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Background Artist Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

University of Utah

Graphic Artist

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$16.83 - $25.78/hr

Details Open Date 07/14/2026 Requisition Number PRN45646B Job Title Graphic Artist Working Title ... This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug ...

University of Utah

Performing Artist

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$20/hr

Details Open Date 09/30/2024 Requisition Number PRN15284N Job Title Performing Artist Working Title ... This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug ...

University of Utah

Performing Artist

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$26/hr

Announcement Details Open Date 08/18/2026 Requisition Number PRN17376N Job Title Performing Artist ... This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug ...

University of Utah

Performing Artist

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$26/hr

Details Open Date 08/18/2026 Requisition Number PRN17376N Job Title Performing Artist Working Title ... This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug ...

Weber State University

BTS Arts Internship

Ogden, UT · On-site

$15/hr

Position Information Position Title BTS Arts Internship Requisition Number H00824P Position ... Background Check? No Posting Detail Information Job Open Date 07/31/2026 Review Date 08/17/2026 Job ...

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Background Artist information

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$22

$36

How much do background artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for background artist in Utah is $22.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a background artist?

Background artists, also known as background painters or environment artists, are professionals who create the scenery, landscapes, and environments seen behind the main subjects in animated films, television shows, video games, and illustrations. Their work helps set the mood, establish the setting, and support the storytelling by providing detailed and visually appealing backgrounds. Background artists collaborate closely with other members of the art and animation team to ensure consistency in style and vision throughout the project.

How do background artists typically collaborate with other members of the animation team during a production?

Background artists work closely with art directors, layout artists, and animators to ensure the visual environment supports the story and character actions. They often attend team meetings to review storyboards and receive feedback, making adjustments to maintain consistency in style and mood. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as background artists may need to revise their work to align with changes in direction or animation requirements. This collaborative process helps create immersive settings that enhance the overall animation project.

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

To thrive as a Background Artist, you need strong artistic ability in drawing, painting, and composition, usually supported by a portfolio and relevant art or design education. Familiarity with digital illustration software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and industry-standard tools like Toon Boom or Blender is often necessary. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective collaboration are vital soft skills for producing visually cohesive environments. These skills ensure that backgrounds enhance storytelling and maintain visual consistency in animation, games, or film productions.

What is the difference between Background Artist vs Concept Artist?

AspectBackground ArtistConcept Artist
Required CredentialsArt degree or equivalent, portfolioArt degree or equivalent, portfolio
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, animation studiosVideo game, film, animation studios
Industry UsageCreates backgrounds for scenesDesigns characters, environments, ideas
Common Search IntentBackground design, scene creationCharacter and environment concepts

Background Artists focus on creating detailed backgrounds and environments for scenes in animation, film, and TV. Concept Artists develop initial designs and visual ideas for characters, settings, and objects. While both roles require strong artistic skills and similar credentials, Background Artists specialize in scene backgrounds, whereas Concept Artists work on conceptualizing the overall look and feel of projects.

How much do background artists make?

Background artists in the entertainment industry typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and project scope. Entry-level artists may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working on major productions can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by freelance work or overtime. Skills in digital painting, animation software, and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

How to get hired as a background artist?

To get hired as a background artist, build a strong portfolio showcasing your environment and scene work, and gain proficiency in tools like Photoshop, SketchUp, or Blender. Relevant experience, a good understanding of perspective and color, and networking within the industry can improve your chances of employment.

What are popular job titles related to Background Artist jobs in Utah?

For Background Artist jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Background Artist jobs in Utah look for?

The top searched job categories for Background Artist jobs in Utah are:

Background Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Artist job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,668 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Graphic Artist

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$16.83 - $25.78/hr

Full-time

Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Details
Open Date 07/14/2026 Requisition Number PRN45646B Job Title Graphic Artist Working Title Graphic Artist Career Progression Track C Track Level FLSA Code Nonexempt Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
M-F, 8:00-4:30
VP Area President Department 00429 - University Print & Mail Srvs. Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $16.83 to $25.78/h DOE Close Date 10/14/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
Designs and executes graphic artwork by interpreting and transforming concepts and ideas into professional visual material for a variety of mediums, including (but not limited to): educational programs, web content, television broadcasts, distribution productions and publications or publicity and promotional activities.
Responsibilities
Preflight incoming customer files to ensure that all components are correct and ready for print ready offset, digital and wide format printing.
Quality check press form layouts before they are sent to printing
Quality check customer proofs before they are sent out to customer
Provide department support and cross-train other duties as necessary.
Apply knowledge of imposition, color separation, and trapping for press
Understand job ticket information to determine quantity, special work instructions, and any other special customer requirements
Interact with customer service, external customers and other business leaders regarding the status of jobs and in problem-solving scenarios
Understand department communication systems, schedules, time/attendance system and job reporting requirements
Generate digital and hard copy proofs
Create die-lines and cut paths
Various other tasks as assigned by Manager
This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate's degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Two years professional graphics experience (or equivalency) and demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills required. Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or Illustration or a related field preferred.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
Have the ability to work in a fast-paced, high pressured environment without sacrificing attention to detail.
Have a working knowledge of variable data printing.
Be highly organized and able to balance/prioritize work/tasks.
Have excellent interpersonal skills, be friendly, approachable and enthusiastic with a positive and professional attitude.
Work with the Macintosh platforms utilizing Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, In-Design and Acrobat PDF files
Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

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