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Disney Animation Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Disney Animation information

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$10

$40

$72

How much do disney animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for disney animation 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.

What is a Disney Animation?

A Disney Animation job involves working in various roles to create animated films and series for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Positions range from artists, animators, and storyboard artists to technical roles like software engineers and production coordinators. Employees collaborate to bring stories to life using cutting-edge technology, storytelling techniques, and artistic skills. Each role contributes to the animation pipeline, ensuring high-quality storytelling and visuals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Disney Animation?

To thrive in Disney Animation, you need strong artistic abilities in drawing, character design, and storytelling, often underpinned by a degree in animation or related fields. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe Creative Suite, and Toon Boom Harmony, as well as familiarity with storyboarding and digital sculpting tools, is essential. Creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication are important soft skills for integrating feedback and working within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure high-quality, innovative animated content that meets Disney's rigorous storytelling and visual standards.

What is a typical work environment like for professionals in Disney Animation?

Disney Animation professionals typically work in collaborative studio settings, where creative teams including animators, storyboard artists, riggers, and technical directors come together on projects. Daily work often involves team meetings, creative reviews, and close coordination with various departments to ensure consistency in storytelling and visual style. The environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with frequent opportunities to learn new tools and processes. Career growth at Disney Animation is supported through mentorship, internal training programs, and opportunities to take on increasing creative or technical responsibilities as you gain experience.

How can I work for Disney Animation?

To work for Disney Animation, candidates typically need relevant skills in animation, illustration, or related fields, along with a strong portfolio or demo reel. Applying through the Disney Careers website or industry job boards is common, and a background in digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Autodesk software is often required. Internships and entry-level positions are available for those starting their careers in animation.

How to get into Disney Animation?

To get into Disney Animation as an artist or animator, candidates typically need a strong portfolio demonstrating their skills in drawing, storytelling, or animation, along with relevant education such as a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Experience with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Autodesk Maya, along with a good understanding of storytelling and character development, is also important. Applying through Disney's careers website and networking within the industry can improve chances of entry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Disney Animation jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Disney Animation jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Disney Animation jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Disney Animation jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Disney Animation job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 60% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 29% 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 2 days ago


DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 622 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).

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