How much to game programmers make?

depends on geographical region and seniority. Starting salaries are anywhere between $40k - $80k depending on where in the country you are and for which company you are working.

Just as a side note, a 70k salary in San Francisco, CA is actually less money than a 40k salary in Austin, TX because of cost of living expenses.

-me

This is a couple years old, but should enlighten:

http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20040211/olsen_01.shtml

Also note that this assumes you have a BSCS or better degree, and that you're actually reasonably good and diligent about doing your work.

The magazine "Games Developper" ( Clicky ) has a yearly salary survey. Lucky you, the April 2006 number that is now being sold happens to have this survey. Hurry up and buy your copy today!

Quote: Game Developer's 5th Annual Salary Survey
By Jill Duffy
Our fifth iteration of the popular Salary Survey is even more detailed and thorough than last year's, with additional job designations, international averages, and a whole lot more. There have been significant gains in salary across a number of fields, but we at Game Developer don't advocate shaking this article in your boss's face and demanding a raise.

Alternatively, the IGDA usually keeps some business information ( Clicky ); you can download the reports on Human Resources to get an update on trends.

-cb