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Animator Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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

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

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

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 ...

Blender Tutor

Buffalo Grove, 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

Skokie, 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

Oak Lawn, 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 ...

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Animator information

See Mount Prospect, IL salary details

$10

$39

$69

How much do animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator in Mount Prospect, IL is $39.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.73 and $63.51 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.

Do animators get paid well?

Animator salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but generally, they earn a median annual wage that is competitive within creative fields. Skilled animators proficient in software like Adobe After Effects or Maya and with a strong portfolio tend to have higher earning potential. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced professionals working in film, gaming, or advertising can earn significantly more.

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 work as 2D or 3D artists, character designers, or motion graphics specialists. Many roles require a strong portfolio and proficiency in animation software.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animator jobs in Mount Prospect, IL?

The most popular types of Animator jobs in Mount Prospect, IL are:

What cities near Mount Prospect, IL are hiring for Animator jobs?

Cities near Mount Prospect, IL with the most Animator job openings:

Infographic showing various Animator job openings in Mount Prospect, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 54% In-person, and 46% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,440 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Designer/Animator

The Mill

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 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.