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Technical Art Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Technical Art Director

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$127K - $147K/yr

Technical Art Director Location: Chicago, IL (or remote for extremely well-qualified candidates) Office : 3 days/week in South Loop office Reports to: Principal, Video Team Employment Type: Fixed ...

Highly experienced in Technical Art, Tools Development, Pipeline Development, Game Development, or a related discipline. * Significant hands-on experience building tools, scripts, automation, or ...

OR

$120K - $126K/yr

Build and manage the Technical Art team, including mentoring and management of internal Tech Artists and overseeing external Tech Art work * Work closely with the Art Director to find innovative ...

Tech Art Lead

$143K - $215K/yr

Build and manage the Technical Art team, including mentoring and management of internal Tech Artists and overseeing external Tech Art work * Work closely with the Art Director to find innovative ...

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Technical Art information

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$10

$48

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How much do technical art jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for technical art in the United States is $48.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $69.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Technical Artists when bridging the gap between artists and programmers in game development?

Technical Artists often act as a crucial link between creative and technical teams, which can present challenges such as translating artistic vision into technical specifications and ensuring assets perform efficiently in the game engine. They regularly troubleshoot compatibility issues, optimize workflows, and develop tools to streamline asset integration. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as Technical Artists must anticipate and resolve conflicts that arise from differing priorities between art and programming teams. This role offers a dynamic work environment and valuable opportunities to develop both creative and technical skill sets.

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

To thrive as a Technical Artist, you need a strong background in 3D art and computer graphics, combined with a solid understanding of programming or scripting languages such as Python or MEL. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Maya, Unreal Engine, Unity, and shader development is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, communication, and the ability to collaborate with both artists and engineers help set outstanding Technical Artists apart. These skills bridge the gap between artistic vision and technical implementation, ensuring efficient workflows and visually compelling results in game or film production.

What is the difference between Technical Art vs 3D Artist?

AspectTechnical Art3D Artist
Required SkillsProgramming, scripting, shader development, technical problem-solvingModeling, texturing, sculpting, artistic creativity
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with artists and programmers in game/animation studiosPrimarily creates visual assets for games, films, or animations
Common CertificationsTechnical certifications in programming, software tools, or game enginesArt degrees, 3D modeling certifications

Technical Artists focus on bridging art and technology, optimizing assets, and developing tools, while 3D Artists concentrate on creating visual content. Both roles often work together in game and animation industries, but their skill sets and responsibilities differ significantly.

What careers use technical drawings?

Technical art careers often involve creating and interpreting technical drawings used in fields such as engineering, architecture, manufacturing, and product design. These professionals use CAD software and precise drafting skills to develop detailed plans, schematics, and models essential for construction, fabrication, and development processes.

What does a technical artist do?

A technical artist bridges the gap between art and programming in game development or animation, ensuring that art assets are optimized for performance and integrated correctly into the engine. They often work with tools like Maya, Blender, or Unreal Engine, and possess skills in scripting, shader creation, and troubleshooting technical issues related to art pipelines.

What is technical art?

Technical art is a discipline within the video game and digital media industries that bridges the gap between artists and programmers. Technical artists are responsible for developing tools, optimizing workflows, and ensuring that art assets are efficiently integrated into game engines. They often work on creating shaders, managing asset pipelines, and solving technical challenges that arise during production. This role requires a blend of artistic understanding and technical skills, including familiarity with scripting languages and 3D software. Technical artists play a crucial part in bringing artistic visions to life while maintaining performance and feasibility across platforms.

What careers combine art and technology?

A career in technical art involves blending artistic skills with technology, often working in video game development, animation, or visual effects. These roles typically require knowledge of digital tools like Photoshop, Maya, or Unreal Engine, and may involve skills in 3D modeling, programming, or rendering. Such careers are common in entertainment, media, and software industries where creative and technical expertise intersect.

Do technical artists make good money?

