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Animator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Mill

Designer/Animator

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

The Mill

Designer/Animator

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Animation

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities * Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

Childhood Cancer Society

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities * Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

Childhood Cancer Society

$14 - $18.75/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities * Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

Childhood Cancer Society

$15 - $20/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities * Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities * Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

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All JobsAnimator JobsAnimator Jobs in Illinois

Animator information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$38

$68

How much do animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator in Illinois is $38.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $61.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animator do?

Animators create moving images for television, movies, video games, websites, multimedia platforms, and other forms of media. As an animator, your duties are to design illustrations to match characters and settings described in scripts. Sometimes an animator comes up with a new character before developing a script or role for it, while other times animators work closely with writers to collaborate on character development. After the creation stage, your responsibilities shift to rendering the image for whatever medium you work in, such as feature-length computer animated films or short graphic descriptions of news for an online magazine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animator, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of motion, timing, and storytelling, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency in animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Blender, and familiarity with digital drawing tablets are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help animators collaborate well and bring ideas to life. These skills are vital for producing high-quality, engaging animations that meet project goals and client expectations.

What are some typical challenges animators face when working on collaborative projects?

Animators often collaborate with teams of artists, directors, and sound designers, which can present challenges such as maintaining consistent visual style and meeting tight production deadlines. Communication is key, as feedback and revisions are frequent, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. Additionally, animators need to be proficient in various software and workflows to ensure their work integrates smoothly with other departments, such as modeling or lighting. Balancing creative vision with technical requirements is a common aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Animator vs 3D Modeler?

AspectAnimator3D Modeler
Required CredentialsAnimation courses, portfolio3D modeling courses, portfolio
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game companiesDesign studios, game development
Industry UsageBrings characters to life through movementCreates 3D assets and models

While both roles work closely in the animation and gaming industries, an Animator focuses on bringing characters and objects to life through movement, whereas a 3D Modeler specializes in creating the detailed 3D models used in animations and games. Both require similar technical skills and often collaborate on projects, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

Are animators still in demand?

Animator roles remain in demand in industries such as entertainment, gaming, and advertising, especially for those skilled in digital tools like Adobe Animate or Maya. The job market values creativity, technical skills, and the ability to adapt to new animation technologies, with opportunities available for both freelance and full-time positions.

How do I get a job as an animator?

To get a job as an animator, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your work, gain proficiency in animation software such as Adobe After Effects or Maya, and obtain relevant education or training in animation or related fields. Internships and entry-level positions can provide experience and industry connections, while networking and continuous skill development improve job prospects.

What kind of jobs can animators get?

Animators can work in various fields including film, television, video games, advertising, and web content. They create animated visuals using tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and may specialize in 2D or 3D animation, character design, or visual effects. Job roles include character animator, storyboard artist, motion graphics artist, and visual effects artist.
More about Animator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animator jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Animator jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Animator jobs in Illinois?

For Animator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Animator jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Animator jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Animator job openings:

Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 66% In-person, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,435 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Designer/Animator

The Mill

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Company Description
The Mill has been creating world-class visual effects built on creative excellence and cutting-edge technologies for over twenty-eight years. We believe in creating work that touches people emotionally, that becomes popular culture and that people love, talk about and want to share. We believe in great ideas beautifully told.
Job Description
We are currently looking for an experienced Designer/Animator to join our New York studio.
The role of The Mill Designer/Animator is to work with his or her fellow Designers, Senior Designers, and fellow artists. 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 experience preferred.
  • Help provide artistic direction to generate inspirational, conceptual and creative ideas with the rest of the design team.
  • Work with the CD and fellow designers to conceptualize based on design briefs, execute the work, be it illustration, 2D or 3D design.
  • Create, design and animate where necessary, in collaboration with others or individually to suit the task at hand.
  • Be involved throughout the project, ensuring a reliable contact with clients and the team to deliver results that meets and exceeds expectations.
  • Present concepts and design ideas to the Mill team, listening to feedback and making recommendations where appropriate.
  • Ability to work efficiently, handling a vast variety of problems at the same time.
  • Experience preparing presentations with strict deadlines.
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite - InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge.
  • Proficient in After Effects and C4D.
  • Detail Oriented, proactive & organized.
  • Communicates well with others, remains calm under pressure.
  • Experience with AR a plus (AR Studio, Lens Studio)

Qualifications
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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