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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Realtimevfx

Graphic Programmer (Shader/VFX)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

[HIRING] Hey everyone We're looking for a Graphic Programmer to join a Ukrainian hyper-casual mobile ... Writing shaders and developing new graphics technologies * Creating satisfying visual effects and ...

YO AI Labs

GPU Programmer - Remote

Chicago, IL · Remote

$60 - $85/hr

Background in graphics programming, ML acceleration, scientific computing, HPC, or related GPU-focused fields. * Strong understanding of GPU architecture and performan

ABS Graphics

Entry Level SQL Programmer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$50K/yr

Company Description ABS Graphics is a national marketing execution partner specializing in high ... Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Entry Level SQL Programmer role based in Itasca, IL.

Redfish Recruiting

Vision Software

IL · On-site

Proficiency in LabVIEW G Dataflow graphical programming ? Proficiency in LabVIEW hardware integration ? Experience in real time applications ? Experience in image processing systems ? Experience in ...

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.

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 ...

Wheaton College

Graphic Designer

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$60 - $72K/hr

Graphic Designer FLSA: Exempt Job Type: Full-Time Staff Term: Other Staff Work Schedule (hours ... Collaborate with directors, copywriters, photographers, videographers, web developers, social media ...

tms

Software Engineer Intern

Chicago, IL

$20/hr

Experience with WebGL, Three.js, PlayCanvas, Babylon.js, or similar 3D/web graphics frameworks * Experience with Git and source control * Understanding of software engineering fundamentals and object ...

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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 Sep 4, 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 is a graphics programmer?

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 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.

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.

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.

More about Graphics Programmer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Graphics Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graphics Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Graphics Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $139,179 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

Graphic Programmer (Shader/VFX)

Realtimevfx

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

[HIRING] Hey everyone We’re looking for a Graphic Programmer to join a Ukrainian hyper-casual mobile game studio, 300M+ downloads. Product — hyper-casual mobile games where every visual detail matters — satisfying effects, smooth animations, and shaders that make players think “wait, how did they do that?”

What you’ll be doing:
  • Writing shaders and developing new graphics technologies
  • Creating satisfying visual effects and animations
  • Optimizing unconventional graphics for mobile devices
  • Working on hyper-casual titles with potential expansion to PC
What we’re looking for:
  • Experience with shaders, rendering, and animations
  • Strong math: trigonometry, vector math, matrices
  • Understanding of tweens/easings
  • Creative and artistic eye — style, color, composition
  • Unity/HLSL (Unreal/GLSL also fine), understanding of mobile GPU

Fully remote, flexible schedule Small team, no bureaucracy, no rigid deadlines Open to Ukrainian and Belarusian candidates

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