1

Animation Job Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct Faculty in Animation Full-time Faculty Positions Full-time faculty positions will be posted on a per-opening basis. Postings are organized by college/school and department. Applicants will be ...

A Designer/Animator needs to be highly visually creative with an excellent knowledge of design techniques and the software and hardware he or she operates. Requirements: * Previous Design Studio ...

A Designer/Animator needs to be highly visually creative with an excellent knowledge of design techniques and the software and hardware he or she operates. Requirements: * Previous Design Studio ...

Blender Tutor

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender. Guides students through box modeling, sculpting organic forms, unwrapping UVs, building shader node ...

Create animations using typography, icons, illustrations, video, and audio. * Edit and animate video content, including lower thirds, transitions, explainers, and short-form videos. * Repurpose ...

Create animations using typography, icons, illustrations, video, and audio. * Edit and animate video content, including lower thirds, transitions, explainers, and short-form videos. * Repurpose ...

Blender Tutor

Naperville, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender. Guides students through box modeling, sculpting organic forms, unwrapping UVs, building shader node ...

Blender Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender. Guides students through box modeling, sculpting organic forms, unwrapping UVs, building shader node ...

Motion Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Create animations using typography, icons, illustrations, video, and audio. * Edit and animate video content, including lower thirds, transitions, explainers, and short-form videos. * Repurpose ...

Blender Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender. Guides students through box modeling, sculpting organic forms, unwrapping UVs, building shader node ...

Blender Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender. Guides students through box modeling, sculpting organic forms, unwrapping UVs, building shader node ...

Blender Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender. Guides students through box modeling, sculpting organic forms, unwrapping UVs, building shader node ...

Blender Tutor

Lake Forest, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender. Guides students through box modeling, sculpting organic forms, unwrapping UVs, building shader node ...

Blender Tutor

Des Plaines, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender. Guides students through box modeling, sculpting organic forms, unwrapping UVs, building shader node ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animation Job information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$40

$72

How much do animation job jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation job in Chicago, IL is $40.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $65.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is animation a well paid job?

Animation jobs can offer competitive salaries, especially for experienced professionals working in film, gaming, or advertising industries. Entry-level positions tend to pay less, but skills in software like Maya or Adobe After Effects and a strong portfolio can lead to higher-paying opportunities.

What jobs can I get in animation?

In animation, common jobs include animator, character designer, storyboard artist, 3D modeler, visual effects artist, and animation director. These roles often require skills in software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender, and may involve working in studios, freelance projects, or remote environments.

What are some common challenges faced by animators when working on collaborative projects?

A common challenge animators face in collaborative projects is ensuring consistency in style and movement across different scenes, especially when multiple team members are involved. Communication with directors, storyboard artists, and other animators is essential to maintain a unified vision and meet tight production deadlines. Adapting to feedback and making revisions quickly is also a frequent part of the process. Animators often use shared asset libraries and project management tools to streamline collaboration and keep everyone aligned.

What jobs can I do with an animation job?

With an animation job, you can work as an animator, character designer, storyboard artist, visual effects artist, or motion graphics designer. These roles involve creating visual content for film, television, video games, advertising, and online media, often requiring proficiency in tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animator?

To thrive as an Animator, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of motion and timing, and typically a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Toon Boom Harmony is essential, and certifications in these tools can be advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help animators bring characters and stories to life and collaborate with teams. These abilities ensure high-quality, engaging animations that meet project goals and client expectations.

What is the difference between Animation Job vs 3D Modeler?

AspectAnimation Job3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation principles, storytelling, timingModeling, texturing, topology
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, gaming, advertisingGame development, film, product visualization
Tools UsedAdobe After Effects, Maya, BlenderMaya, ZBrush, 3ds Max
Common Industry UsageBrings characters and scenes to lifeCreates detailed 3D assets and models

Animation Jobs focus on bringing characters and scenes to life through movement and storytelling, while 3D Modelers specialize in creating detailed 3D assets. Both roles often collaborate in the entertainment and gaming industries but require different skill sets and tools.

What is an animation job?

Animation jobs involve creating moving images using drawings, computer graphics, models, or other visual media. Professionals in this field may work on films, television shows, video games, advertising, or web content. Common roles include animators, character designers, storyboard artists, and visual effects artists. These jobs require creativity, technical skills, and often proficiency with animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender. Animation professionals collaborate with directors, writers, and other team members to bring stories and concepts to life.
What job categories do people searching Animation Job jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Job jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Animation Job jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Animation Job job openings:
Infographic showing various Animation Job job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% As Needed, 21% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 23% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,445 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty in Animation

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media (CDM) is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the central business district of Chicago. Our students represent many different experiences, perspectives, and cultures, and the university strives to recruit and sustain a faculty community where all backgrounds are valued and supported. Part-time teaching positions are available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Academic course schedules fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and the college will work with selected individuals to determine a quarterly schedule. Courses are not guaranteed, however the college does its best to give ample notice about available courses. Applicants with expertise that matches course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview.
The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs incluuding Film and Television, Animation, Creative Producing, Documentary, and Screenwriting on the Loop campus and at DePaul Cinespace Studios. Find out more about SCA at https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/Pages/School-of-Cinematic-Arts.aspx.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a master's degree in the discipline, or 18 semester/27 quarter hours of graduate work in the discipline, or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of five years demonstrated relevant professional experience. Exceptions may be considered with approval of the dean.
Application Instructions
The DePaul Animation Program is part of DePaul University's School of Cinematic Arts. We offer studies in hand-drawn animation (TVPaint and Harmony), Maya, game art, motion graphics, experimental animation, technical art, and stop motion animation. There are currently over 250 majors enrolled in our Animation MFA, MA, BFA and BA degrees, and we have 12 full-time Animation faculty members who have worked for studios including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, JibJab, Sesame Street, Klasky Csupo, and Will Vinton. To learn more about DePaul Animation check out our Animation Zine https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/AnimationZine
Considerations:
Exceptions to standard rates may apply to courses with unique credit hours, supervision, labs, clinical/practicum courses, coaching, administrative tasks, and courses that are either over-enrolled or under-enrolled.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement:
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers a variety of benefit options for qualified part-time employees. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/part-time/Pages/default.aspx
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar:
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).

What DePaul University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom