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Gamer's Choice

Retail Associate

New York, NY · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Gamer's Choice is a team of passionate gamers, creators, and innovators based in Queens, New York ... Handle customer complaints in a professional and courteous manner. * Operate the point-of-sale (POS ...

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How much do professional gamer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional gamer in the United States is $15.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional gamer?

Professional gamers are individuals who play video games competitively for a living. They often participate in esports tournaments, join gaming organizations or teams, and may stream their gameplay for fans. Pro gamers can earn income through tournament winnings, sponsorships, streaming platforms, and content creation. Success in this career requires exceptional gaming skills, teamwork, strategic thinking, and dedication to continuous improvement.

What are some common challenges faced by professional gamers in maintaining peak performance?

Professional gamers often face the challenge of balancing long hours of practice with personal health and well-being. The intense focus required for competitive gaming can lead to mental fatigue and physical strain, especially in high-pressure environments. Staying updated with rapidly changing game meta and strategies is also demanding, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with teammates are crucial, as most esports titles are team-based and rely on strong synergy to achieve success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional gamer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Gamer, you need exceptional hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, deep game knowledge, and extensive practice in your chosen titles. Mastery of gaming hardware, streaming platforms, and often specialized software for communication and analytics is essential, along with participating in tournaments or leagues. Strong communication, teamwork, adaptability, and stress management are crucial soft skills that set top players apart. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining peak performance, capitalizing on competitive opportunities, and building a sustainable career in the fast-paced, high-pressure esports industry.

What is the difference between Professional Gamer vs Esports Player?

AspectProfessional GamerEsports Player
CredentialsGaming skills, tournament experienceGaming skills, tournament experience
Work EnvironmentHome, gaming arenas, onlineGaming arenas, online competitions
Industry UsageBroad term for competitive gamingSpecific role within competitive gaming

While both terms involve competitive gaming, a Professional Gamer is a broad term for individuals who earn income through gaming, including streaming and sponsorships. An Esports Player specifically refers to those competing in organized tournaments within the esports industry. Essentially, all Esports Players are Professional Gamers, but not all Professional Gamers are necessarily part of the esports scene.

How can I become a professional gamer?

To become a professional gamer, you should develop strong gaming skills through consistent practice, participate in online and local tournaments to gain experience, and build a presence on streaming platforms or social media to attract sponsorships and teams. Additionally, understanding game strategies, maintaining good physical and mental health, and networking within the gaming community are important for success.
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What states have the most Professional Gamer jobs?

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Professional Gamer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Gamer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,769 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

ASCCE Model Controller / Exercise Gamer

Science Applications International Corporation

Remote

$67.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 226 rated it services

Job description

SAIC is seeking an ASCCE Model Controller / Exercise Gamer to support the US Air Force.

The ASCCE Model controller/Exercise Gamer shall support worldwide Air Force and Joint/Coalition partners in executing Tier 1 and 2 exercises on request. The Air, Space, and Cyberspace Constructive Environment (ASCCE) is the USAF's authoritative federation of constructive training models and tools realistically representing the tactical and operational capabilities the USAF brings to the joint fight.

This is a part-time/on-call position, which will include multiple 2-3 week assignments/exercises (in either Hawaii, Germany or Republic of Korea). Target salary starts at $67.50/HR.

The Controller/Gamer shall:

  • Validate ATO taskings.
  • Monitor the operation of the simulation.
  • Take the necessary control steps to maintain efficient Air operations.
  • Assume roles of various external organizations an AOC can be expected to contact providing realistic operational and technical responses to the AOC training audience.
  • Contractor shall control and manage the operation of an ASCCE simulation system during execution of exercises to include Air Warfare Simulation (AWSIM), Combat Systems Interface (CSI), Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), Air Force Synthetic Environment for Reconnaissance and Surveillance (AFSERS), Logistics Simulation (LOGSIM), Air and Space Collaborative Environment-Information Operations Suite (ACE-IOS) Command and Control Simulation Environment for Training (C2SET) and Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM).
  • Manage Exercise Command and Control Systems to facilitate Air Operations throughout the exercise including Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS), Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System ( JADOCS), Master Air Attack Plan Tool Kit (MAAPTK), C2Core, Networked Interoperable Real-Time Information Services (NIRIS), Integrated Command & Control (ICC) System, Tactical Data Analysis and Connectivity System (TDACS), Active Directory Service Interfaces (ADSI), Joint Range Extension (JRE), Etc.
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Qualifications

  • 6 years military experience in AOC operations, information technology, and/or Air, Space, and Cyberspace Constructive Environment (ASCCE) suite systems, and Air Force simulations.
  • Bachelor's degree and fourteen (14) years or more experience; or relevant years of experience in lieu of degree.
  • Must be a US Citizen and currently possess a minimum Secret Clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of Air Tasking Order (ATO) preparation and execution; AOC display systems for Common Operational Picture (COP) and Common Tactical Picture (CTP); and battle damage assessment processes and systems.
  • TS/SCI Clearance.
  • Knowledge shall include the practical application of Air computer simulation for the support of exercises, the fundamental principles of simulation-driven exercise planning, and experience in the control of a simulation center during an exercise.

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