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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Altimeter Associates

Graphic Designer

Chicago, IL · Remote

We are seeking a talented and creative Mid-Level Graphic Designer to join our remote team. The ... Altimeter Associates is a leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firm committed to ...

DD2 Graphics

Metal Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

DD2 Graphics produces large scale custom displays for the exhibit and event industry. The majority ... Undergraduate degree in Engineering or related field; or 3+ years of experience in CAD detailing.

Primera Engineers

Graphic Design Intern

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $20.50/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

FGS-WI LLC

Data Services Programmer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

We're recruiting an experienced Data Services Programmer for our Data Services team. Data Services ... Graphic Systems' quality expectations. * Prepare data, documentation to transfer to the next ...

CannonDesign

Experiential Graphic Designer IB

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$55K - $64K/yr

Under direct supervision and partnership with the environmental graphics team, design a variety of ... engineering, and social impact converge. We don't just dream up solutions - we create and bring ...

CannonDesign

Experiential Graphic Designer II

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$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 ...

CannonDesign

Experiential Graphic Designer IB

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $64K/yr

Under direct supervision and partnership with the environmental graphics team, design a variety of ... engineering, and social impact converge. We don't just dream up solutions - we create and bring ...

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 ...

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All JobsGraphics Programmer JobsGraphics Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Graphics Programmer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$113.9K

$139.2K

$161.3K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Chicago, IL is $139,179.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,900.00 and $149,500.00 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
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Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Web Developer/Programmer Internship

Web Developer/Programmer Internship

Hasana, Inc.

Chicago, IL

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Felix is a luxury lifestyle magazine currently serving Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. The pages of this glossy publication cover the latest trends in fashion, fine dining, nightlife, arts and culture. Featuring ultra luxe fashion profiles, restaurants, and the season's must-have accessories from the world's top writers and stylists.

Luxe Media, LLC and Felix Magazine are the marketing names of The Aparecio Foundation, NFP ("TAF"). Luxe Media, LLC. is committed to developing a fun and productive work culture that is conducive to positive results! 
We offer a uniquely open environment that demands initiative and imagination from every single team member that are heard, tested, and genuinely empowered to lead by example and create lasting impacts on our organization, its programs, and the community.  This is an unpaid internship/volunteer opportunity.

Job Description

As a Web Developer/Programmer Intern for Luxe Media. you will have a variety of responsibilities throughout the semester.  Our Design Department is looking for web developers to work in conjunction with our graphic designers to design, develop, and test websites. As a Web Developer/Programmer Intern/Volunteer you will work closely with our project managers, strategists and design team members to develop specifications and make recommendations on the use of new and emerging technologies. Programming, graphic design and database administration are all elements of this position.

  • Work closely with Project Managers and other members of the Development Team to both develop detailed specification documents with clear project deliverables and timelines, and to ensure timely completion of deliverables.
  • Work with design team memebers and Project Managers to build and refine graphic designs for Hasana, Inc.
  • Must have strong skills in Photoshop, Fireworks, or equivalent application(s).
  • Convert raw images and layouts from a graphic designer into CSS/XHTML themes.
  • Determine appropriate architecture, and other technical solutions, and make relevant recommendations.
  • Communicate to the Project Manager with efficiency and accuracy any progress and/or delays.
  • Engage in outside-the-box thinking to provide high value-of-development to FelixMag.co.
  • Alert colleagues to emerging technologies or applications and the opportunities to integrate them into operations and activities.
  • Be actively involved in and contribute regularly to the development community of the CMS of your choice.
  • Develop innovative, reusable Web-based tools for the growth of Felix Magazine.
Qualifications
  • A passion for women's economic opportunities.
  • Must be a full or part-time student and working toward a degree in computer science or a related field, or significant equivalent experience.
  • Must be eligible to receive school credit and commit to 2-3 days a week for 3 months.
  • Comfortable with ambiguity and able to work autonomously.
  • Experience with HTML/XHTML and CSS.
  • Web programming experience, including PHP, ASP or JSP.
  • Experience working with relational database systems such as MySQL, MSSQL or Oracle and a good working knowledge of SQL.
  • Development experience using extensible web authoring tools.
  • Experience developing and implementing open source software projects.
  • Self-starter with strong self-management skills.
  • Exceptionally well organized and efficient, with a good common sense and initiative.
  • Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
  • Great work ethic.
  • Pro-active and able to show initiative/ideas to constantly improve the design and development process.
  • Proven ability to work to stringent deadlines.
  • Integrity, honesty, openness and a willingness to operate as a team player.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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