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Entry Level Video Game Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Algorithmic Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Design, troubleshoot, and optimize trading strategies and supporting pricing, risk management, and ... In-person happy hours, celebrations throughout the year, game nights, video game fun, and so much ...

Associate

North Riverside, IL · On-site

$16 - $17.75/hr

Facility-Mechanic Round One Entertainment is looking to hire a part-time, non-exempt Entry Level Mechanic. Wage: $16.00-17.75 NO EXPERIENCE IS NECCESSARY Are you into video games, bowling, karaoke?

Associate

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.75/hr

Facility-Mechanic Round One Entertainment is looking to hire a part-time, non-exempt Entry Level Mechanic. Are you into video games, bowling, karaoke? Are you friendly, outgoing? Do you enjoy being ...

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Entry-Level Scenic & Event Designer Pulse Studio LLC is a design previsualization firm based in ... physical design down to the graphics, video content and interactive elements. Our combined ...

Sr. Programmatic RTB Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

... help design, build and support our high-quality, innovative video advertising platform. This ... Know your stuff - be enthusiastic learners, users and advocates of our game-changing technology ...

The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of experience in system-level design, requirements ... Maintain system-level knowledge of video technologies and standards. * Utilize networking ...

... live video feedback, a game changer for exploring the underwater world. Because radio waves ... Design, build, and script semi-automated test setups * Build and troubleshoot printed circuit board ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Video Game Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$19

$23

How much do entry level video game design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level video game design in Chicago, IL is $19.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level video game designers in their first year on the job?

Entry-level video game designers often encounter challenges such as learning to balance creativity with technical constraints, adapting to rapid feedback cycles, and collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams. New designers may also find it challenging to align their ideas with the overall vision of the game and to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment. Gaining familiarity with industry-standard tools and workflows is another common hurdle, but most studios provide mentorship and resources to help new hires develop these skills.

What is an entry level video game designer?

Entry level video game designers are professionals who are just starting their careers in the game design industry. They typically work as part of a team to help create the concepts, mechanics, and environments for video games. Their duties may include brainstorming ideas, building levels, writing game documentation, and assisting senior designers with various tasks. Entry level designers often have a background in game design, computer science, or a related field, and usually possess strong creative and technical skills. This role provides valuable experience and a foundation for advancing to more senior design positions.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Video Game Designer, you need a basic understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, and user experience, typically backed by a degree or coursework in game design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and basic scripting languages like C# or Python is often required. Creativity, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and iterating on ideas. These competencies ensure you can contribute meaningfully to game projects and adapt to evolving design challenges.

What is the difference between Entry Level Video Game Design vs Entry Level Game Art?

AspectEntry Level Video Game DesignEntry Level Game Art
Required SkillsGame mechanics, storytelling, level design2D/3D art, illustration, animation
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, collaborative softwareArt departments, creative studios
Common CertificationsGame design courses, software proficiencyArt certifications, portfolio development

Entry Level Video Game Design focuses on creating gameplay, storylines, and level layouts, while Entry Level Game Art emphasizes visual assets, character design, and animation. Both roles often collaborate closely but require different skill sets. Understanding these differences helps aspiring professionals choose the right path in the gaming industry.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Video Game Design jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Video Game Design jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Video Game Design jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Video Game Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Video Game Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,754 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Science Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Design

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL

$5.6K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job 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.

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.