112,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $112,000 to $146,000 or more.

Cost of living in Cedar Rapids for Game Developers

Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 85 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 15% further in Cedar Rapids than the national average. Iowa has a 4.82% 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 Cedar Rapids-based professionals.

Game Developer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Cedar Rapids (current)$83K85
Des Moines$90K88
Davenport$80K82