1

Visual Fx Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Video Producer & Editor

Itasca, IL ยท On-site

$82K - $86K/yr

... visual fx, preferably with an emphasis on consumer health information. Experience in a corporate, medical, or association environment preferred. ESSENTIAL SKILLS: Expert level knowledge of all ...

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

Lead efforts in building foundational systems for art to establish scenes, animation, rigging, FX ... Experience implementing visual effects in an industry standard or proprietary Game Engine from ...

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Lead efforts in building foundational systems for art to establish scenes, animation, rigging, FX ... Experience implementing visual effects in an industry standard or proprietary Game Engine from ...

Frontend Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150 - $180/hr

... currency FX, and unified payouts. Founded in 2023, the company serves marketplaces, fintechs ... Set the visual direction for a fintech product that needs to feel trustworthy, fast, and precise ...

Frontend Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... currency FX, and unified payouts. Founded in 2023, the company serves marketplaces, fintechs ... Set the visual direction for a fintech product that needs to feel trustworthy, fast, and precise ...

Visual Fx information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$25

$64

How much do visual fx jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for visual fx in Illinois is $25.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $27.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a visual FX artist?

Visual FX (VFX) artists are professionals who create visual effects for films, television, video games, and other media. They use computer software and digital tools to design and manipulate imagery that cannot be achieved during live-action shooting, such as explosions, weather effects, creatures, or futuristic environments. VFX artists work closely with directors and other production staff to seamlessly integrate these effects with live footage, enhancing storytelling and visual impact. Their work is essential in modern entertainment, where imaginative and realistic visuals are in high demand.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a visual FX artist?

To thrive as a Visual FX Artist, you need a solid understanding of visual effects principles, digital compositing, and computer graphics, often supported by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Mastery of technical tools such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, Nuke, and Houdini, along with familiarity with industry-standard plug-ins, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you stand out in this collaborative and fast-paced environment. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality, believable visual effects that enhance storytelling and meet production deadlines.

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

Visual FX artists often work closely with directors, animators, and other post-production professionals, which can present challenges such as aligning creative visions and managing tight deadlines. Balancing technical constraints with artistic expectations is also a frequent challenge, as artists must ensure effects look realistic while fitting within time and budget limits. Clear communication and adaptability are key in overcoming these hurdles, making collaboration skills just as important as technical expertise for success in this role.

What is the difference between Visual Fx vs Motion Graphics Designer?

AspectVisual FxMotion Graphics Designer
Required credentialsOften a background in film, video production, or visual effects coursesTypically a degree or training in graphic design, animation, or multimedia
Work environmentFilm, TV, advertising, post-production studiosAdvertising agencies, media companies, digital studios
Industry usageUsed for enhancing visual effects in films and videosCreates animated graphics for videos, websites, and commercials

Visual Fx specialists focus on integrating visual effects into film and video projects, often working in post-production environments. Motion Graphics Designers create animated graphics and visual content primarily for digital media, advertising, and online platforms. While both roles involve visual creativity and digital tools, their applications and industry focus differ.

Does visual fx pay well?

The pay for a visual effects artist varies depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects, but generally, it offers competitive salaries within the entertainment and media industries. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced artists working on major films or commercials can earn higher wages, especially with proficiency in tools like After Effects or Nuke. Certifications and a strong portfolio can also influence earning potential.

Is visual fx a good career?

A career in visual effects (VFX) involves creating digital imagery for film, television, and video games, requiring skills in software such as Adobe After Effects and Nuke. It can be a rewarding field for those with artistic ability and technical proficiency, but it often involves long hours and competitive entry. Success depends on building a strong portfolio, gaining experience, and staying updated with industry tools and trends.

Is visual fx a stressful career?

