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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

1872 Consulting

Senior C# Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

Senior C# Developer This role is open with a premier trading firm located in Downtown Chicago. We ... tiered, scalable, Graphical User Interfaces. The successful candidate will enhance existing ...

Actalent

Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$55 - $80/hr

Software Engineer / Principal Software Engineer This role focuses on designing, developing ... Create and enhance graphical user interfaces (GUIs), leveraging frameworks such as Qt to deliver ...

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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.
Adjunct Faculty in Graphic Design

Adjunct Faculty in Graphic Design

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 544 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 Design (SoD) offers a learning environment that nurtures the development of innovative designers, who embrace interdisciplinary methods to solve challenging problems. SoD offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs including Digital Communication and Media Arts, Game Design, Graphic Design, Human Centered Design, Industrial Design, and User Experience Design.
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's Graphic Design program provides history and theory developing the skills necessary for a successful contemporary design practice. Our curriculum integrates a wide range of media and technologies from publication design to web, branding and interaction design; illustration to motion graphics; typography to programming.
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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