Interested in turning your chess skills into a paycheck?
Here’s a rundown of the best jobs for people who love chess and also want to make good money. If you get a kick out of analyzing, planning moves, and outsmarting opponents, you’re going to love these career options.
What Makes a Good Job for People Who Love Chess?
We looked for jobs that:
- Require strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Offer opportunities for intellectual competition
- Have flexible hours to allow for chess practice or tournaments
- Involve complex, multi-step projects akin to chess games
- Encourage continuous learning and self-improvement
Best Jobs for People Who Love Chess
While you might think a high-paying job in a field that also caters to your love for chess would require a fancy degree, that’s not always the case. There are loads of jobs on our list that you can snag based on your skills and some specific certifications, no degree required.
Alright, enough chat. Let’s jump right into our handpicked list of job ideas for People Who Love Chess.
1. Data Strategist
Average salary: $84,396
A Data Strategist works with data to help businesses make informed decisions.
Job duties:
- Analyzing data sets to identify trends
- Creating data models for business needs
- Collaborating with team on data-driven projects
- Advising executives based on data findings
- Designing custom data reports
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, or related field
- Proficiency in SQL and data visualization tools
- Strong analytical skills
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work well in teams
- Familiarity with machine learning algorithms
2. Air Traffic Controller
Average salary: $84,843
An Air Traffic Controller manages the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air.
Job duties:
- Monitoring radar and flight plans
- Coordinating takeoffs and landings
- Managing aircraft on the ground
- Ensuring safe distances between aircraft
- Communicating with pilots
Job requirements:
- FAA air traffic pre-employment test
- Completion of Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Program or similar
- Ability to work under high stress
- Good multitasking abilities
- Strong focus and attention to detail
- Solid communication skills
3. Statistical Arbitrager
Average salary: $81,838
A Statistical Arbitrager uses quantitative models to identify and capitalize on price discrepancies in financial markets.
Job duties:
- Identifying market inefficiencies
- Developing trading algorithms
- Backtesting strategies
- Executing trades
- Monitoring portfolio risk
- Adapting strategies based on market changes
Job requirements:
- Proficiency in Python or R
- Knowledge of financial markets
- Strong quantitative skills
- Good decision-making abilities
- Solid risk management skills
4. Solutions Architect
Average salary: $193,275
A Solutions Architect designs and oversees the implementation of business solutions, often known as a Systems Architect in some sectors.
Job duties:
- Identifying business needs
- Designing technical solutions
- Overseeing project implementation
- Collaborating with engineering teams
- Evaluating project outcomes
- Providing post-launch support
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
- Experience with cloud computing platforms
- Knowledge of software development lifecycle
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork abilities
- Strong communication skills
5. Supply Chain Analyst
Average salary: $65,443
A Supply Chain Analyst optimizes the flow of goods from manufacturers to distributors to consumers, sometimes referred to as a Logistics Analyst.
Job duties:
- Analyzing supplier performance
- Forecasting product demand
- Optimizing inventory levels
- Identifying cost-saving opportunities
- Coordinating with suppliers
- Preparing supply chain reports
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field
- Knowledge of supply chain software
- Data analysis skills
- Attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Team collaboration abilities
6. Technical Game Designer
Average salary: $76,513
A Technical Game Designer bridges the gap between game design and game development, occasionally called a Game Systems Designer.
Job duties:
- Designing game mechanics
- Scripting gameplay elements
- Iterating on player feedback
- Coordinating with artists and developers
- Balancing game difficulty
- Running playtests
Job requirements:
- Experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal
- Proficiency in a scripting language
- Strong understanding of game design principles
- Adaptability to different game genres
- Good collaboration skills
- Creative problem-solving abilities
7. Counterintelligence Analyst
Average salary: $96,554
A Counterintelligence Analyst evaluates and mitigates threats to national security, sometimes referred to as a Security Analyst in governmental context.
Job duties:
- Assessing security risks
- Analyzing foreign intelligence
- Briefing decision-makers
- Crafting security policies
- Monitoring data sources
- Producing threat assessments
Job requirements:
- Security clearance eligibility
- Familiarity with intelligence databases
- Analytical skills
- Data interpretation abilities
- Clear written and verbal communication
8. Cryptographer
Average salary: $106,652
A Cryptographer specializes in secure communication methods, often referred to as a Cipher Analyst or Encryption Specialist.
Job duties:
- Designing encryption algorithms
- Analyzing security protocols
- Testing system vulnerabilities
- Updating security measures
- Collaborating with security teams
- Researching new encryption methods
Job requirements:
- Master’s degree in mathematics or computer science
- Experience with cryptography tools and software
- Strong mathematical skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork skills
9. Aerospace Systems Analyst
Average salary: $82,426
An Aerospace Systems Analyst evaluates the performance and efficiency of aerospace systems, also known as a Space Systems Analyst.
Job duties:
- Analyzing aerodynamic data
- Running system simulations
- Evaluating design specs
- Troubleshooting system issues
- Advising on system upgrades
- Reviewing flight data
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering
- Proficiency in simulation software
- Knowledge of aerodynamics
- Problem-solving skills
- Data analysis skills
- Clear communication skills
10. Cyber War Strategist
Average salary: $101,712
A Cyber War Strategist develops plans for cyber warfare, often referred to as a Cyber Warfare Analyst or Cyber Operations Strategist.
Job duties:
- Identifying vulnerabilities
- Planning cyber operations
- Collaborating with intelligence
- Advising military leaders
- Assessing operation outcomes
- Reviewing emerging tech
Job requirements:
- Security clearance eligibility
- Master’s degree in cybersecurity
- Knowledge of cyber warfare tactics
- Strategic thinking abilities
- Teamwork skills
- Adaptability to new tech
11. Operations Research Analyst
Average salary: $90,061
n Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical models and analytics to help organizations solve problems and make decisions. Also known as Management Analyst or Decision Analyst.
Job duties:
- Collecting data
- Building mathematical models
- Running simulations
- Analyzing results
- Recommending solutions
- Reporting findings
- Assisting in implementation
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in operations research, mathematics, or related field
- Proficiency in data analysis software
- Strong quantitative skills
- Effective communication abilities
- Team collaboration skills
- Capacity for critical thinking
12. Foreign Exchange Analyst
Average salary: $79,518
A Foreign Exchange Analyst examines currency trends to make trading and investment recommendations. Sometimes referred to as a Forex Analyst or Currency Research Analyst.
Job duties:
- Monitoring currency trends
- Analyzing economic data
- Advising on currency trading
- Producing reports
- Creating financial models
- Liaising with traders
- Evaluating global events
Job requirements:
- Familiarity with trading platforms
- Understanding of macroeconomics
- Data interpretation skills
- Solid decision-making abilities
- Adaptability to market changes
- Risk assessment capabilities
13. UX Strategist
Average salary: $118,761
A UX Strategist shapes the user experience on digital platforms. Also known as a User Experience Designer or UX Planner.
Job duties:
- Researching user behavior
- Creating wireframes
- Running user tests
- Collaborating with designers
- Crafting user journeys
- Analyzing user data
- Advising development teams
Job requirements:
- Proficiency in UX design software (like Sketch or Figma)
- Familiarity with coding languages (HTML, CSS)
- Strong analytical skills
- Effective communication skills
- Good team collaboration abilities
- Willingness to adapt to new tools and technologies
See, There Are Careers for People Who Love Chess!
From Technical Game Designer to Foreign Exchange Analyst, this lineup is chock-full of high-paying jobs that chess lovers will dig.
Which job feels like your next winning move? Drop a line in the comments.