... freelancers, and contracted creative professionals. * Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high ... Manage a substantial operating budget, making strategic decisions regarding technology investments ...
... freelancers, and contracted creative professionals. * Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high ... Manage a substantial operating budget, making strategic decisions regarding technology investments ...
Manager, StudentU - Big Ten Network
$83K - $95K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
... train freelance quality control operators who provide feedback and critiques of individual ... Previous experience working with the Ross Xpression graphics platform * Technical knowledge of ...
Manager, StudentU - Big Ten Network
$83K - $95K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
... train freelance quality control operators who provide feedback and critiques of individual ... Previous experience working with the Ross Xpression graphics platform * Technical knowledge of ...
Manager, StudentU - Big Ten Network
Chicago, IL · On-site
$83K - $95K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
... train freelance quality control operators who provide feedback and critiques of individual ... Previous experience working with the Ross Xpression graphics platform * Technical knowledge of ...
Manager, StudentU - Big Ten Network
Chicago, IL · On-site
$83K - $95K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
... train freelance quality control operators who provide feedback and critiques of individual ... Previous experience working with the Ross Xpression graphics platform * Technical knowledge of ...
Freelance Graphics Operator information
See Chicago, IL salary details
$20.06 - $22.74
7% of jobs
$22.74 - $25.42
7% of jobs
$25.42 - $28.09
7% of jobs
$28.76 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$28.09 - $30.77
13% of jobs
$30.77 - $33.45
14% of jobs
The median wage is $33.84 / hr.
$33.45 - $36.13
15% of jobs
$36.13 - $38.81
10% of jobs
$39.88 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$38.81 - $41.49
5% of jobs
$41.49 - $44.17
2% of jobs
$44.17 - $46.85
0% of jobs
$46.85 - $49.53
20% of jobs
$20
$35
$49
How much do freelance graphics operator jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance graphics operator in Chicago, IL is $35.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.70 and $43.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Freelance Graphics Operator vs Graphic Designer?
| Aspect | Freelance Graphics Operator | Graphic Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Often requires proficiency in design software, basic technical skills | Typically holds a degree or certification in graphic design or related field |
| Work Environment | Freelance, project-based, often remote or on-site at client locations | In-house or freelance, working in studios or remotely |
| Industry Usage | Used in media, broadcasting, live events, and digital content | Used across advertising, branding, print, and digital media |
While both roles involve visual content creation, a Freelance Graphics Operator primarily manages technical aspects of graphics for live or digital media, often working on specific projects. A Graphic Designer focuses on creating visual concepts, branding, and layouts, often with a broader scope of design work. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their needs.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance graphics operator?
To thrive as a Freelance Graphics Operator, you need strong visual design skills, attention to detail, and experience with broadcast graphics, often backed by a relevant degree or professional portfolio. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Vizrt, Chyron, Adobe Creative Suite, and live production systems is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and the ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines are crucial soft skills in this role. These combined abilities ensure accurate, timely, and visually engaging graphics that enhance live broadcasts and meet client expectations.
How does a freelance graphics operator typically collaborate with production teams during live broadcasts?
As a Freelance Graphics Operator, you will work closely with directors, producers, and other technical crew members to ensure real-time graphics are displayed accurately during live broadcasts. Communication is key, as you'll often receive last-minute changes or updates that need to be implemented seamlessly. You'll likely participate in pre-broadcast meetings to review the rundown and coordinate cues, and during the broadcast, you'll respond quickly to team instructions to keep on-air visuals in sync with the show's flow. This role requires both technical proficiency and the ability to stay calm under pressure in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
What is a freelance graphics operator?
Freelance graphics operators are professionals who create, manage, and display visual graphics for live or recorded broadcasts, events, or productions on a contract or per-project basis. They typically work with specialized software and equipment to ensure that graphics such as lower thirds, scoreboards, and animations are correctly displayed in real time. Freelance graphics operators often work for television networks, sports broadcasts, live events, or corporate productions, and may be responsible for both designing graphics and operating the systems during live shows.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?
The most popular types of Graphics Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Graphics Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?
For Freelance Graphics Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Graphics Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?
The top searched job categories for Freelance Graphics Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Full-time
Posted 17 days ago
Job description
Position Summary
The Senior Director/Creative Services will be the strategic leader for creative storytelling and multimedia production within UIC Athletics. This position oversees all aspects of video production, creative services, digital content strategy, and social media storytelling while managing personnel, budgets and technology resources. This role plays a critical role in enhancing the visibility and reputation of UIC Athletics through innovative content creation that supports recruiting, fan engagement, brand development and student-athlete success. The position serves as the primary creative lead for the department's 18 varsity athletics programs while collaborating extensively across the External Operations unit to advance the strategic goals of UIC Athletics.
Duties & Responsibilities
Provide visionary leadership for the Athletics creative content unit, overseeing daily operations and long-term strategic initiatives that elevate the UIC Athletics brand. Direct and supervise a multidisciplinary team consisting of full-time staff, student employees, interns, freelancers, and contracted creative professionals. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing culture through regular team meetings, project planning sessions and professional development opportunities. Manage a substantial operating budget, making strategic decisions regarding technology investments, equipment procurement, software licensing and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and creative output in collaboration with UIC Strategic Marketing and Communications. Lead the development and execution of comprehensive creative content strategies designed to enhance brand visibility, fan engagement, recruiting efforts, revenue generation and institutional storytelling. Conceptualize, produce and oversee the creation of high-impact video, motion graphics, animation and multimedia content across all digital, broadcast, and in-venue platforms. Develop year-round digital and social media content strategies that support team recruiting, fan engagement, fundraising, ticket sales and competitive success. Oversee all aspects of creative video production, including pre-production planning, filming, editing, motion graphics, animation, and post-production workflows. Serve as a key member of the External Operations team, collaborating with communications, marketing, ticketing, development and athletics administration to advance departmental objectives. Build and maintain strong working relationships with coaches, student-athletes, campus partners, alumni, donors, media representatives and community stakeholders. Effectively communicate project timelines, expectations, and deliverables while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic collegiate athletics environment, including availability for evenings, weekends and travel as required. Ensure strict adherence to all NCAA, Conference, University and departmental policies, procedures and regulations. Represent UIC Athletics and the University with professionalism, integrity, inclusiveness and ethical conduct at all times. Support a holistic commitment to student-athlete success, competitive excellence and a supportive and uplifting culture within UIC Athletics. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
The Senior Director/Creative Services will be the strategic leader for creative storytelling and multimedia production within UIC Athletics. This position oversees all aspects of video production, creative services, digital content strategy, and social media storytelling while managing personnel, budgets and technology resources. This role plays a critical role in enhancing the visibility and reputation of UIC Athletics through innovative content creation that supports recruiting, fan engagement, brand development and student-athlete success. The position serves as the primary creative lead for the department's 18 varsity athletics programs while collaborating extensively across the External Operations unit to advance the strategic goals of UIC Athletics.
Duties & Responsibilities
About University of Illinois
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
The University of Illinois, located in Urbana, Illinois, US, is a prominent entity in the higher education sector. Operating its official functions through its website uillinois.edu, the institution provides a range of educational programs and services. The University was founded in 1867 and has since grown dramatically both in size and reputation. Its core values are embodied in its mission to enhance the lives of its students and citizens in the state, nation, and world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. The university boasts several notable achievements including producing Nobel laureates and Pulitzer prize winners. It is renowned for its research programs and is known for significant advancements across various fields including engineering, science, and humanities.
Industry
Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Urbana, IL, US
Year founded
1974