Eager to merge your gaming skills with a high-paying career?
This list showcases the best jobs for gamers who don’t just pay in digital coins but in real-world dollars. Perfect for those who spend hours behind the controller and want to turn that time into tangible success.
What Makes a Good Job for Gamers?
We looked for jobs that:
- Incorporate elements of strategy or problem-solving
- Allow for a level of autonomy, just like in sandbox games
- Have a tech-savvy work environment
- Feature opportunities for skill progression or “leveling up”
- Involve teamwork or collaboration similar to multiplayer games
Best Jobs for Gamers
Not all high-paying jobs require a diploma hanging on the wall. You’ll find plenty of roles here that value skill and certifications over formal education. So if you’re worried about the degree factor, you’ve still got a lot of routes that can lead you to a hefty paycheck.
Let’s cut to the chase and dive into the jobs we’ve rounded up for gamers.
1. Gaming Cybersecurity
Average salary: $17/hour
A Gaming Cybersecurity specialist focuses on protecting gaming platforms and networks from cyber threats and attacks.
Job duties:
- Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity
- Implementing security protocols for gaming platforms
- Conducting vulnerability assessments
- Responding to security incidents
- Creating security documentation
- Advising on security best practices
Job requirements:
- Familiarity with common security tools and software
- Basic understanding of network protocols
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Adaptability to rapidly changing scenarios
- Ability to work well with cross-functional teams
2. eSports Coach
Average salary: $44,486
An eSports Coach trains and guides competitive gamers for tournaments and leagues. Sometimes, they’re also known as gaming coaches or team coaches.
Job duties:
- Developing player strategies
- Analyzing opponent gameplay
- Running practice sessions
- Reviewing match footage
- Providing real-time game coaching
- Managing team dynamics
Job requirements:
- Proven experience in competitive gaming
- Deep knowledge of the specific game’s mechanics
- Coaching or mentoring experience
- Strong communication skills
- Good problem-solving abilities
- Team leadership skills
3. AI Engineer for Gaming
Average salary: $131,100
An AI Engineer for Gaming specializes in creating and implementing artificial intelligence algorithms within video games.
Job duties:
- Designing AI behaviors
- Coding game logic
- Debugging AI issues
- Collaborating with designers
- Tuning AI performance
- Researching new AI techniques
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or AI
- Experience in game development
- Proficiency in programming languages like C++ or Python
- Basic knowledge of machine learning algorithms
- Strong teamwork skills
- Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
4. Product Manager for Gaming Hardware
Average salary: $161,845
A Product Manager for Gaming Hardware oversees the development and marketing of gaming-related hardware, such as controllers, headsets, or consoles.
Job duties:
- Defining product vision
- Setting project goals
- Collaborating with engineers
- Conducting market research
- Overseeing production
- Launching new products
Job requirements:
- Experience in hardware development
- Familiarity with gaming industry
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Strong analytical skills
5. Motion Capture Artist
Average salary: $70,688
A Motion Capture Artist captures human movements for animations in video games, often known as MoCap Artist.
Job duties:
- Wearing motion capture suits
- Performing required movements
- Calibrating cameras and equipment
- Assisting in data cleanup
- Collaborating with animators
- Checking out the moves you’ve captured
Job requirements:
- Prior experience in motion capture
- Basic understanding of animation software
- Good physical condition
- Ability to take direction
- Team collaboration skills
6. Augmented Reality Developer
Average salary: $146,485
An Augmented Reality Developer creates AR experiences in gaming, enhancing real-world elements with computer-generated content.
Job duties:
- Designing AR algorithms
- Coding AR applications
- Testing AR experiences
- Debugging issues
- Collaborating with game designers
- Updating existing AR features
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science
- Experience with AR frameworks
- Familiarity with 3D modeling tools
- Strong coding skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Good communication skills
7. VR Experience Designer
Average salary: $98,673
A VR Experience Designer crafts interactive and immersive environments in virtual reality games.
Job duties:
- Sketching VR concepts
- Designing interactive elements
- Creating 3D models
- Conducting user testing
- Collaborating with developers
- Iterating on feedback
Job requirements:
- Experience in VR platforms
- Skill in 3D modeling software
- User interface design skills
- Creative thinking abilities
- Teamwork skills
8. Game Tester
Average salary: $54,847
A Game Tester, sometimes called a QA Tester, plays video games to find bugs and improve gameplay.
Job duties:
- Playing assigned games
- Documenting bugs
- Completing test cases
- Giving gameplay feedback
- Collaborating with developers
- Verifying bug fixes
Job requirements:
- Prior experience in QA testing
- Basic understanding of game design
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
9. Game Narrative Writer
Average salary: $76,313
A Game Narrative Writer crafts stories, dialogues, and characters for video games, sometimes going by the title of Story Designer.
Job duties:
- Creating story arcs
- Writing dialogue
- Developing characters
- Collaborating with designers
- Aligning narrative with gameplay
- Revising based on feedback
Job requirements:
- Experience in game development
- Storytelling abilities
- Writing for different platforms
- Strong collaboration skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
10. Gameplay Programmer
Average salary: $92,315
A Gameplay Programmer writes the code that brings the game’s design to life.
Job duties:
- Coding game mechanics
- Debugging code
- Collaborating with artists
- Implementing AI logic
- Optimizing game performance
- Adding special effects
Job requirements:
- Experience with game engines
- Proficiency in C++ or similar languages
- Basic art and design understanding
- Collaboration and teamwork skills
- Problem-solving abilities
11. Game Economy Designer
Average salary: $76,696
A Game Economy Designer balances and designs the economic systems within a video game.
Job duties:
- Designing currency systems
- Balancing in-game resources
- Analyzing player behavior
- Collaborating with designers
- Tuning reward mechanisms
- Updating economy models
Job requirements:
- Degree in Game Design or Economics
- Experience in game development
- Understanding of player psychology
- Basic data analytics skills
- Collaboration skills
- Attention to detail
12. 3D Animator
Average salary: $78,074
A 3D Animator creates animated characters and environments for games or films.
Job duties:
- Designing 3D models
- Rigging skeletons
- Animating movements
- Texturing surfaces
- Reviewing animation frames
- Collaborating with storyboard artists
Job requirements:
- Proficiency in 3D animation software
- Understanding of anatomy and physics
- Artistic eye for detail
- Teamwork skills
- Adaptability to different styles and genres
13. Game UX Designer
Average salary: $117,103
A Game UX Designer focuses on optimizing player experience in video games, also known as a User Experience Designer in gaming.
Job duties:
- Designing user interfaces
- Conducting user testing
- Analyzing player feedback
- Collaborating with developers
- Refining game flow
- Creating wireframes
Job requirements:
- Game development experience
- User testing know-how
- Good problem-solving skills
- Basic coding knowledge
- Effective communication skills
- Adaptability to project needs
See, There Are Careers for Gamers!
From AI Engineer for Gaming to 3D Animator, this roundup offers a treasure trove of career paths for the game-obsessed.
Got a favorite from the list? We’re curious—drop your choice in the comments.