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Technical Artist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Dallas College

$23.78/hr

Position Summary Provides the college with Fine and Performing Arts technical support for fine and performing arts related college activities. This category would include the following personnel ...

Stellantis

CGI Artist

Auburn Hills, MI

This individual will need an eye for detail, artistic ability, and technical capacity to learn advanced software programs and vehicle configuration data and systems. This includes taking 3D data ...

Stellantis

CGI Artist

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

This individual will need an eye for detail, artistic ability, and technical capacity to learn advanced software programs and vehicle configuration data and systems. This includes taking 3D data ...

Stellantis

Lead Technical Designer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, or BS in Industrial, Product, or Automotive Design ... Ability to work with a project team of Technical Engineers, clay sculptors and fabrication ...

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All JobsTechnical Artist JobsTechnical Artist Jobs in Michigan

Technical Artist information

See Michigan salary details

$83.2K

$120.9K

$133.8K

How much do technical artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical artist in Michigan is $120,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,700.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectTechnical Artist3D Artist
Required SkillsProgramming, scripting, shader development, technical problem-solvingModeling, texturing, sculpting, artistic creativity
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with artists and programmers in game/animation studiosFocuses on creating visual assets, often in art or game development teams
Common Industry UsageUsed in game development, animation, and VFX industriesPrimarily in game design, animation, and visual effects

The main difference between a Technical Artist and a 3D Artist lies in their focus areas. Technical Artists combine artistic skills with technical expertise to bridge the gap between art and programming, ensuring assets are optimized and functional. 3D Artists concentrate on creating high-quality visual assets through modeling and texturing. Both roles are essential in creative industries, but they serve different purposes within a project.

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 blend of artistic ability, 3D modeling, and scripting skills, often supported by a degree in computer graphics, game design, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Maya, 3ds Max, Unreal Engine, Unity, and scripting languages like Python or MEL is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills help Technical Artists bridge the gap between artists and programmers. These competencies ensure efficient workflows, high-quality visual assets, and smooth integration of art and technology in creative projects.

What does a technical artist do?

A technical artist bridges the gap between artists and programmers in a development team, ensuring that art assets are optimized for performance and integrated correctly into the game or application. They often work with tools like Maya, Blender, or Unity, and possess skills in scripting, shader creation, and pipeline development to improve workflow efficiency.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of technical artistry, senior roles such as Lead Technical Artist or Technical Director in large gaming or animation studios can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. High-level executives or specialized consultants in tech-related industries may also earn this level of compensation, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills in tools like Maya or Unreal Engine, and leadership responsibilities.

How do Technical Artists typically collaborate with both artists and engineers on a game development team?

Technical Artists act as a crucial bridge between the art and engineering teams. They translate artistic vision into technically feasible assets by optimizing models, creating efficient shaders, and developing tools that streamline workflows. Daily, they may troubleshoot asset integration issues, advise artists on best practices for performance, and work with engineers to ensure compatibility with the game engine. This collaborative approach ensures that visuals are both high-quality and optimized for real-time performance.

What is a Technical Artist?

A Technical Artist is a professional who acts as a bridge between artists and programmers in the video game or digital content creation industries. They ensure that art assets can be easily integrated into a game engine without sacrificing either visual quality or performance. Technical Artists often create tools, optimize workflows, and solve technical problems related to graphics, shaders, and visual effects. Their role is crucial in streamlining the production pipeline and enabling both creative and technical teams to collaborate effectively.

How can I become a technical artist?

To become a technical artist, you typically need a strong foundation in art and design, combined with technical skills in programming, scripting, and 3D software such as Maya, Blender, or Unreal Engine. A bachelor's degree in computer graphics, game design, or a related field is common, along with experience in shader development, rigging, and pipeline integration. Building a portfolio that demonstrates both artistic ability and technical proficiency is essential for entry into the field.

How much do technical artists earn?

Technical artists typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior technical artists with specialized skills in scripting, shading, and tools development tend to earn higher salaries, especially in large studios or tech hubs.

What Is a Technical Artist?

A technical artist works in the video game industry. In this career, you take the art created by the animation team and make sure that it runs within the technical parameters of the video game and hardware. You may develop or use special shading tools to make certain that the animation looks realistic in different settings within the game. The diverse duties of a technical artist require both creativity and technical skills.

More about Technical Artist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Artist jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Technical Artist jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Technical Artist jobs in Michigan? For Technical Artist jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Technical Artist jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Technical Artist jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Technical Artist jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Technical Artist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Technical Artist jobs in MI? For Technical Artist jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Technical Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Artist job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,902 per year, or $58.1 per hour.
Fine & Performing Arts Technical Specialist I

Fine & Performing Arts Technical Specialist I

Dallas College

On-site

$23.78/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Dallas College rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date.

Weekly Work Hours

19.5

Compensation Range

H97

Hourly Rate

$23.78 Hourly

FLSA

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Position Type

Staff

All positions are considered on-site roles. After six months of employment, employees may have the opportunity to apply for a hybrid work schedule. Academic positions (Faculty) require on-campus presence, even if the role involves teaching online classes, in accordance with state law.

Position Summary

Provides the college with Fine and Performing Arts technical support for fine and performing arts related college activities. This category would include the following personnel: house manager, stage manager, technical director, assistant technical director, lighting and sound directors, lighting and sound operators, carpenters, electricians, costume personnel, box office.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals within the Dallas College community network.

  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.

  • Must be able to provide quality customer service.

Physical Requirements

May require ability to work with moderately heavy equipment/material weighing up to 75 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum of two (2) years of professional technical experience in the fine arts and/or performing arts, or related equivalent professional experience.

  • Documentation of professional experience will be required.

  • Bilingual preferred.

***Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check. ***

Key Responsibilities

  • Provides technical support for specific fine and performing arts related college activities.

  • Works in coordination with college personnel in the technical planning, developing, producing, construction or directing of fine and performing arts college related activities according to department/program guidelines and needs including timelines and completeness of projects.

  • Works independently and in coordination with college personnel on fine and performing arts related activities that result in final projects, productions, or teaching demonstrations.

  • May support in the coordination of fine and performing arts college related activities.

  • May direct students and college staff in fine and performing arts related college activities.

  • May require the ability to utilize fine and performing arts related equipment and/or computer technology.

  • Completes required Dallas College Professional Development training hours per academic year.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Incumbents may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Position requires regular and predictable attendance.

About Us

Since 1965, Dallas College, formerly Dallas County Community College District, has served more than three (3) million students. Comprising seven campuses located around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we are one of the largest community college systems in the state of Texas. We strive to be a leader in the community college space, placing students at the center of everything we do.

Dallas College is committed to cultivating an environment of opportunity and belonging for all students and employees. We recognize that the Dallas College workforce, and the diverse talent that stems from it, is directly linked to our success. We are part of an equal opportunity system that provides education and employment opportunities without discrimination on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, veteran status, pregnancy or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, Dallas College will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.

Applications DeadlineJuly 25, 2026

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