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Level Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cresco Labs

Mid-Level Graphic Designer

Chicago, IL

JOB SUMMARY Cresco Labs is seeking a Mid-Level Graphic Designer to join our growing in-house creative team, The HotBox, in Chicago, IL. The HotBox leads B2B and B2C creative across key channels ...

Cresco Labs

Mid-Level Graphic Designer

Chicago, IL

The Mid-Level Graphic Designer independently owns the execution of a variety of print and digital deliverables for both retail and wholesale brands. Responsibilities include leading the development ...

Cresco Labs

Mid-Level Graphic Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Mid-Level Graphic Designer independently owns the execution of a variety of print and digital deliverables for both retail and wholesale brands. Responsibilities include leading the development ...

PULSE STUDIO, LLC

Be Seen First

Mid-Level Scenic & Event Designer 2026

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Mid-Level Scenic & Event Designer (2 - 5+ Years of Experience) Pulse Studio LLC is a design previsualization firm based in Lisle, Illinois. Our designs allow clients to experience what their event or ...

Primera Engineers

Structural Designer

Chicago, IL

$75K - $90K/yr

You'll regularly communicate and coordinate project activities with senior-level designers and engineers to resolve design issues. * You'll enjoy what you do . You'll work with great people, learn ...

Primera

Structural Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

You'll regularly communicate and coordinate project activities with senior-level designers and engineers to resolve design issues. * You'll enjoy what you do . You'll work with great people, learn ...

Clayco

Senior Process Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Mentor junior and mid-level designers, promoting professional development, skill advancement, and team cohesion. * Collaborate closely with clients to refine deliverables, address feedback, and align ...

SGS & Co

Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

About the Role This position calls for a team member who is passionate about Design at every level. The Designer will contribute towards creative thinking from project initiation through completion ...

Schawk USA LLC

Designer

Chicago, IL

About the Role This position calls for a team member who is passionate about Design at every level. The Designer will contribute towards creative thinking from project initiation through completion ...

sgsco

Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

About the Role This position calls for a team member who is passionate about Design at every level. The Designer will contribute towards creative thinking from project initiation through completion ...

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All JobsLevel Designer JobsLevel Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Level Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$109.3K

$112K

$115K

How much do level designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for level designer in Chicago, IL is $112,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,400.00 and $112,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a level designer?

To become a level designer, you typically need a background in game design, computer science, or a related field, along with strong skills in 3D modeling, level editing tools, and game engines like Unity or Unreal. Building a portfolio of level designs and gaining experience through internships or personal projects is also important. Certifications or courses in game development can enhance your prospects in this role.

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

To thrive as a Level Designer, you need a solid understanding of game design principles, spatial awareness, and experience with 3D modeling or level editing software, often supported by a degree in game design or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, and visual scripting systems is typically required. Creativity, strong collaboration skills, and attention to detail help Level Designers stand out when crafting engaging player experiences. These skills are crucial for building immersive, balanced, and enjoyable game environments that support both gameplay and storytelling.

What does a level designer do?

A Level Designer is responsible for creating the environments, stages, or levels in a video game. They design the layout, challenges, and pacing to ensure the gameplay experience is engaging and balanced. Level Designers work closely with other team members such as artists, programmers, and game designers to bring their concepts to life, often using specialized software and game engines. Their goal is to make sure each level is fun, visually appealing, and fits within the story and mechanics of the game.

What does a level designer do?

A level designer uses special design software to create levels, which are also known as stages or maps, for a video game. As a level designer, your duties may include mapping the level, creating a layout, and using your artistic skills to create the look and feel of the stage's environments and locales. Your designs need to fit with the gameplay and story scenarios, so you frequently collaborate with other members of the design team, like environment artists. Your designs need to include any structural elements required by the storyline or game missions, so adhering to a game’s narrative is an essential part of your job.

How much does a level designer get paid?

