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Trading Card Grading Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of sports cards and/or trading card games (e.g., Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, sports card singles) -- understanding of grading, sets, and product types is a significant plus. * Experience ...

We're home to the first-ever digital card show, where fans buy, sell, and showcase trading cards like never before. With transparent grading and authentication, secure vaulting, and personalized ...

We're home to the first-ever digital card show, where fans buy, sell, and showcase trading cards like never before. With transparent grading and authentication, secure vaulting, and personalized ...

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Trading Card Grading information

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$14

$36

$50

How much do trading card grading jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for trading card grading in the United States is $36.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Trading Card Grading position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Trading Card Grading, you need keen attention to detail, strong knowledge of card games and collectibles, and the ability to assess card condition accurately. Familiarity with tools like magnifiers, calipers, and sometimes specialized grading software or certification from recognized grading organizations is highly valued. Excellent organizational skills, integrity, and clear written communication are important soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure precise grading, maintain industry trust, and contribute to consistent, high-quality evaluations.

What is a Trading Card Grading job?

A Trading Card Grading job involves evaluating the condition and authenticity of collectible trading cards. Graders assess factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface quality using standardized grading criteria. Based on these factors, they assign a numerical grade that determines the card's condition and market value. This role requires keen attention to detail, knowledge of card production, and familiarity with grading standards set by companies like PSA, BGS, or CGC.

What are some common challenges faced by trading card graders?

Trading card graders often encounter challenges such as evaluating high volumes of cards under tight deadlines while maintaining consistent standards. Identifying subtle flaws like print defects, surface scratches, or alterations requires focus and extensive training. Handling valuable or rare cards carefully is also critical to avoid damage. Despite these challenges, graders usually work within dedicated teams and benefit from collaboration and shared expertise, which helps maintain accuracy and improve grading consistency.

What are the most commonly searched types of Trading Card Grading jobs? The most popular types of Trading Card Grading jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Trading Card Grading jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trading Card Grading jobs are:
Raw AG Authenticator, eBay

Raw AG Authenticator, eBay

Collectors Holdings, Inc.

Santa Ana, CA โ€ข On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Collectors is the leading creator of innovative technology that provides value-added services for collectors worldwide. We grade, authenticate, vault, and sell millions of record-setting collectibles, all while modernizing and digitalizing the process to further our mission of helping collectors pursue their passions. We're always on the lookout for talented people to join our growing team.
Our services span collectible trading cards, autographs, comic books, coins, video games, event tickets, and memorabilia. Our subsidiaries include PSA, PCGS, Beckett, SGC, and Card Ladder.
Since our founding in 1986, we have graded and authenticated millions of items. We employ more than 3000 people across our headquarters in Santa Ana, California and offices in New Jersey, Texas, Florida, Japan, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and France.
As part of our interview process, we request that candidates have their cameras on during video interviews. This helps foster meaningful conversation and allows us to create an experience that closely resembles our standard working environment. Certain interview steps may take place by phone. For remote roles, and at our discretion, candidates may be asked to participate in an on-site interview as part of the final stages of the process.
We understand there may be occasional circumstances requiring accommodation and are happy to discuss them as needed. Your recruiter will be able to clarify expectations and answer any questions you have.
We're looking for Authenticators to join our team to authenticate and evaluate the condition of trading cards (sports, non-sports, and trading card game (TCG) cards alike). Ideal candidates will possess comprehensive industry knowledge of trading cards and other sports and TCG collectibles, be an expert in PSA's authentication and grading standards, and be able to add experience and depth to our authentication team. Individuals should be detail-oriented, have good research and organization skills, be able to focus on cards over long periods of time, and be able to work in an assembly line-type of environment. Preferred applicants will have one-to-three years of card authentication and/or grading experience as a professional, dealer or collector and must be current on hobby trends and news.
You'll report to the eBay Operations Supervisor and work from our Santa Ana office. The shift will be from 3:00pm-11:30pm.
Onsite Requirement: This role requires you to be onsite in the office 5 days per week.
What You'll Do:
  • Become an expert in eBay's published card condition standards;
  • Become an expert in eBay's AG processing standards;
  • Authenticate and evaluate the condition of trading cards in an expedient manner but without compromising accuracy;
  • Maintain individual authentication production goals;
  • Improve knowledge and skill with personal research and experience;
  • Stay up-to-date with current industry developments and news, especially as it pertains to new counterfeits and alteration methods circulating the market;
  • Share knowledge to help improve the skill of the Authentication team;
  • Engage with and participate in monthly meetings and re-training sessions with the PSA Grading team as needed to help further develop skills and enhance hobby knowledge;
  • Assist the PSA Grading team if/when necessary in their traditional grading environment.

Who You Are:
  • Possess first-hand knowledge of trading cards and other sports and TCG collectibles.
  • Expert in the various counterfeits and counterfeiting/card doctoring methods that exist in the card industry (across all categories).
  • Expert-level understanding and comprehension of the card grading system and standards.
  • Exhibit strong research skills with a key attention to detail on defects and misalignments.
  • Demonstrate effective problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong organization skills to achieve production goals and maximize productivity.
  • Detail oriented and ability to focus on one task over long stretches of time.
  • 1 - 3 years of direct grading experience as a professional, dealer or collector.
  • Ability to work in a close team environment.
  • Thrives in a high-paced environment.

Physical Requirements:
  • Computer Use: Typing, mouse work, and sitting and looking at a computer potentially for long periods of time.
  • Hand Use: Regular hand use for various tasks.
  • Hearing Requirements: Ability to hear alarms, signals, and verbal instructions.
  • Lifting and Carrying: Ability to routinely lift, carry, and move materials up to 40 pounds.
  • Sitting or Standing: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
  • Vision: Using vision aiding devices, as well as sitting in dark or dimly lit rooms with soft desk lighting.

Hourly Range: The hourly range for this position is $25-$30. Actual compensation in this range will be based on a variety of non-discriminatory factors, including location, job level, prior experience, and skill set. This role may be eligible for bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation, please ask your recruiter for details.
Reasons To Join Us:
  • Health Insurance: All full-time employees are eligible to enroll in Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Additional Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for fertility, commuter, and educational assistance benefits
  • 401(K) Matching Plan: We are proud to offer a competitive 401k matching plan to our employees to support their future financial goals
  • Vacation: All full-time employees are eligible for paid vacation
  • Holiday Pay: All regular, full-time employees are eligible for ten company paid holidays
  • Employee Discounts: Employees receive discounts on select grading services for approved submissions
  • Flexible Hours: Many of our teams offer flexible schedules with varying shifts and will work with you to accommodate your needs
  • Fun Working Environment: Our team members are invited to participate in celebrations, holiday events, and team building activities

Collectors uses e-Verify to validate your ability to work legally in the United States.
We are aware that there are instances where individuals are receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from Collectors or one of our business units. This type of fraud can be carried out through false websites, through fake e-mails claiming to be from the company or through social media. We never ask for personal information such as your bank account, Social Security numbers or National IDs, nor do we send or request payments for the purchase of business-related equipment. If you suspect fraud, please reach out to jobs@collectors.com.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We believe that a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills will better service the diverse community of collectors we support.
If you require an accommodation to apply or interview with us due to a disability or special need, please email people@collectors.com.
U.S. residents: for disclosures relating to personal information we collect during the employment application and recruitment process, please see our Privacy Notice for U.S. Applicants.
If you are based in California, you can read information for California residents here.