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Trading Card Game Design Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Oregon Episcopal School

Coach - All Divisions

Portland, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

... final game and return them promptly to the Athletic Department. Punctuality and Preparedness ... Design practices that promote skill development, strategy, and personal growth. * Full Commitment ...

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All JobsTrading Card Game Design JobsTrading Card Game Design Jobs in Portland, OR

Trading Card Game Design information

See Portland, OR salary details

$84.3K

$138.7K

$207.9K

How much do trading card game design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for trading card game design in Portland, OR is $138,673.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,500.00 and $159,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is trading card game design?

Trading card game design is the process of creating the rules, mechanics, cards, and overall structure of a collectible or trading card game (TCG). Designers develop the gameplay experience, balancing strategy, randomness, and player interaction. They also work on themes, artwork, and expansions to keep the game engaging and fresh. Successful trading card game design requires creativity, playtesting, and a deep understanding of what makes games fun and replayable.

What are some common challenges faced by trading card game designers during the playtesting phase?

Trading card game designers often encounter challenges in balancing the gameplay and ensuring that no single card or strategy dominates the game. Playtesting requires designers to collect and analyze feedback from a diverse group of players, which can reveal unforeseen interactions or exploits. Additionally, designers must iterate quickly and thoughtfully, adjusting card mechanics and rules while maintaining the overall vision of the game. Collaboration with artists, developers, and marketing teams is also crucial to align the game's mechanics with its thematic and commercial goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trading card game designer, and why are they important?

A Trading Card Game Designer needs strong game design principles, mathematical and probability skills, and a creative understanding of gameplay balance, often supported by a background in game design or related fields. Familiarity with digital prototyping tools, playtesting platforms, and knowledge of industry-standard design software is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, collaboration, and iterative problem-solving abilities set top designers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for creating engaging, balanced, and commercially successful card games that appeal to diverse player communities.

What is the difference between Trading Card Game Design vs Board Game Design?

AspectTrading Card Game DesignBoard Game Design
CredentialsDesign experience, knowledge of card mechanics, game theoryGame mechanics, prototyping, user experience
Work EnvironmentDigital and physical card development, collaboration with artists and publishersPhysical prototypes, playtesting, manufacturing coordination
Industry UsageCollectible card games, gaming publishers, hobby storesTabletop gaming, toy companies, hobby markets

Trading Card Game Design and Board Game Design share overlapping skills like game mechanics and prototyping, but differ mainly in their focus on card-based versus physical board experiences. While both roles involve creativity and playtesting, TCG designers often work more with digital assets and collectible elements, whereas board game designers focus on physical components and player interaction. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path within the gaming industry.

How much do trading card game designers make?

Trading card game designers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the company. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working for major companies can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by bonuses or royalties for successful games.

Is trading card game design a well-paying career?

Trading card game design can offer competitive salaries, especially for experienced designers working with major companies or popular franchises. Entry-level positions may have lower pay, but skills in illustration, game mechanics, and software tools can lead to higher earnings over time.

What are popular job titles related to Trading Card Game Design jobs in Portland, OR?

For Trading Card Game Design jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trading Card Game Design jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Trading Card Game Design jobs in Portland, OR are:

Trading Card Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trading Card Game Design job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $138,673 per year, or $66.7 per hour.

Community Host - One Piece TCG - Part Time Contract Role

Card Kingdom

Portland, OR • On-site

$16.50/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

ABOUT US 

Card Kingdom has served Magic: The Gathering players across the world for over 20 years. We are a trusted source for buying and selling Magic: The Gathering singles, packs, and booster boxes from throughout the game's history. Our love of the community and game shines through everything we do. We are a customer-centric, data-driven, innovative workplace. We value our team and recognize that every role in our organization is behind delivering our renowned customer experience.

In addition to our eCommerce business, Card Kingdom owns and operates the award-winning game store and restaurant, Mox Boarding House. With unique locations in Seattle, Bellevue, Portland, and coming soon to Arizona, we deliver an elevated experience to local gaming communities. 

Our Mission: We use tabletop gaming as a campfire – a place to gather, share and celebrate –for the sake of cultivating deeper relationships with our customers, amongst ourselves, with our communities, and the world.

Our Benefits: Excellent benefits, generous PTO, and flexible scheduling, remote work opportunities, paid parental leave, safe harbor 401k match, paid holidays and employee discounts. We are a family friendly culture that supports work life balance. 

Role: 

The Community Host is responsible for providing a unique and fun experience by offering in-store demos and hosting interesting and engaging events for our customers. They provide a world class gaming experience that will make them return over and over again. Guided by Store Managers and Shift Leads, the Community Host is responsible for running genre specific events in the store. These events would include running One Piece Trading Card Game events.

Responsibilities:

  • Arrives for work at least 15 minutes before the event start time.
  • Inform and encourage customers to attend events that are applicable to their interests.
  • Develop relationships with customers and people who work with various gaming communities.
  • Collaborate with the Shift Lead to provide fun and unique experiences for our customers through the creation and execution of weekly or monthly events. 
  • Maintains the store aesthetic by keeping tournament spaces clean and free of clutter.
  • Communicate event attendance, prize support, and feedback to Shift Leads.
  • Facilitate communication between aspiring Community Hosts and Assistant Managers and Managers.
  • Possesses a genuine interest in gaming and creative play.
  • Demonstrates the ability to teach all manner of games to a diverse audience of both small and large groups of varying gaming experience.
  • Demonstrates the desire to create and lead events for our customers and keeps clear and open communication with their Shift Leads.
  • Utilizes strong organizational and communication skills and works well with a group.
  • Desires to convert stressful situations into positive experiences.
  • Maintains a professional and positive manner when working with customers and other staff.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Proficient in One Piece TCG Rules and Gameplay
  • Minimum 1 year of prior experience in a retail or customer service role.
  • Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.
  • Must be able to work within hours of operation.
  • Previous experience in planning and leading events.
  • Previous experience with Tournament Software (Wizards Event Reporter, others)
  • Possess a deep knowledge of Board Games, Miniature Gaming, Role Playing Games and/or Magic the Gathering.

Location / Work Schedule

  • Portland
  • On-Site

Job Type / Salary

  • Part Time - Contract
  • Hourly Rate: $16.50

Benefits:

  • Employee Discount

Equal Opportunity Employment: 

We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class.