More than Gaming: Career Opportunities in the Esports Industry

A Passion for Video Games Can Set Students Up for Future Career Success. Here’s How:

Popularity of Video Games Among Students

The past decade has seen a meteoric rise in the popularity of video games, particularly among Generation Alpha and Gen Z. With more access to video games than ever before and increasing opportunities for esports scholarships and competitive play, more and more students are wanting to grow up to be professional esports athletes! Giving students the opportunity to be part of an academic esports team in school does so much more for them than just giving them a safe space for competitive gaming. Did you know there are a number of college and career pathways, beyond being a pro player or a coach? In fact, academic esports is a gateway to a surprising variety of fulfilling and high-paying careers in esports! Through esports, your students can pursue their passion for gaming while exploring a variety of potential STEM career options.

Esports Career Options, Beyond Gaming

This blog aims to shed light on the vast array of esports career opportunities within the esports industry, offering a detailed exploration of specific roles, average salary, and how students can transform their passion for gaming into successful, fulfilling gaming industry jobs. This guide serves as a valuable resource for educators looking to support their students in discovering their potential within the gaming world. For even more guidance, check out the USAEL’s Career Explorations in Esports program, a one-of-a-kind elective that allows students to explore a variety of high-paying professions inside the dynamic industry of esports.

Opportunities for Careers in Esports

1. Artificial Intelligence

• Generative AI Programmer

A Gen-AI Programmer in the esports industry specializes in developing and integrating generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) technologies within the context of esports. This role involves creating AI-driven tools and systems that enhance various aspects of esports, from gameplay to content creation, data analysis, and fan engagement.

The national average salary for Gen-AI Programmer specialists is around $115,000 per year.

• Data Scientist

A Data Scientist in the esports industry plays a crucial role in analyzing and interpreting large volumes of data related to gameplay, player performance, audience engagement, and business operations. Their work involves using statistical methods, machine learning, and data visualization techniques to provide actionable insights that can enhance team strategies, optimize player training, improve game design, and drive business decisions.

The national average salary for entry level Data Scientist is around $114,000 per year.

2. Esports Hardware & IT

• IT Support

IT support specialists are crucial for maintaining the technical infrastructure of esports events and organizations. They troubleshoot hardware and software issues, manage network security, and provide technical assistance during live events. Their expertise ensures that everything runs seamlessly. Students that are already offering your teachers help in their classrooms could one day make a career of keeping esports tournament systems up and running!

The national average salary for IT support specialists is around $51,000 per year.

• Network Technician

Network technicians are responsible for setting up and maintaining the networks that enable online gaming. They ensure that servers are optimized for low latency and high performance, which is critical for competitive play. Their role also involves monitoring network traffic and resolving connectivity issues - a perfect career for a student that loves solving problems!

The national average salary for network technicians is approximately $81,000 per year.

3. Esports Media & Communications

• Graphic Designer

Graphic designers in the esports industry create visually appealing content for marketing, social media, and live events. They design logos, banners, and promotional materials that capture the essence of the brand and engage the audience. Imaginative students can begin their creative careers as graphic designers!

The national average salary for an entry level graphic designers is about $60,000 per year.

• Shoutcaster

Shoutcasters, also known as esports commentators, provide live commentary during esports matches. They bring the excitement of the game to life, offering play-by-play analysis and engaging viewers with their energetic commentary.

The national average salary for shoutcasters can vary widely, but it typically ranges between $40,000 and $70,000 per year, depending on experience and popularity.

4. Esports Management & Operations

• Data Analyst

Data analysts in esports collect and analyze data to provide insights into player performance, audience engagement, and market trends. Their work helps organizations make informed decisions and improve their strategies. Calculating and presenting player success rates, aim accuracy, and actions per minute (APM) can support a comfortable lifestyle for those with a love for numbers and data!

The national average salary for data analysts is approximately $68,000 per year.

• Manager/Coach

Managers and coaches oversee esports teams, providing guidance, training, and support to players. Players who are interested in leadership positions and management can find a stable position as a team’s manager or coach. Students can learn everything they need to start and run a competitive esports team at their school with the USAEL’s Pathway Esports program.

The national average salary for managers and coaches is about $61,000 per year.

5. Health Sciences in Esports

• Psychology

Psychologists in the esports industry focus on the mental well-being of players. They provide counseling, stress management techniques, and performance-enhancing strategies to help players maintain a healthy mindset. Video game enthusiasts that are interested in the mind and mental wellness can find their calling in psychology. 

The national average salary for an entry level psychologist is approximately $106,000 per year.

• Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help esports players prevent and recover from injuries related to prolonged gaming sessions. They provide exercises, stretches, and treatments to maintain physical health and performance. When esports players get big enough to go pro, their physical health can make or break their success. Students that are interested in physical fitness could make a career out of keeping professionals physically fit and ready. The Careers in Esports series featured Dr. Matthew Hwu founder of 1HP, an organization that delivers health and performance services in the gaming industry and beyond. To hear Dr. Hwu talk about his work with notable esports organizations such as Team Liquid, NRG, and 100Thieves, check out our episode here. 

The national average salary for physical therapists is about $93,000 per year.

6. Esports Software & Product

• Product Manager

Product managers oversee the development and launch of new gaming products and features. They work closely with development teams to ensure that projects meet market demands and deliver a high-quality user experience. Video game enthusiasts with skills in organization and a passion for technology can be inspired to enter the product management career via esports. Diana Hughes, a VP of Product Innovation and AI at Age of Learning, shared her career pathway and day-to-day responsibilities on this episode of Careers in Esports. 

The national average salary for product managers is around $117,000 per year.

• Game Developer

Game developers design and create video games. They write code, develop game mechanics, and collaborate with artists and designers to bring the game to life. Creative students who learn to code can create amazing projects that shape the next generation of competitive gaming. You can get your students started in game development with Mastery Coding’s Introduction to Game Developement program, this is great course for students with no prior coding experience to learn how to conceptualize, design, and make their very own games. Careers in Esports has hosted panelists working as game developers in companies such as Bungie, Sony Bend, and Frost Giant. 

The national average salary for game developers is approximately $103,000 per year.

7. Cybersecurity Specialist

• Security Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst in the esports industry is responsible for protecting the digital infrastructure, data, and systems used by esports organizations, players, and tournaments from cyber threats. Detail-oriented students interested in computer science will thrive in this environment! 

The national average salary for cybersecurity specialists is about $77,000 per year.

• Pen Tester

A Penetration Tester (pen tester or ethical hacker) in the esports industry is responsible for assessing and testing the security of an organization’s digital infrastructure by simulating cyberattacks. The goal is to identify and exploit vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can, ensuring that the systems, networks, and applications used in esports are secure.

The national average salary for an entry level pen tester is about $113,000 per year.

8. Esports Marketing & Public Relations

• Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists manage the public image of esports organizations. They handle media relations, craft press releases, and develop communication strategies to maintain a positive reputation. Students interested in marketing and influencing public perception can begin their careers as well-paid public relations specialists. Robert Oles a Product Marketing Manager at Kabam speaks about the intricacies of marketing video games in this episode of Careers in Esports. 

The national average salary for public relations specialists is about $60,000 per year.

• Social Media Manager

Social media managers oversee the online presence of esports organizations. They create content, engage with followers, and analyze social media metrics to improve engagement. Players who enjoy gaining followers and sharing exciting content on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter could make a living by working in the esports industry!

The national average salary for social media managers is approximately $116,000 per year.

9. Esports Event Production

• Broadcaster

Broadcasters manage the live streaming of esports events. They ensure high-quality production, coordinate with shoutcasters, and troubleshoot technical issues during broadcasts. For students interested in news casting and media, the USAEL’s Esports Broadcasting program is the perfect hands-on course for them!

The national average salary for broadcasters is around $54,000 per year.

• Production Manager

Production managers oversee the planning and execution of esports events. They coordinate logistics, manage budgets, and ensure that events run smoothly. Students interested in the entertainment industry could be inspired to manage the production of esports tournaments. From scheduling to execution, to hiring, this fast-paced career can have participants orchestrating exciting events! 

The national average salary for production managers is about $122,000 per year.

10. Business & Finance

• Business Development

Business development professionals identify opportunities for growth and partnerships within the esports industry. They negotiate deals, manage relationships with sponsors, and develop strategies to expand the organization's reach.

The national average salary for business development manager roles is around $140,000 per year.

• Treasurer

Treasurers in esports manage the financial health of the organization. They oversee budgeting, cash flow, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance and optimizing resources. Treasurers also manage esports sponsorship revenue, assess investment opportunities, and develop strategies to sustain and grow the organization financially.

The national average salary for a treasurer role is around $87,000 per year.

Academic Esports as a Gateway to Gaming Career Opportunities

As you an tell, academic esports is more than just competitive play; it's a gateway to a world of esports career possibilities. By leveraging their gaming skills and participating in programs that support their passions for gaming, students can pave the way for a successful future in the gaming industry. From esports marketing to esports management, the esports career opportunities are vast and rapidly growing. Students with a passion for gaming should consider exploring esports-related careers and our goal is to demonstrate the plethora of rewarding opportunities in the world of esports. With the right guidance and resources, your students can turn their interests into fulfilling and lucrative professions.

Happy Gaming!