Working as a visual effects artist can be stressful due to tight deadlines, high client expectations, and the need for precision with software like After Effects or Nuke. The job often involves long hours, especially during project crunch times, but it can also be rewarding for those passionate about digital artistry and creative problem-solving.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Visual Fx jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Visual Fx job openings:

Infographic showing various Visual Fx job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,063 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Video Producer & Editor

American Academy of Ped

Itasca, IL โ€ข On-site

$82K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

TITLE:

Video Producer and Editor (Grant Funded)


REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Senior Producer and Editor (Grant Funded)


BASIC FUNCTIONS:

Create multimedia (audio/video) content for assigned American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) activities, social media, websites, public service announcements, leadership communications, educational modules, news reporting, and other enterprise-wide uses. Conceive, pitch and craft compelling storyboards and scripts for videos that incorporate interviews, b-roll, graphics, line art, music, and sound effects into engaging compositions. Facilitate and perform remote, in-studio, and field-based video pre-production, production, and post-production, and operate cameras and lights during video recordings. Collaborate with Creative Production team throughout production and postproduction to ensure product achieves communications goals.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Collaborate with AAP physician members, AAP staff, and external partners on developing new and revised multimedia content to meet the goals and objectives and deliverables for campaigns, grants, or sponsorships.

2. Conceive creative approaches to visual storytelling to meet specific communications objectives on child health.

3. Develop scripts and storyboards. Select optimal forms of media for projects. Budget, allocate resources, and set deadlines as appropriate for projects

4. Outline, write, edit, and review scripts and storyboards for videos, webinars, and other content for parent, clinician, and other audiences.

5. Proofread and copyedit captions and other content for accuracy and to ensure adherence to style guidelines.

6. Plan video shoots, including scouting, selecting, and reserving shoot locations. Develop production schedules and shoot lists.

7. Manage location- and studio-based video production as assigned. Perform or direct on-set lighting, camera operation, sound, teleprompter, and other production activity as needed.

8. Operate the gimbal for field work.

9. Work with talent on performance direction.

10. Manage all elements of post-production, including making editorial decisions, editing video, editing and mixing audio, chroma-keying and visual effects, voice-over, motion graphics, color correction and finishing.

11. Write titles, descriptions and SEO metadata for YouTube and social media videos and create compelling thumbnails.

12. Compress video projects for delivery and distribute to necessary sites, vendors, or clients. Post or upload video content on designated platform with appropriate tags and descriptions.

13. Provide guidance on style and branding to ensure cohesion in AAP videos.

14. Research and remain current on the developments and applications of state-of-the-art video production technology.

15. Assist in managing the video library and archive.

16. Evaluate analytics for video content.

17. Identify technical reviewers, route materials, and incorporate changes into new and revised content as directed.

18. Attend team meetings, editorial meetings, and conferences as assigned.

19. Perform other duties as assigned.


EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in film/video/radio, digital media, communications, journalism, or related field or an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience required.


EXPERIENCE:

At least three years’ related experience in television, film, or news media production required, including writing/scripting and editing, production equipment operation, non-linear editing, creating motion graphics and visual fx, preferably with an emphasis on consumer health information. Experience in a corporate, medical, or association environment preferred.


ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

Expert level knowledge of all professional video production procedures, practices, techniques, terminology, and production equipment operation including video cameras and recorders, audio recording equipment, file compression, audio recording, graphics manipulation, lighting, and proper handling and troubleshooting of broadcast quality video production equipment. Strong technical acumen essential with proficiency in MS Office, non-linear editing software (e.g., Davinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere), Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator), and the ability to learn and apply emerging multimedia and other general office technologies including the use of AI; experience with virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Teams) and document collaboration platforms (eg, SharePoint) preferred. Excellent written/verbal communication, interpersonal, organizational, decision-making, and time management skills required. Must think creatively, pay close attention to detail, take initiative, work both independently and as part of a team, manage multiple projects simultaneously within strict deadlines, collaborate effectively with various internal and external constituents, and maintain a positive and cooperative team-oriented work environment with a commitment to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Some travel and evening/weekend work required, as well as the ability to be flexible with work schedule to accommodate physicians’ availability.


A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $82,182.66 - $86,748.48. Compensation decisions take into account a wide range of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, certifications, geographic location, business needs, and organizational policies. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare and retirement savings plans. Click to see all benefits offered: http://aap.org/BenefitsAtAAP. The AAP does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make employment decisions.

Hybrid work environment of 40% of work time in the office per month.

To learn more about the organization, see a full job description, and/or apply for the position, please visit https://www.aap.org/employment.

The AAP offers an excellent work environment, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package. As a reaffirmation to our employee-focused culture, since 2005 the AAP has been named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Chicagoland area. Additionally, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans that values the strength diversity brings to our workplace.

Reasonable Accommodation: Individuals with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation in connection with the job application process may contact us at 630-626-6297 or reasonableaccommodation@aap.org. Please note, only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will receive a response.