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Trading Card Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VP, Trading Card Games

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

MGA Entertainment is launching a global Trading Card Game (TCG) division leveraging our iconic brands (e.g., Bratz, LOL Surprise, Rainbow High, and future IP). We are seeking a proven TCG executive ...

Build and lead a full-scale Trading Card Game (TCG) division with global ambition, including managing booster economics, rarity psychology, organized play, and a competitive ecosystem. About MGA ...

$140 - $230/hr

Build and lead a full-scale Trading Card Game (TCG) division with global ambition, including managing booster economics, rarity psychology, organized play, and a competitive ecosystem. About MGA ...

Influencer Strategist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

Riot Games is looking for a Global Influencer Strategist to lead creator strategy for Riftbound, Riot's physical trading card game. In this role, you will develop and execute influencer programs that ...

New

Influencer Strategist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

Riot Games is looking for a Global Influencer Strategist to lead creator strategy for Riftbound, Riot's physical trading card game. In this role, you will develop and execute influencer programs that ...

New

Influencer Strategist

Los Angeles, CA

$130K - $169K/yr

Riot Games is looking for a Global Influencer Strategist to lead creator strategy for Riftbound, Riot's physical trading card game. In this role, you will develop and execute influencer programs that ...

New

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Trading Card information

See California salary details

$14

$36

$49

How much do trading card jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for trading card in California is $36.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $45.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trading card job?

Trading card jobs refer to roles related to the creation, design, distribution, selling, and authentication of collectible trading cards, such as sports cards, game cards (like Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering), and entertainment cards. Professionals in this field may work as designers, product managers, marketing specialists, graders, or sales representatives for trading card companies. Their responsibilities can include developing new card sets, ensuring card quality, managing distribution channels, and engaging with collectors or retailers. The trading card industry combines creativity, market knowledge, and attention to detail to meet the interests of collectors and players. Working in this field can also involve keeping up with trends and maintaining authenticity standards.

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

To thrive as a Trading Card Game Designer, you need strong skills in game design theory, creativity, and a deep understanding of gaming mechanics, often supported by a background in graphic design or a related field. Familiarity with digital design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, prototyping software, and playtesting platforms is typically required. Excellent collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills help designers work effectively in teams and respond to player feedback. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, balanced, and marketable trading card games that appeal to a wide audience.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in trading card sales and distribution?

Professionals in trading card sales and distribution often encounter challenges such as managing fluctuating demand, staying updated on market trends, and authenticating high-value cards. Navigating supply chain issues, especially during popular product launches, can also be demanding. Additionally, building strong relationships with collectors, retailers, and distributors is crucial for success in this role, as is keeping abreast of new releases and industry regulations.

What is the difference between Trading Card vs Card Collector?

AspectTrading CardCard Collector
CredentialsKnowledge of card values, trading platformsInterest in cards, hobbyist knowledge
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, online marketplaces, conventionsHobby shops, conventions, personal collections
Industry UsageBuying, selling, trading, and appraising cardsCollecting, valuing, and displaying cards

Trading Card professionals focus on buying, selling, and trading cards professionally, often working in retail or online marketplaces. Card Collectors are hobbyists who enjoy collecting and valuing cards for personal enjoyment. While both share knowledge of cards, Trading Card roles are more commercial, whereas Card Collectors focus on personal collection and appreciation.

What job categories do people searching Trading Card jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Trading Card jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Trading Card jobs?

Cities in California with the most Trading Card job openings:

Infographic showing various Trading Card job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,009 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

VP, Trading Card Games

MGA Entertainment

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

CA EMPLOYEE PRIVACY RIGHTS: https://www.mgae.com/ca-employee-privacy-rights

MGA Entertainment is launching a global Trading Card Game (TCG) division leveraging our iconic brands (e.g., Bratz, LOL Surprise, Rainbow High, and future IP). We are seeking a proven TCG executive to build this business from concept to global franchise. This leader will architect game design, rarity economics, organized play, manufacturing strategy, retail expansion, and competitive community infrastructure. This is not a licensing management role. This is a build-the-next-Pokémon role.

Core Responsibilities1. Franchise & Game Strategy
  • Develop long-term TCG roadmap (core sets, expansions, seasonal drops)
  • Define gameplay philosophy (competitive vs collectible vs hybrid)
  • Build rarity tiers, chase mechanics, and secondary market strategy
  • Create sustainable meta evolution structure
  • Design 3-5 year global franchise growth plan
2. Product Development
  • Lead in-house or external game designers
  • Develop gameplay systems (rules engine, balancing, testing cycles)
  • Oversee art direction aligned with MGA brands
  • Design booster pack economics, starter decks, premium SKUs
  • Integrate digital elements (QR codes, AR, companion app, etc.)
3. Community & Organized Play
  • Build tournament ecosystem (local, regional, and global championships)
  • Develop retail hobby store partnerships
  • Create influencer and competitive ambassador program
  • Design player acquisition funnel (kids + competitive teens + collectors)
  • Establish judge program and tournament governance
4. Commercial & Retail Strategy
  • Define channel strategy (mass retail vs hobby vs DTC)
  • Manage printing partners (Cartamundi, etc.)
  • Forecast supply and demand cycles
  • Protect IP from counterfeiting
  • Build global distribution playbook
5. Team Building
  • Recruit game designers, competitive play managers, brand managers
  • Establish internal balancing/testing team
  • Build analytics capability for meta tracking and player behavior
Ideal Candidate ProfileMandatory Experience
  • 10+ years in Trading Card Games or tabletop gaming
  • Experience at companies such as:
    • Wizards of the Coast
    • Pokémon Company International
    • Konami (Yu‑Gi‑Oh!)
    • Bandai (One Piece, Digimon)
    • Upper Deck
  • Proven experience launching or managing at least one successful TCG expansion cycle
  • Deep understanding of rarity mechanics, chase strategy, and secondary market dynamics
Strongly Preferred
  • Experience scaling organized play globally
  • Understanding of female player demographics (critical for Bratz / LOL)
  • Digital integration experience (hybrid physical/digital models)
  • Experience negotiating print and distribution contracts
Key Competencies
  • Strategic thinker with franchise-building mindset
  • Data-driven balancing philosophy
  • Community-first mentality
  • Entrepreneurial, willing to build from zero
  • Understands both "kid" and "competitive" markets
  • Knows how to create scarcity without destroying goodwill
What Success Looks Like (First 36 Months)
  • Year 1: Launch first core set + 2 expansions
  • Year 2: 500+ hobby store network + national tournaments
  • Year 3: Global championship event + $100M+ revenue trajectory
Salary

$200,000 - $250,000 /year

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