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Game Animation Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Wheaton, 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 ...

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 ...

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Chicago, 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Art Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

You will create high-quality 2D and 3D artwork, animation, typography, graphic designs, logos ... and unforgettable gaming experiences -powered by worldclass content , strong technical and ...

Art Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

You will create high-quality 2D and 3D artwork, animation, typography, graphic designs, logos ... and unforgettable gaming experiences -powered by worldclass content , strong technical and ...

Company Description We are Technicolor Games, part of the TransPerfect family. As a leading provider of world-class art, animation, VFX, and engineering services for the video game industry, we ...

Company Description We are Technicolor Games, part of the TransPerfect family. As a leading provider of world-class art, animation, VFX, and engineering services for the video game industry, we ...

... game art.. * Develop mood boards and help guide the visual design of features. * Collaborate with the art team to define and adhere to a thematic art style. * Design functional animation for user ...

iOS Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53.25 - $73.50/hr

We're looking for the best engineers out there to join our team and help bring our new game ... Detailed knowledge of iOS APIs, including UIKit, Core Animation, and building custom views

Showing results 21-40

Game Animation information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.5K

$160.8K

How much do game animation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for game animation in Chicago, IL is $153,734.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,800.00 and $159,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in game animation, 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.

What is a game animation?

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.

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 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:
Infographic showing various Game Animation job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,734 per year, or $73.9 per hour.

$18 - $40/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Varsity Tutors rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 23 rated private schools and tutoring


Job description

About the Job
The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Blender tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the flexibility to set your own schedule, earn competitive rates, and make a real impact on students' academic success and understanding. All from the comfort of your home.
Why Join Our Platform?
  • Earn incrementally higher pay for each session with the same student, reaching up to $40/hour.
  • Get paid up to twice per week, ensuring fast and reliable compensation for the tutoring sessions you conduct and invoice.
  • Set your own hours and tutor as much as you'd like.
  • Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live Learning Platform. No commuting required.
  • Get matched with students best-suited to your teaching style and expertise.
  • Our AI-powered Tutor Copilot enhances your sessions with real-time instructional support, lesson generation, and engagement features, helping you save prep time and focus on impactful teaching.
  • We handle the logistics—you just invoice for your tutoring sessions, and we take care of payments.

What We Look For In a Blender Tutor
  • Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines. Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers.
  • Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender. Guides students through box modeling, sculpting organic forms, unwrapping UVs, building shader node materials, setting up lighting, rigging characters, animating with keyframes, and rendering final output. Emphasizes understanding the full 3D production pipeline and connects Blender skills to indie game development, motion graphics, and digital art creation.
  • Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with Blender curricula and common challenges such as navigating the interface, understanding 3D space manipulation, and creating clean topology for animation. Adapts instruction using progressive modeling tutorials, project-based learning, and render workflow exercises to support students from complete 3D beginners through advanced users developing professional modeling, animation, and rendering skills.
  • Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple approaches, and adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs and styles.
  • Strong communication skills and a friendly, engaging teaching style.
  • Ability to adapt to different learning styles and student needs.

Ways To Connect With Students
  • 1-on-1 Online Tutoring - Provide personalized instruction to individual students.
  • Instant Tutoring - Accept on-demand tutoring requests whenever you're available.

About Varsity Tutors And 1-on-1 Online Tutoring
Our mission is to transform the way people learn by leveraging advanced technology, AI, and the latest in learning science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students receive customized instruction that helps them achieve their learning goals. Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a passion for learning.
Please note: Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia or Puerto Rico.

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