The average salary for a level designer typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level designers may earn less, while experienced professionals working on AAA titles or with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Many level designers also benefit from benefits such as health insurance and flexible schedules.

What is the difference between Level Designer vs Environment Artist?

AspectLevel DesignerEnvironment Artist
Primary FocusDesigning gameplay spaces, layout, and player flowCreating visual environments, textures, and atmosphere
Skills & ToolsLevel design software, scripting, game mechanics3D modeling, texturing, art software
Work EnvironmentGame studios, collaborative teamsArt departments, visual teams
Common Industry UsageUsed in game design and developmentUsed in art and environment creation

While both roles contribute to the game's visual and spatial experience, Level Designers focus on gameplay layout and player experience, whereas Environment Artists specialize in creating the visual aesthetics of game worlds. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the game development industry.

How does a level designer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

Level Designers work closely with artists, programmers, and game designers to bring levels to life. They often start by discussing design goals with the core game design team, then partner with artists to ensure visual consistency and technical requirements are met. Regular playtesting sessions with QA and feedback from other departments help refine the player experience. Effective communication and iteration are essential, as Level Designers must balance creative ideas with technical constraints and gameplay objectives.
More about Level Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Level Designer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Level Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Level Designer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Level Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Level Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Level Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Level Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Level Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,022 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Sr Designer Civil/Structural

Zachry Group

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$131K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

Zachry Group rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 80 rated construction

Job description

Zachry Engineering Corporation (ZEC) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Civil Structural Designer to join our Downers Grove, IL office. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in steel and concrete structural design, AVEVA E3D proficiency, and leadership capabilities. You'll play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality engineering solutions while mentoring design teams and collaborating across disciplines.

  • High School Diploma.

  • Minimum 12 years of engineering drafting/design experience.

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, MicroStation, Autodesk, or Bently software, AVEVA E3D/PDMS is preferred.

  • Proficiency with Navisworks, Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office.

  • Strong understanding of ACI, AISC, OSHA, and IBC codes.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate design teams.

  • Solid technical knowledge of civil/structural design and interdisciplinary coordination.

  • Familiarity with construction industry standards and Advanced Work Packaging (AWP).

  • Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

  • Willingness to travel and work overtime in industrial environments.

Preferred:

  • Associate or bachelor's degree in a related field.

  • Experience as Lead Designer.

  • Senior-level AVEVA E3D expertise.

#LI-CT1

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the expected salary range for this Sr Designer Civil Structural position is between $131,900 and $188,830 annually.   Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. 

This Sr Designer Civil Structural position is eligible for participation in Zachry's Total Employee Rewards Program, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and other ancillary benefits. This position is also eligible for participation in the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.

  • Serve as a senior level designer in producing complex structural drawings and models aligned with client needs, codes, and specifications.

  • Train and mentor design teams in developing complex structural drawings and 3D models using the appropriate CAD tools and design standards

  • Create detailed 2D and 3D structural designs for steel and concrete systems.

  • Prepare preliminary designs and recommend procedures for engineering approval.

  • May serve as a Project Design Lead or designated checker, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance.

  • Provide field support including retrofit verifications, as-built documentation, and installation oversight.

  • Conduct internal and external 3D model reviews and resolve design interferences.

  • Ensure adherence to QA standards, project specifications, and discipline guidelines.

  • Collaborate with engineers, clients, and construction teams to integrate technical requirements.

  • Review vendor shop drawings and construction documentation.

  • Assist in estimating design and drafting manpower requirements.

  • Participate in project planning and execution across multiple scopes.

What Zachry Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Zachry Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zachry Group is America's pacesetter in turnkey construction, engineering, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services in the power, energy, chemicals, manufacturing and industrial sectors. It works with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Zachry Group operates 35 offices, and averages 20,000 employees working in more than 400 locations nationwide. Please visit www.zachrygroup.com for more information.

Industry

Construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Antonio, TX, US

Year founded

1924

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