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Entry Level Visual Effects Artist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Adjunct Faculty in Visual Effects Full-time Faculty Positions Full-time faculty positions will be ... The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs ...

Company Description The Mill has been creating world-class visual effects built on creative ... Help provide artistic direction to generate inspirational, conceptual and creative ideas with the ...

Company Description The Mill has been creating world-class visual effects built on creative ... Help provide artistic direction to generate inspirational, conceptual and creative ideas with the ...

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Entry Level Visual Effects Artist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37.6K

$111.1K

$157.1K

How much do entry level visual effects artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level visual effects artist in Chicago, IL is $111,078.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $156,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level visual effects artists when starting out in the industry?

Entry level visual effects artists often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced production schedules, learning to use complex industry-standard software, and effectively incorporating feedback from supervisors. Collaborating with other team members, including animators, compositors, and directors, can also present a learning curve as clear communication and understanding of the production pipeline are essential. However, these challenges provide valuable opportunities to develop technical skills and build strong professional relationships within the studio environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Visual Effects Artist vs Junior Visual Effects Artist?

AspectEntry Level Visual Effects ArtistJunior Visual Effects Artist
Required CredentialsPortfolio, basic knowledge of VFX softwarePortfolio, some professional experience or internship
Work EnvironmentEntry-level projects, supervised tasksAssisting senior artists, learning workflows
Employer & Industry UsageVFX studios, film, gaming, advertisingVFX studios, post-production houses

Both roles typically require a portfolio and familiarity with VFX software. The Entry Level Visual Effects Artist is often just starting out, focusing on learning and assisting, while the Junior Visual Effects Artist has some professional experience and takes on more responsibilities under supervision. The roles are similar but differ mainly in experience level and scope of work.

What is an entry level visual effects artist?

Entry level visual effects (VFX) artists are professionals who create digital effects for film, television, video games, and other media, usually as part of a larger VFX team. At the entry level, these artists typically work on basic tasks such as compositing, rotoscoping, or creating simple visual elements under the guidance of more experienced artists. Their work helps bring imaginative visuals to life, often enhancing or altering live-action footage to achieve the desired look for a project. They use specialized software like Adobe After Effects, Nuke, or Autodesk Maya, and are expected to have a solid understanding of visual storytelling, attention to detail, and teamwork. Entry level VFX artists often build their skills and portfolios with the goal of advancing to more complex roles within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level visual effects artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Visual Effects Artist, you need a solid understanding of digital art fundamentals, animation, and compositing, usually supported by a degree or coursework in visual effects, animation, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, Nuke, and Photoshop is essential, with some studios preferring basic knowledge of scripting or coding. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills help you stand out and collaborate effectively within production pipelines. These skills and qualities ensure you can produce high-quality visual effects that meet project requirements and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Effects Artist jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Visual Effects Artist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Visual Effects Artist jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Visual Effects Artist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Visual Effects Artist jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Visual Effects Artist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Visual Effects Artist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,078 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty in Visual Effects

DePaul

Chicago, IL • On-site

$4.8K - $6.1K/wk

Part-time

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


Job description

Adjunct Faculty in Visual Effects
Full-time Faculty Positions
Full-time faculty positions will be posted on a per-opening basis. Postings are organized by college/school and department. Applicants will be evaluated at the college/school level for the position which they are submitting an application. Unless noted by a close date, positions will remain open until they are filled. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Part-time Faculty Positions
DePaul University invites expressions of interest for a pool of qualified Part Time Faculty to teach courses in a variety of disciplines across all 10 colleges and schools. Individuals may enter expressions of interest by submitting their credentials to any posting for which they are qualified to teach. Postings are organized by college/school and department. Screening of individuals in the pool is ongoing, depending on curricular need and funding. Individuals will be contacted by the department if they reach the finalist stage for teaching a particular course or set of courses. The pool will remain in place until the closing date specified in the posting details; those interested in remaining in the pool beyond that time must resubmit. All individuals in the pool will be notified by email when the posting is closed.
Below you will find the details for the posting including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening or submitting your interest in teaching. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.
Posting Details
Job ID: 47781
College/School: Chicago, IL - Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media
Position 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 a t .
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:
DePaul University's School of Cinematic Arts is expanding its visual effects curriculum and hiring experienced visual effects artists to teach courses in all phases of the production pipeline.
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:
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).
Salary Information: The anticipated hiring rate of this position is between $4,800 and $6,100 per course, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Applicant Documents
Cover Letter(1)
C.V.(1)
Portfolio(1)
Contact Reference(1)