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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Primera

Graphic Design Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

You'll create compelling graphics and materials to support our marketing and communications efforts ... launch a successful engineering career * A fun, inclusive, and collaborative environment

CannonDesign

Experiential Graphic Designer II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $72K/yr

... graphics, signage, and exhibits. * Develop documentation for a variety of design projects to ... engineering, and social impact converge. We don't just dream up solutions - we create and bring ...

HUB

Temporary Graphic Designer, Core

Chicago, IL · Remote

$29/hr

... developers. Our team creates multi-channel campaigns that include print, digital and web-based ... At least two years of graphics/production experience in a professional environment * Fast and ...

Daikin Applied

Controls System Integrator I

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Collaborate with vendors to produce graphical floor plans, unit schematics, and graphical schedules for building operations * Assist field engineer in quality control of field wiring * Assist field ...

Daikinapplied

Controls System Integrator I

Elmhurst, IL

$70K - $90K/yr

Collaborate with vendors to produce graphical floor plans, unit schematics, and graphical schedules for building operations * Assist field engineer in quality control of field wiring * Assist field ...

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All JobsGraphics Programmer JobsGraphics Programmer Jobs in Illinois

Graphics Programmer information

See Illinois salary details

$107.1K

$130.8K

$151.7K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Illinois is $130,818.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,100.00 and $140,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graphics Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graphics Programmer, you need a solid background in computer science, mathematics, and computer graphics, often supported by a degree in a related field. Expertise in programming languages like C++ and familiarity with graphics APIs such as DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan, as well as shader programming, are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective teamwork help you design and optimize complex visual systems. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing high-performance, visually appealing graphics that meet the demands of modern applications and games.

What are graphics programmers?

Graphics programmers are specialized software developers who focus on creating and optimizing visual elements in video games, simulations, and other computer graphics applications. They write code to render 2D and 3D graphics, work with engines like Unity or Unreal, and utilize APIs like DirectX or OpenGL. Their responsibilities often include developing shaders, improving rendering performance, and collaborating with artists and designers to achieve visually compelling results. Graphics programmers need strong mathematical skills, especially in linear algebra and geometry, to solve complex visual problems. They play a crucial role in ensuring that digital graphics run smoothly and look realistic.

What Does a Graphics Programmer Do?

A graphics programmer creates software and applications for developing images and animation on a computer. Your duties can focus on programs for computer-aided design and rendering, animation, image manipulation, photo editing, or video game design. You use linear math and algorithms as well as computer programming languages. Your responsibilities involve writing code in languages like C++, Java, and High-Level Shading Language (HLSL). After coding, you test your programs to ensure that each article and image is accurate. If you work on video games, you coordinate with other developers and programmers on a video game design platform like Unreal Engine.

What is the difference between Graphics Programmer vs Shader Developer?

AspectGraphics ProgrammerShader Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or related field; knowledge of graphics APIsSimilar educational background; strong understanding of shading languages
Work EnvironmentDevelops and optimizes rendering engines, works on graphics pipelinesCreates and fine-tunes shaders for visual effects and rendering
Industry UsageUsed across game development, simulation, and visualization industriesPrimarily in game development and real-time rendering projects
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping skills in graphics programmingSpecialized focus on shader code and effects

While both roles require knowledge of graphics APIs and programming skills, Graphics Programmers develop the overall rendering systems and pipelines, whereas Shader Developers focus specifically on writing and optimizing shaders for visual effects. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and specialization within the graphics development process.

How do Graphics Programmers typically collaborate with artists and designers during a game development project?

Graphics Programmers work closely with artists and designers to ensure that visual assets are rendered efficiently and accurately within the game engine. They often participate in regular meetings to discuss technical constraints, optimize asset pipelines, and implement new graphical features based on creative requirements. This collaboration requires strong communication skills, as Graphics Programmers must translate artistic visions into technical solutions, troubleshoot rendering issues, and provide feedback to artists to achieve the desired visual quality while maintaining performance. Effective teamwork between these roles is essential to deliver high-quality visuals that run smoothly on target platforms.
More about Graphics Programmer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in Illinois? For Graphics Programmer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graphics Programmer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Graphics Programmer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in IL? For Graphics Programmer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,818 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Graphic Design Intern

Graphic Design Intern

Primera

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Internship
Description
WHO WE ARE
We're a people-first organization. We value knowledge and learning. We believe in the power of connection and collaboration and we seek to build relationships that mean something. We employ some of the best and brightest in the industry and we work hard to maintain a culture that our people can be proud of.
WORKING FOR PRIMERA
Our Corporate team is a talented group of HR, marketing, IT, finance and administrative professionals that band together to continuously move our company forward. Ever focused on providing a first-class client experience, we connect with people across the organization to support all aspects of our company's operations.
WHO YOU ARE
  • You're in school to elevate your natural graphic design talent. You have a passion for good design and the ability to visually translate ideas from concept to completion.
  • You're an eager student looking to gain experience working in an office environment. You're currently enrolled in an local undergraduate degree program in visual communication, graphic design or a similar field.
  • You're proficient with key design applications. Adobe Creative Cloud basics (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) are a must. Prior design experience is a huge plus.
  • You're a people person. You're friendly and have a sense of humor. Connecting with people is important. You'll work side-by-side Primera's team of marketing and communications experts, including our Sr. Graphic Designer.
  • You're open to feedback. You're proud of what you create but happy to collaborate with the team.
  • You're a self-motivated, multitask-loving design enthusiast. You're detail-oriented and have a strong desire to succeed. You can multitask with the best of them. You effectively handle multiple priorities, organize your workload, and meet agreed-upon deadlines.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • You'll flex your design muscle. You'll create compelling graphics and materials to support our marketing and communications efforts, working within our established identity of course.
  • You'll get well-rounded design experience. Projects will range from the slight revision of existing materials to blank-canvas opportunities. You move between page layouts, templates, promotional items, brochures, infographics, internal logo design, banners, presentations, sales materials, social media, etc.
  • You'll work in a flexible, people-first, empowering, safe, and supportive environment.
  • You'll enjoy what you do. You'll work with great people, learn, grow and have a good time doing it.

SOME OF WHAT YOU'LL ENJOY
  • Resume-building experience in a professional environment that can help you launch a successful engineering career
  • A fun, inclusive, and collaborative environment
  • Colleagues that appreciate differences in people, perspectives, cultures, and ideas
  • The fruits of our employee-led committees focused on offering engaging social, wellness and community service activities all year long

For more information about Primera please visit our website: PrimeraEng.com.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Primera is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity. Primera's practices and employment decisions, including those regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation, shall not be based on any person's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, disability, physical handicap, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship status or other protected group as defined by law.
Salary Description
$20-$25/hour

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