ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

2D Animation Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AbZorba Games

Bring 2D character to life using 2D skeletal animations * Collaborate closely with a team of top ... Artists and Engineers to translate abstract concepts into thrilling experiences * Optimize ...

INSPYR Solutions

VFX Artist III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$69.26 - $85.41/hr

As a Senior Real-Time VFX Artist, you will work closely with animators, artists, and designers to ... Flex your mastery of 2D and 3D workflows to enhance your in-engine work. * Be comfortable thinking ...

Red Games Co.

Freelance Animator

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

... artists, designers, and engineers to create unique, expressive, and appealing animation that enhances gameplay and delights players in a fun new kid game! Responsibilities * Create high-quality 2D/3D ...

Red Games Co.

Freelance Animator

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

... artists, designers, and engineers to create unique, expressive, and appealing animation that enhances gameplay and delights players in a fun new kid game! Responsibilities * Create high-quality 2D/3D ...

Arrow International Inc

Senior Artist

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$123K - $147K/yr

Solid understanding of animation principles and experience creating or implementing 2D and/or 3D animations. * Exceptional artistic skills including composition, color theory, typography, visual ...

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Artist

$130K - $155K/yr

Solid understanding of animation principles and experience creating or implementing 2D and/or 3D animations. * Exceptional artistic skills including composition, color theory, typography, visual ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobs2D Animation Artist Jobs

2D Animation Artist information

See salary details

$5

$29

$37

How much do 2d animation artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for 2d animation artist in the United States is $29.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 2D Animation Artist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 2D Animation Artist, you need strong artistic ability, an understanding of animation principles, and typically a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or After Effects is expected, and a solid portfolio often demonstrates your expertise. Collaboration, creativity, attention to detail, and time management are valuable soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure that you can consistently produce engaging animations, meet project deadlines, and work effectively within a creative team environment.

What are some common challenges faced by 2D Animation Artists in their day-to-day work?

2D Animation Artists often face tight deadlines and the challenge of balancing creative vision with client or project requirements. Adapting to different animation styles, quickly incorporating feedback, and troubleshooting technical issues with animation software are common aspects of the role. Artists may also need to manage multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills. Regular collaboration with directors, story writers, and other team members is key, making communication just as important as technical skill in overcoming daily challenges.

What is a 2D Animation Artist job?

A 2D Animation Artist creates animated visuals using hand-drawn or digital techniques to bring characters, environments, and scenes to life. They work on projects such as films, TV shows, advertisements, and video games, collaborating with designers, writers, and directors. Their tasks include designing character movements, storyboarding, and refining animations for smooth motion. Proficiency in animation software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, or After Effects is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong artistic skills are key qualities for success in this role.

More about 2D Animation Artist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of 2D Animation Artist jobs? The most popular types of 2D Animation Artist jobs are:
What states have the most 2D Animation Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for 2D Animation Artist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching 2D Animation Artist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 2D Animation Artist jobs are:
2D Animation Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various 2D Animation Artist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 68% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,546 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Lakewood, CO

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)
Salary: $2,440 (lecture) – $3,340 (studio) per class, per term
Location: Lakewood, CO
Target Fill Date: June 1st, 2026
Rocky Mountain College of Art +Design is looking for an Adjunct Professor who has expertise in 2D Animation. The faculty member works with the Chair and Program Lead of the Animation program, working closely with students, faculty, and administrative staff to advance teaching, student clubs and activities, co-curricular experiences, and curriculum development. They will work closely with academic leadership with a focus on teaching, monitoring and improving student learning and success, and performing duties as assigned by the Chair and the Program Lead.
RMCAD’s Digital Arts + Media Department offers degree programs rooted in industry-aligned practices, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in Animation workflows, with an emphasis on character motion studies, performance-based animation, and scene development using Toon Boom Harmony. This position supports the continued design, development, and delivery of dynamic, studio-centered curricula and the advancement of learning outcomes to prepare students for leadership in an evolving digital landscape.
Required Qualifications
  • A graduate degree (MA, MS, MFA, MDes, or equivalent) in Animation, Game Art, Game Design, relevant Motion Graphics, OR a bachelors degree with a sustained record of professional or studio-based work in these areas.
  • Proficiency using and teaching industry-leading 2D Animation software, including, but not limited to ToonBoom Harmony (required), Storyboard Pro (required), Adobe Photoshop (bonus) Adobe After Effects (bonus), etc
  • Examples of pedagogical approaches that align with the institution's mission and values, along with evidence of effective and inclusive teaching that values a diverse student body.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Art, Design, or a related discipline OR equivalent professional distinction recognized at a national or international level.
  • 2+ years of teaching experience in an accredited postsecondary institution with proven expertise in teaching Animation or related digital media.
  • A sustained record of professional or studio-based work in Animation or related digital media, demonstrated through published short/feature films, series work, studio credits, freelance projects, portfolio, and/or client-based productions.
  • Ongoing engagement with contemporary, emerging industry practices and pipelines with demonstrated expertise in 2D animation production workflows, including character animation, scene development, and rigging/puppetry in Toon Boom Harmony. Experience with storyboarding, motion graphics, or visual development pipelines is also valued.
  • Courses taught may include 2D Animation I–IV (motion studies through advanced scene work), Drawing + Acting for Animation, Storyboarding, and Motion Graphics.
  • Candidates should have experience with character animation, performance-based animation, and scene development using Toon Boom Harmony. Experience with puppetry and rigging workflows in Toon Boom Harmony is strongly encouraged.
  • Knowledge of Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop, and After Effects is preferred.
Working Conditions
This position involves teaching in a higher education environment and may include in-person and/or online instruction depending on course assignment. The role may require a flexible schedule, including daytime and evening hours. Work is typically performed in a classroom, studio, and/or computer-based environment and involves regular use of digital tools and software. The position requires interaction with students in both individual and group settings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply