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Visual Effects Artist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Visual Effects

Chicago, IL · On-site

$4.8K - $6.1K/wk

Adjunct Faculty in Visual Effects Full-time Faculty Positions Full-time faculty positions will be ... The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs ...

Realtimevfx

Graphic Programmer (Shader/VFX)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Product -- hyper-casual mobile games where every visual detail matters -- satisfying effects ... Creative and artistic eye -- style, color, composition * Unity/HLSL (Unreal/GLSL also fine ...

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

Contribute to the unique product artistic vision holding high standards for aesthetics and ... Experience implementing visual effects in an industry standard or proprietary Game Engine from ...

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Contribute to the unique product artistic vision holding high standards for aesthetics and ... Experience implementing visual effects in an industry standard or proprietary Game Engine from ...

The Mill

Designer/Animator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Company Description The Mill has been creating world-class visual effects built on creative ... Help provide artistic direction to generate inspirational, conceptual and creative ideas with the ...

The Mill

Designer/Animator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Company Description The Mill has been creating world-class visual effects built on creative ... Help provide artistic direction to generate inspirational, conceptual and creative ideas with the ...

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Senior Artist to join our Visual Development Team. The Senior ... Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) and experience with After Effects ...

Arrow International, Inc.

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Senior Artist to join our Visual Development Team. The Senior ... Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) and experience with After Effects ...

Arrow International Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Senior Artist to join our Visual Development Team. The Senior ... Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) and experience with After Effects ...

Progressive Gaming

Art Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Maintain visual consistency and bring artwork from initial concept through final production ... Support and mentor less experienced artists while staying current on industry tools and trends.

IGT

Art Lead

Chicago, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Maintain visual consistency and bring artwork from initial concept through final production ... Support and mentor less experienced artists while staying current on industry tools and trends.

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All JobsVisual Effects Artist JobsVisual Effects Artist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Visual Effects Artist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37.6K

$111.1K

$157.1K

How much do visual effects artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual effects artist in Chicago, IL is $111,078.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $156,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a visual effects artist?

As a visual effects artist, your job is to create special effects for the film industry to portray visuals or action sequences that are too difficult or too costly to film. Your primary responsibilities center on consulting with clients, supervisors, and other artists to create visual effects (VFX) to their specifications. Your job duties include using computer animation software programs and working with the various production departments to meet the film’s needs. You need creativity and imagination to work as a visual effects artist, and you must be proficient with animation, graphic design, and visual effects computer programs.

What are some common challenges visual effects artists face when working on collaborative projects?

Visual Effects Artists often work closely with directors, animators, and other post-production professionals, which can present challenges in maintaining a unified creative vision and meeting tight deadlines. Balancing technical limitations with artistic goals, adapting to rapidly changing feedback, and ensuring seamless integration of effects into live-action footage are frequent hurdles. Strong communication skills and flexibility are essential to effectively collaborate and deliver high-quality results within project constraints.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a visual effects artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Visual Effects Artist, you need a solid background in digital art, animation, and computer graphics, often supported by a degree in visual effects or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, Houdini, and familiarity with compositing and rendering engines is crucial. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills help artists stand out in collaborative production environments. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality, believable visual effects that enhance storytelling and meet project requirements.

What is the difference between Visual Effects Artist vs Motion Graphics Designer?

AspectVisual Effects ArtistMotion Graphics Designer
Required CredentialsPortfolio, degree in film, animation, or related fieldPortfolio, degree in graphic design, animation, or related field
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, advertising, post-production studiosAdvertising agencies, media companies, digital agencies
Industry UsageSpecializes in integrating CGI and effects into live-actionCreates animated graphics for videos, presentations, and branding

While both roles involve digital artistry, Visual Effects Artists focus on integrating CGI and effects into live-action footage, often working in film and TV post-production. Motion Graphics Designers create animated graphics for various media, emphasizing branding and visual communication. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the digital media industry.

How much does a visual effects artist make?

The average salary for a visual effects artist varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level artists earn around $50,000, while experienced professionals with advanced skills in software like Maya or Houdini can earn over $100,000 per year.

Is a visual effects artist a good career?

A visual effects artist creates digital imagery for films, TV, and video games, often requiring skills in software like Adobe After Effects and Maya. The field offers opportunities in entertainment and media industries, with potential for creative growth and competitive salaries, though it can involve long hours and project deadlines.
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Visual Effects Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Effects Artist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 66% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 71% In-person, 19% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,078 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty in Visual Effects

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 622 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
DePaul University's School of Cinematic Arts is expanding its visual effects curriculum and hiring experienced visual effects artists to teach courses in all phases of the production pipeline.
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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