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Technical Artist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Inland Hills Church

Creative Arts Pastor

Chino, CA · On-site

Overview: The Creative Arts Pastor will empower IHC's music and production teams to create ... You have musical and/or technical expertise; you connect easily with different kinds of people; and ...

Inland Hills Church

Creative Arts Pastor

Chino, CA · On-site

Overview: The Creative Arts Pastor will empower IHC's music and production teams to create ... You have musical and/or technical expertise; you connect easily with different kinds of people; and ...

Autodesk, Inc.

Senior 3D/VFX Artist, Small Business

Irvine, CA · On-site

$113K - $129K/yr

We are looking for a senior-level 3D / VFX artist and editor who combines strong creative judgment with technical fluency and a bias for execution. In this role, you will create standout content ...

Autodesk

Senior 3D/VFX Artist, Small Business

Irvine, CA

$113K - $129K/yr

We are looking for a senior-level 3D / VFX artist and editor who combines strong creative judgment with technical fluency and a bias for execution. In this role, you will create standout content ...

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All JobsTechnical Artist JobsTechnical Artist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Technical Artist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$99.6K

$144.7K

$160.1K

How much do technical artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical artist in Riverside, CA is $144,715.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,500.00 and $158,600.00 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Technical Artist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Technical Artist jobs in Riverside, CA? For Technical Artist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Technical Artist jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Technical Artist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Technical Artist jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Technical Artist job openings:
Technical Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Artist job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $144,715 per year, or $69.6 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty - Assistant Technical Director for Theatre

Adjunct Faculty - Assistant Technical Director for Theatre

Concordia University

Irvine, CA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:

The Theatre Department at Concordia University Irvine seeks applicants for adjunct faculty positions in the area of Technical Theatre Design and Production. The department strives to develop wise and honorable citizens capable of excelling as witnesses of Christ through their various roles within the academic field and elsewhere. Pursuant to this mission, we seek adjunct faculty candidates who can articulate the interconnection between their Christian faith and their academic pursuits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:

  • The assistant technical director (Theatre) is responsible for assisting with all aspects of technical theatre production for the Theatre Department's mainstage productions and special events.
  • All activities of this position are to make a contribution to the fulfillment of the mission of the university.
  • Assist with set construction and other technical aspects for all Theatre Department mainstage productions and special events.
  • Maintain the grid, light and sound inventory, storage and booths.
  • Collaborate with guest designers and technicians for all productions as necessary.
  • Assist in supervising set construction and lighting preparation for each Theatre Department production and any special theatre events. This includes assisting planning of work schedules, ordering of materials and equipment, direct supervision of student workers, and delegation of authority to student supervisors and assistants when appropriate.
  • Assist the Resident Designer/Technical Director in training and supervising all Theatre Shop student workers; plan schedules, delegate authority and run crews of student workers as appropriate.
  • Ensure that all technical work in the areas of set, lighting, costume, makeup, properties and sound is conducted in accordance with Theatre Department and University policies and procedures.
  • Possible course topics vary - a list of courses offered is available in the CUI Catalog

Qualification Requirements:

  • Successful candidates must confess the Christian faith, demonstrate a commitment to a Lutheran liberal arts education and possess teaching excellence.
  • Candidates should also have an earned BA or BFA in theater and/or relevant experience in technical theatre

Apply