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Game Animation Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Animation

Chicago, IL · On-site

We offer studies in hand-drawn animation (TVPaint and Harmony), Maya, game art, motion graphics, experimental animation, technical art, and stop motion animation. There are currently over 250 majors ...

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Game Programming

Chicago, IL · On-site

Students learn about software engineering, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, animation, software architecture and networking. The game programing degree addresses the real-world needs of ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Lake Forest, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Buffalo Grove, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Des Plaines, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

... games that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. We respect our players and want to ... Work across several art disciplines including shading, environment art, character art, animation ...

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... games that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. We respect our players and want to ... Work across several art disciplines including shading, environment art, character art, animation ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Des Plaines, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

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All JobsGame Animation JobsGame Animation Jobs in Chicago, IL

Game Animation information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.4K

$160.7K

How much do game animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for game animation in Chicago, IL is $153,584.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,600.00 and $159,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the salary of a game animator?

The average salary of a game animator in the industry typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced animators with specialized skills or working at major studios can earn higher salaries. Knowledge of animation software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Game Animation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Game Animation, you need a strong understanding of animation principles, character rigging, and a solid portfolio demonstrating your artistic and technical abilities. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is typically required. Soft skills like creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are highly valued for collaborating with designers and developers. These skills are crucial for bringing characters and worlds to life, ensuring animations meet the visual and interactive needs of modern video games.

How to become a game animator?

To become a game animator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field, along with strong skills in animation software such as Maya or Blender. Building a portfolio of animated work and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions are important steps in establishing a career in game animation.

Are game animators in demand?

Game animators are in demand due to the growing popularity of video games and the need for high-quality visual content. Skills in animation software like Maya or Blender, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects in this competitive field.

What is a Game Animation job?

A Game Animation job involves creating the movement and behavior of characters, creatures, and objects in video games. Animators use software like Maya, Blender, or Unity to bring life to models through keyframe animation or motion capture techniques. They work closely with designers, artists, and programmers to ensure animations are smooth, realistic, and enhance gameplay. Strong knowledge of timing, weight, and fluid motion is essential for making animations feel natural and immersive.

How much does a game animator make?

The average salary for a game animator varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level animators may earn around $40,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $100,000. Proficiency in animation software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in Game Animation?

A typical day for a Game Animator involves creating and refining character and object animations, collaborating with game designers and programmers to ensure animations integrate smoothly into the game engine, and reviewing feedback to make necessary adjustments. Animators often attend team meetings to discuss project goals, sync up with other departments, and troubleshoot animation issues as they arise. Depending on the studio, you may also be involved in motion capture sessions or prototyping new animation systems. This role requires a balance of technical skill and creative input, making teamwork and adaptability especially important in fast-paced development cycles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Animation jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Game Animation jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Animation jobs in Chicago, IL? For Game Animation jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Animation jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Game Animation jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Game Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Animation job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,584 per year, or $73.8 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty in Animation

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 613 rated colleges and universities

Job description

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 at https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/Pages/School-of-Cinematic-Arts.aspx.
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
The DePaul Animation Program is part of DePaul University's School of Cinematic Arts. We offer studies in hand-drawn animation (TVPaint and Harmony), Maya, game art, motion graphics, experimental animation, technical art, and stop motion animation. There are currently over 250 majors enrolled in our Animation MFA, MA, BFA and BA degrees, and we have 12 full-time Animation faculty members who have worked for studios including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, JibJab, Sesame Street, Klasky Csupo, and Will Vinton. To learn more about DePaul Animation check out our Animation Zine https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/AnimationZine
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: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/part-time/Pages/default.aspx
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).

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