Animator Jobs in Chicago

Chicago, IL · Updated Daily

Animator Jobs in Chicago

Find animator jobs in Chicago from game studios and animation companies across the greater Chicago area. Chicago has a strong legacy game industry and an active independent studio scene, with consistent demand for animators in both game development and interactive media.

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Animator Roles in Chicago

We curate animator positions from game studios across the Chicago area.

🎬

Junior Animator

⭐

Animator

🌟

Senior Animator

👑

Lead Animator

🧑‍🎤

Character Animator

🎥

Cinematic Animator

🎮

Gameplay Animator

✨

VFX Animator

Chicago Game Studios Hiring Animators

Chicago has a diverse game and interactive animation industry:

Jackbox Games
Jellyvision Games
Grease Monkey Games
WMS Gaming (Scientific Games)
Bithell Games Chicago
Broken Arrow Games
Keywords Studios Chicago
Midway Legacy Studios
+ More Studios

Chicago Animation Roles Fill Quickly

Chicago animation roles span game development, interactive media, and broadcast — competition comes from multiple industries. Applying within 24-48 hours of a posting gives you the best shot.

✓ US roles flagged daily
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✓ Salary info included
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Animator Salary Ranges in Chicago

What animator roles pay at Chicago game studios. Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax.

Junior Animator
$50K – $70K
Animator
$68K – $88K
Senior Animator
$85K – $110K
Lead Animator
$105K – $140K

*Salaries listed in USD. Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax. Chicago cost of living is moderate — higher than the south but significantly lower than San Francisco or New York, giving strong purchasing power on game animation salaries.

What Chicago Studios Look For in Animators

Skills and qualities that get animators hired in Chicago.

🎬 Core Animation

  • 12 principles mastery
  • Character, gameplay, and cinematic animation
  • Motion capture cleanup and polish
  • Body mechanics, weight, and performance
  • Facial animation and lip sync

🎮 Tools and Engines

  • Maya (primary standard)
  • Unreal Engine animation system
  • Unity Animator
  • MotionBuilder for mocap
  • Adobe After Effects for 2D/motion work

🌟 What Chicago Studios Want

  • Strong reel with varied animation styles
  • Adaptability across games, interactive media, and casual games
  • Clean, optimized animation for real-time engines
  • Strong communication and iteration skills
  • Right to work in the US

💡 Standing Out

  • Reel that shows performance quality, not just technical skills
  • Include breakdowns for any mocap cleanup work
  • Show both gameplay and cinematic examples if possible
  • ArtStation or portfolio site — not YouTube-only
  • Apply within 24 hours of posting

Animator Jobs in Chicago FAQ

Are there animator jobs in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago has an active game and interactive media industry with studios like Jackbox Games, Jellyvision, and Grease Monkey Games hiring animators. The city also has a strong independent game scene and numerous agencies doing animated interactive content.
Which studios in Chicago hire animators?
Key studios hiring animators in Chicago include Jackbox Games, Jellyvision Games, Grease Monkey Games, WMS Gaming, and Keywords Studios. Chicago’s interactive advertising and media production industries also create strong demand for animator talent beyond traditional game studios.
What is the salary for an animator in Chicago?
In Chicago: Junior Animators earn $50K-$70K, mid-level $68K-$88K, Senior Animators $85K-$110K, and Lead Animators $105K-$140K. Chicago’s moderate cost of living means these salaries have strong purchasing power relative to equivalent roles in San Francisco or New York.
Does Chicago have a strong game animation industry?
Chicago has a solid mid-size game industry rather than a dominant AAA hub. It’s stronger in interactive media, casual games, and independent development than in large-budget console titles. This means more variety in the types of animation roles available.
How do I find animator jobs in Chicago?
ArtBlast curates animator jobs daily and flags Chicago and Midwest roles specifically. Applying within the first 24-48 hours gives you the best chance. Paid subscribers get Discord live alerts the moment new Chicago animator roles post.

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