Technical artists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. They often have skills in scripting, 3D software, and problem-solving, which can lead to higher compensation as they gain expertise. Overall, technical artists are well-compensated within the game and animation industries.
More about Technical Art jobs
What cities are hiring for Technical Art jobs? Cities with the most Technical Art job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Art jobs? The most popular types of Technical Art jobs are:
What states have the most Technical Art jobs? States with the most job openings for Technical Art jobs include:
Infographic showing various Technical Art job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,953 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
Visiting Assistant Professor, Game Design & Technical Art

Visiting Assistant Professor, Game Design & Technical Art

New York Institute of Technology

Westbury, NY • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Overview
New York Institute of Technology's six schools and colleges offer undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional degree programs in in-demand disciplines including computer science, data science, and cybersecurity; biology, health professions, and medicine; architecture and design; engineering; IT and digital technologies; management; and energy and sustainability. A nonprofit, independent, private, and nonsectarian institute of higher education founded in 1955, it welcomes nearly 8,000 students worldwide.
The university has campuses in New York City and Long Island, New York; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as programs around the world. More than 120,000 alumni are part of an engaged network of physicians, architects, scientists, engineers, business leaders, digital artists, and healthcare professionals. Together, the university's community of doers, makers, healers, and innovators empowers graduates to change the world, solve 21st-century challenges, and reinvent the future.
For more information, visit nyit.edu.
New York Tech's School of Architecture and Design seek a full-time Visiting Assistant Professor for the Department of Digital Art and Design, in Game Design and Technical Art to join its expanding academic programs. The successful candidate will teach a diverse student body across undergraduate and graduate courses and a total of 21 EHLs during the academic year. Candidates are expected to teach at the New York City and Old Westbury campuses. The department is seeking a candidate with strong professional game industry experience who can help build and strengthen the Game Design concentration through technical art, real-time production, and industry-facing student portfolio development. This position is intended to support Digital Art students who are developing skills in 3D production, animation, game design, real-time engines, and emerging creative technologies, and help prepare them for technical artist and related roles in the game industry. The successful candidate will contribute to curriculum development, student mentoring, recruitment, retention, industry partnerships, committee service, and the future growth of the department.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will teach courses in game design, technical art, real-time production, interactive media, and related areas. Teaching areas may include game design fundamentals, level design, game production, Unity, Unreal Engine, Houdini for game art and technical art, 3D asset creation and integration, procedural workflows, lighting, materials, shaders, rigging, animation systems, scripting for artists, AI-assisted creative workflows, XR, and portfolio development.
The candidate will help students develop stronger, more competitive, industry-ready work and portfolios for technical artist and related game industry career pathways. They will also support student showcases, game jams, collaborative projects, alumni and industry engagement, and the continued growth of the Game Design concentration.
Qualifications
The minimum degree requirement is an MFA, MS, MA, or equivalent terminal/professional degree in a related field.
A minimum of three to five years of relevant professional experience in the game industry, technical art, real-time production, or a closely related field is strongly preferred. Prior teaching experience at the college level is preferred. Candidates with significant industry experience, strong communication skills, and demonstrated ability to mentor, train, or lead creative/technical teams are preferred.
Candidates must have artistic, creative, design, and technical backgrounds, with experience in game design, technical art, real-time production, and game development pipelines. They must be able to bridge art and technology and help students understand how visual design, 3D assets, animation, lighting, materials, shaders, optimization, and interaction come together inside professional game production workflows.
Technical knowledge and proficiency with Unity and/or Unreal Engine is required. Knowledge of additional industry-standard tools and workflows is preferred, including Maya, Blender, Houdini, ZBrush, Substance, Adobe Creative Cloud, Cinema 4D, Nuke, motion capture, procedural tools, scripting, shaders, generative AI and AI-assisted creative workflows, and other commonly used software in game development and real-time production.
The ideal candidate should demonstrate an ability to guide students who come from digital art, 3D production, animation, motion graphics, or design backgrounds and help them translate those skills into game industry-ready technical art portfolios.
Qualified candidates should send a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a teaching philosophy, a description of their research and/or creative practice, names and contact information of three references, and samples of professional and student work to be considered for an interview.
Other Information
New York Institute of Technology offers numerous opportunities to enhance personal and professional growth and provides employees with a competitive compensation and benefits program inclusive of generous paid time off, holidays, tuition remission, and retirement plans with employer contributions.
New York Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
In compliance with local legislation as well as to provide greater transparency to candidates, the annual base salary range for this position is listed. New York Tech considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate experience/expertise, education/training, key skills, geographic location, internal peer equity as well as market, organizational considerations and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement when extending an offer.
Minimum Salary
USD $70,000.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $70,000.00/Yr.