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Wargames Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Strategy Forum participation, wargames, and exercises. * Prepare and deliver briefings to General Officer/Flag Officer (GO/FO) level leadership on assessment ...

Experience planning, facilitating, mentoring, or participating in operational-level wargames, exercises, or operational experimentation. * Subject matter expertise in space operations, space ...

Experience planning, facilitating, mentoring, or participating in operational-level wargames, exercises, or operational experimentation. * Subject matter expertise in space operations, space ...

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How much do wargames jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for wargames in the United States is $24.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are wargames?

Wargames are simulated military exercises, either tabletop or computer-based, designed to model conflict scenarios and test strategies, tactics, and decision-making. They are used by military organizations, researchers, and hobbyists to analyze potential outcomes of battles or wars, train personnel, and evaluate new concepts. Wargames can range from simple board games to highly complex computer simulations involving multiple participants and real-time data. The insights gained from these exercises help inform planning, policy decisions, and military education.

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

To thrive as a Wargaming Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of military strategy or defense concepts, and often a relevant degree such as in political science, international relations, or military studies. Familiarity with simulation software, modeling tools, and data analysis systems is commonly required, along with certifications in defense or operations research. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills are valuable for presenting findings and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are essential to accurately model scenarios, derive actionable insights, and support strategic decision-making in defense contexts.

What is the difference between Wargames vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectWargamesCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsOften no formal certifications, but knowledge of cybersecurity and strategic thinking helpsCertifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH typically required
Work EnvironmentSimulated environments, training labs, or military settingsOffice settings, security operations centers, or remote work
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary, defense, or cybersecurity training organizationsPrivate companies, government agencies, and cybersecurity firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding training exercises or strategic simulationsJob roles, skills, and career paths in cybersecurity

Wargames involve simulated exercises to test strategic or cybersecurity skills, often in training or military contexts. Cybersecurity Analysts focus on protecting systems through monitoring, analysis, and incident response. While both roles require cybersecurity knowledge, Wargames are more about training and simulation, whereas Cybersecurity Analysts perform real-world security tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in military wargaming roles?

Professionals in military wargaming roles often encounter challenges such as managing complex scenarios with incomplete or ambiguous information, ensuring realistic simulations, and facilitating effective communication among multidisciplinary teams. Balancing the need for creativity with strict operational parameters can also be demanding. Additionally, wargaming specialists must continuously update their knowledge to keep pace with evolving technologies and tactics, making adaptability and ongoing learning essential for success.
More about Wargames jobs
What cities are hiring for Wargames jobs? Cities with the most Wargames job openings:
What states have the most Wargames jobs? States with the most job openings for Wargames jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wargames jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wargames jobs are:
Infographic showing various Wargames job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,733 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
WARGAME ANALYST

$90K/yr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

This position is part of the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The incumbent's duties cover a broad range of responsibilities concerned with planning, implementing, adjudicating, analyzing, and reporting on conclusions derived from joint wargaming.Qualifications:You may qualify at the GS-13, if you fulfill the following qualifications:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service:
  • Conducting joint wargame or operational level headquarters/staff exercise planning and analysis, including joint planning processes and a range of qualitative and quantitative analytical methods and techniques;
  • Understanding of joint concept development processes and procedures to lead joint wargaming events that provide a rigorous environment to measure and assess joint war fighting concepts and their ways and means;
  • Applying experimentation theory, methodology, design, planning, execution, and analysis to effectively prepare wargame plans including scenario, cell structure, and adjudication methods for execution of a wargame event;
  • Developing, compiling, editing, and presenting event plans and scenario products to senior leadership and other participants to prepare and present formal scenario, game play rules, and experiment briefings;
  • Communicating and interacting with both senior leaders (GOFO/SES) and other senior personnel (O-5/O-6/GS14-15) to communicate scenario plans, expectations, and results.
  • Preparing a wide range of qualitative and quantitative analytical methods and techniques for the assessment and improvement of program effectiveness and complex management processes and systems;
  • Planning joint military operations at the operational level of war to develop and conduct relevant and effective wargames.
You may qualify at the GS-12, if you fulfill the following qualifications:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service
  • Conducting program management and analysis; Developing future operational environments to test joint capabilities; implementing departmental and stakeholder organization policies and processes governing joint warfare development, concepts, and best practices for joint warfare development, joint wargaming, analysis and capability development;
  • Applying joint wargame or operational level headquarters/staff exercise planning and analysis, including joint planning processes, qualitative and/or quantitative analytical methods and techniques;
  • Understanding joint concept development processes and procedures to support joint wargaming events that provide a rigorous environment to measure and assess joint warfighting concepts and their ways and means;
  • Preparing a wide range of qualitative and quantitative analytical methods and techniques for the assessment and improvement of program effectiveness and complex management processes and systems;
  • Planning joint military operations at the operational level of war, to develop and conduct relevant and effective wargames.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education:Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-12/13 grade levels.Employment Type: OTHER

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