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Entry Level Game Design Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Oceancomm

Entry-Level Electronics Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... game changer for exploring the underwater world. Because radio waves attenuate quickly underwater ... Design, build, and script semi‑automated test setups * Build and troubleshoot printed circuit ...

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All JobsGame Design JobsEntry Level Game Design JobsEntry Level Game Design Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Game Design information

See Illinois salary details

$45.5K

$151.2K

How much do entry level game design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game design in Illinois is $144,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,200.00 and $150,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level game designer?

Entry level game designers are professionals who assist in the creation and development of video games, usually as part of a larger design team. They often focus on tasks such as designing levels, creating game mechanics, writing documentation, and playtesting. These positions are typically suitable for recent graduates or individuals with limited industry experience who want to start a career in game design. Entry level game designers collaborate closely with artists, programmers, and senior designers to bring ideas to life and improve gameplay. Strong creativity, communication skills, and a passion for gaming are important for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level game designer?

Entry Level Game Designers need a solid understanding of game mechanics, creativity, and basic programming or scripting knowledge, often supported by a degree in game design, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as tools such as Photoshop or Maya, is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help individuals collaborate effectively and adapt to feedback. These skills and qualities are essential for creating engaging gameplay experiences and contributing successfully to multidisciplinary development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level game designers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level game designers often face challenges such as balancing creative ideas with practical limitations like budget, technology, and deadlines. They may also need to adapt quickly to feedback from team members and learn industry-standard tools and workflows. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to stay open to collaboration, actively seek mentorship from experienced designers, and continuously build technical and communication skills. Embracing constructive criticism and being willing to iterate on designs will help you grow and contribute effectively to the team.

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

The most popular types of Game Design jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Game Design jobs in Illinois?

For Entry Level Game Design jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Design jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Design jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Game Design jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Game Design job openings:

Entry Level Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Design job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,499 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

Science Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Design

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$5.6K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description
In addition to its regular, full-time faculty, Columbia College Chicago hires scholars, creative professionals, and other industry-experienced Adjunct Faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis. These positions are not available every semester and are contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding.
Qualifications
To be qualified to teach at the college, candidates must possess a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach, with a terminal degree in the relevant discipline as the preferred credential. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In occasional cases, demonstrated currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree.
REQUIRED:
  • Masters degree in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, Interdisciplinary fields, or a related field
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage students and effectively convey concepts and critique student work
  • Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, accessible lessons
  • Passion for non-majors science education and a commitment to student learning and development

PREFERRED:
  • PhD in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, Interdisciplinary fields, or a related field
  • Demonstrated success in teaching, lecturing, or mentoring students, either in an academic or professional setting, preferably in higher education
  • A passion for teaching and a commitment to fostering a learning environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and professional growth among students
  • Experience in project-based learning or hands-on teaching methodologies

The college offers science courses in the discipline areas of biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, and interdisciplinary sciences. These courses are at introductory and intermediate levels.
In addition to general education science courses, the School of Design offers courses in disciplines including animation (traditional and computer), interior architecture, graphic design, UX/UI, game design and art, cinema visual effects, game programming, and software development, interior architecture, as well as general education courses in math.
Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Further materials, such as official transcripts sent from the degree-granting institution, may be requested at a later date.
Entry level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly.
At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.
Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college's mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty.
We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information, please visit: colum.edu/academic-access-and-excellence.
Additional Information:
  • Position subject to a background screening.
  • This is a union position.
  • This is position is overtime ineligible.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

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