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Entry Level Game Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Faithtechnologies

Solar Electrician

Chicago, IL

We recognize and reward top performers, offering competitive, merit-based compensation, career path development and a flexible and robust benefits package. Benefits are the Game-Changer We provide ...

Faith Technologies

Solar Electrician

Chicago, IL · On-site

We recognize and reward top performers, offering competitive, merit-based compensation, career path development and a flexible and robust benefits package. Benefits are the Game-Changer We provide ...

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

Entry Level Game Development information

See Illinois salary details

$49.7K

$113.3K

$177.1K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game development in Illinois is $113,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level game development job?

Entry level game development jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the game industry and often require little to no prior professional experience. These roles typically include positions such as junior programmer, QA tester, game artist, or production assistant. Entry-level employees work on small tasks within a larger development team, helping them gain practical skills while contributing to the creation of video games. These jobs often require knowledge of basic programming, art, or design tools, and a passion for gaming.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Game Developer, you need a solid grasp of programming fundamentals, often with a degree in computer science or a related field, and familiarity with game design principles. Proficiency in game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, and knowledge of languages such as C# or C++, are typically required, along with any relevant certifications or portfolio projects. Creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential soft skills that help you collaborate effectively and bring innovative ideas to life. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating engaging games, meeting project goals, and integrating seamlessly into development teams.

How to get a job in entry level game development with no experience?

Entry level game development roles often require a strong foundation in programming languages like C++ or C#, and familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal. Building a portfolio with personal projects, participating in game jams, and gaining certifications can demonstrate skills to employers even without professional experience.

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

Entry-level game developers often find adapting to fast-paced production schedules and mastering new tools or engines challenging. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams—including artists, designers, and QA testers—can also be an adjustment. Staying proactive in learning, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and communicating openly can help overcome these hurdles. Embracing feedback and focusing on continuous improvement are key strategies for success in the early stages of a game development career.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Game Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Game Development jobs in Illinois? For Entry Level Game Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Development jobs in Illinois are:
Entry Level Game Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Development job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,278 per year, or $54.5 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 5 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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