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Professional Dungeon Master Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... warmth, and professionalism that befits Anthro SoCal's promise to host an excellent event ... D&D Dungeon Master or board game tournament organizer) * Improv & Public Speaking Confidence:

Professional Dungeon Master information

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$28.5K

$83.9K

$147.5K

How much do professional dungeon master jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional dungeon master in the United States is $83,891.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional dungeon master?

A Professional Dungeon Master (DM) is someone who is paid to organize and run tabletop role-playing game sessions, most commonly Dungeons & Dragons. They create immersive stories, manage game mechanics, and guide players through adventures, ensuring everyone has an engaging experience. Clients may hire a professional DM for private groups, corporate events, or online campaigns. This role requires creativity, storytelling skills, and a deep understanding of game rules. Professional DMs often use online platforms to connect with players and may offer custom campaigns or pre-written adventures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a professional dungeon master?

To thrive as a Professional Dungeon Master, you need a deep understanding of tabletop role-playing games (especially Dungeons & Dragons), strong storytelling abilities, and experience in game mechanics and world-building. Familiarity with digital tools like Roll20, Foundry VTT, and D&D Beyond, as well as optional certifications from platforms like Wizards of the Coast, are commonly used in online or hybrid settings. Exceptional improvisation, communication, and group management skills help create an engaging and inclusive experience for diverse players. These skills are essential to ensure sessions are immersive, enjoyable, and smoothly run for paying clients.

What are common challenges faced by professional dungeon masters and how can they be managed?

Professional Dungeon Masters often face challenges such as managing diverse player personalities, ensuring engaging storytelling, and balancing preparation with improvisation. It's important to establish clear communication and session expectations early on to foster a positive group dynamic. Additionally, maintaining flexibility in your campaign plans allows for smoother adaptation to unexpected player choices. Using scheduling tools and seeking regular feedback from players can also help create a more enjoyable and organized experience for everyone involved.

Can you get paid to be a professional dungeon master?

Yes, professional dungeon masters can earn income by running tabletop role-playing game sessions for clients, often through platforms like online marketplaces, gaming conventions, or private events. Payment varies based on experience, session length, and the platform used, and skills in storytelling and game management are essential. Many work as freelancers or part-time, with some turning it into a full-time profession.
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What cities are hiring for Professional Dungeon Master jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Dungeon Master job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Dungeon Master jobs?

The most popular types of Dungeon Master jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Dungeon Master jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Dungeon Master jobs include:

Infographic showing various Professional Dungeon Master job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,891 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Enrichment Instructor - Dungeons & Dragons

arc After School and Experiential Education

Torrance, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Make a Difference Today!Dungeons & Dragons Instructor

Arc Experience
Employment Type: Part-Time
Rate of Pay: $35/hour
Location:Los Angeles/ SFV

Position Overview

Arc Experience is seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and engaging Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) Instructor / Game Master to join our team.

The ideal candidate is passionate about tabletop role-playing games and enjoys creating welcoming, collaborative experiences where students can develop storytelling, problem-solving, communication, creativity, and teamwork skills through play.

The instructor will lead D&D sessions for students with varying levels of experience, from complete beginners to experienced players.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead engaging and age-appropriate Dungeons & Dragons campaigns and one-shot adventures.

  • Serve as the Dungeon Master (DM), guiding players through stories, encounters, exploration, and role-playing.

  • Teach new players the fundamentals of D&D, including character creation, rules, combat, role-playing, and cooperative gameplay.

  • Create or adapt adventures, encounters, puzzles, NPCs, and storylines appropriate for the group.

  • Encourage students to develop creativity, imagination, communication, and problem-solving skills.

  • Foster teamwork and positive social interaction among players.

  • Create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves.

  • Adapt gameplay to different ages, experience levels, personalities, and learning styles.

  • Provide guidance and constructive feedback while encouraging student creativity and independence.

  • Manage game sessions effectively, including pacing, transitions, and group participation.

  • Maintain a positive and engaging atmosphere while appropriately managing challenging group dynamics.

  • Assist with D&D workshops, special events, campaigns, showcases, or other Arc Experience programming as needed.

Qualifications
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of Dungeons & Dragons.

  • Previous experience as a Dungeon Master is required.

  • Experience creating or running campaigns, one-shots, or organized-play sessions.

  • Strong storytelling, improvisation, and communication skills.

  • Ability to engage and connect with students of different ages and experience levels.

  • Patient, encouraging, creative, and enthusiastic teaching style.

  • Ability to establish clear expectations and maintain a positive group environment.

  • Reliable, punctual, organized, and professional.

  • Passion for tabletop gaming and collaborative storytelling.

Preferred Experience
  • Experience teaching, coaching, mentoring, or working with youth.

  • Experience working with beginner D&D players.

  • Familiarity with D&D 5e and/or current D&D rules and resources.

  • Experience with virtual tabletop platforms such as D&D Beyond, Roll20, or similar tools.

  • Experience designing original adventures, campaigns, encounters, or homebrew content.

  • Knowledge of fantasy literature, storytelling, improv, theater, or game design.

What We Offer
  • $35/hour

  • Part-time, flexible teaching opportunities

  • Creative and collaborative work environment

  • Opportunity to mentor and inspire young storytellers and gamers

  • Freedom to bring creativity and personal style into gameplay

  • Opportunities to participate in campaigns, workshops, special events, and community activities

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a skilled Dungeon Master, storyteller, and mentor who understands that D&D is about more than rolling dice. You should be able to create memorable adventures while helping students build confidence, collaborate with others, solve problems, and express their creativity.

You don't need to have every rule memorized — but you should be comfortable running a game, thinking on your feet, and making the table a fun and welcoming place for everyone.

If you're passionate about D&D and love helping others discover the magic of collaborative storytelling, we'd love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume or brief professional bio highlighting your D&D/Dungeon Master experience, teaching or mentoring experience, and any relevant campaigns, events, or programs you have led.

Arc Experience is an equal opportunity organization committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, instructors, and team members.

To qualify for this position, you will need:

  • At least one year of experience working in after-school programs or youth recreation, especially in ethnically and culturally diverse communities.
  • Qualified in the specific skill we are looking for to teach our students.
  • To be a good communicator and self sufficient with limited supervision.
  • College transcripts that show you have 48+ college credit units completed OR take and pass an academic proficiency exam.
  • To get a TB test (and provide proof that it is negative) and pass a Live Scan background check.
  • If you are an English-Spanish bilingual speaker, your resume will stand out!

If the school you will be working at requires a Covid-19 vaccination, then you must provide documentation that shows you are fully Covid-19 vaccinated.

This position is part-time, non-exempt. This position reports to the Enrichment Coordinator.

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • Reliably commute before starting work (required)

Arc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.