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Maya Animation Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

We offer studies in hand-drawn animation (TVPaint and Harmony), Maya, game art, motion graphics, experimental animation, technical art, and stop motion animation. There are currently over 250 majors ...

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

Work across several art disciplines including shading, environment art, character art, animation ... Must have 3 or more years experience with Maya and modern 3D art pipelines * Proven experience ...

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Work across several art disciplines including shading, environment art, character art, animation ... Must have 3 or more years experience with Maya and modern 3D art pipelines * Proven experience ...

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

Knowledge of animation principles. Usage of Spine is considered a plus * Experience with 3D Software (Maya, Blender, etc.). We offer a dynamic and creative environment, opportunities for professional ...

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

Knowledge of animation principles. Usage of Spine is considered a plus * Experience with 3D Software (Maya, Blender, etc.). We offer a dynamic and creative environment, opportunities for professional ...

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

Knowledge of animation principles. Usage of Spine is considered a plus * Experience with 3D Software (Maya, Blender, etc.). We offer a dynamic and creative environment, opportunities for professional ...

Motion Designer

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

You must have strong animation, editing, and visual design skills, with the ability to turn complex ... Knowledge of a 3D software package such as Blender, Cinema 4D, Maya, or Maxon. * Up-to-date ...

Maya, Houdini, Substance Designer, Substance Painter, Mari, and/or Photoshop * A working knowledge ... A good understanding of animation and an eye for motion * Knowledge of cinematic language and ...

Maya Animation information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do maya animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for maya animation in Chicago, IL is $40.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $65.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Maya animation?

Maya animation refers to the process of creating animated sequences using Autodesk Maya, a leading 3D computer graphics and animation software. Artists use Maya to model, rig, animate, and render characters and environments for films, TV, video games, and commercials. The software offers a wide range of tools and features for keyframe animation, motion graphics, dynamics, and more, making it a popular choice among professional animators and studios worldwide.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Maya animator?

To thrive as a Maya Animator, you need strong artistic skills, a solid understanding of animation principles, and proficiency in Autodesk Maya, often backed by a degree in animation or a related field. Mastery of Maya software, familiarity with rigging, rendering engines, and sometimes a knowledge of scripting languages like MEL or Python are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent communication help animators collaborate effectively and bring characters to life. These skills ensure high-quality, visually compelling animations that meet production standards and support team workflows.

What are some common challenges Maya animators face when working on collaborative projects, and how can they be addressed?

Maya Animators often work in teams where clear communication and consistency are crucial, especially when multiple animators contribute to the same scene or character. Common challenges include managing version control, ensuring animation styles remain cohesive, and integrating feedback from directors or other departments. These challenges can be addressed by adhering to standardized naming conventions, using shared asset libraries, regularly updating project files, and participating in team reviews to align creative direction. Proactive communication and flexibility help maintain a smooth workflow and high-quality output.

What is the difference between Maya Animation vs 3D Modeler?

AspectMaya Animation3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating animated sequences and character movementsDesigning and building 3D models and assets
Skills RequiredAnimation principles, rigging, keyframing, storytellingModeling techniques, topology, texturing, software proficiency
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, VFX companies, game developmentDesign firms, game studios, VFX houses
CertificationsOften requires knowledge of Maya software, animation coursesProficiency in Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, with modeling certifications

While Maya Animation focuses on bringing characters and objects to life through movement, 3D Modelers concentrate on creating the detailed 3D assets used in animations and environments. Both roles often collaborate in the production pipeline, but their core skills and tasks differ significantly.

Is Maya Animation good for animation?

Maya Animation is widely used in the industry for creating 3D animations, modeling, and visual effects. It offers a comprehensive set of tools suitable for professional animators and is often a requirement for animation jobs in film, gaming, and visual effects industries. Proficiency in Maya can enhance job prospects and project quality, especially when combined with skills in rigging, texturing, and rendering.

What job categories do people searching Maya Animation jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Maya Animation jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Maya Animation job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 67% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,445 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty in Animation

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 621 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 Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs incluuding Film and Television, Animation, Creative Producing, Documentary, and Screenwriting on the Loop campus and at DePaul Cinespace Studios. Find out more about SCA at https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/Pages/School-of-Cinematic-Arts.aspx.
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
The DePaul Animation Program is part of DePaul University's School of Cinematic Arts. We offer studies in hand-drawn animation (TVPaint and Harmony), Maya, game art, motion graphics, experimental animation, technical art, and stop motion animation. There are currently over 250 majors enrolled in our Animation MFA, MA, BFA and BA degrees, and we have 12 full-time Animation faculty members who have worked for studios including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, JibJab, Sesame Street, Klasky Csupo, and Will Vinton. To learn more about DePaul Animation check out our Animation Zine https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/AnimationZine
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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