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2D Character Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct Faculty DAA

San Jose, CA · On-site

$3.0K - $4.5K/mo

Topics include scale and camera angle, camera movement, character staging, composition, and basic editing processes * 2D Animation, level 2 - Advanced study of facial animation and expression with an ...

$2.1K/wk

Drawing, Figurative Drawing, Dynamic Figure Drawing, and other Drawing Courses * 2D, Digital ... Storyboarding & Production Design, Cell Animation I, 3D Character Animation, Advanced Cell ...

... surface/ character modeling Rigging hard surface models Rigging soft surface models 2D/ 3D FX ... Include examples of animation, animatics, storyboarding, 3D modeling (UV, wireframes, and texture ...

Background in 3D animation, character animation, or generative motion techniques applied to product ... Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual ...

Art Lead

Chicago, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

You will create high-quality 2D and 3D artwork, animation, typography, graphic designs, logos ... and character designs. * Develop production-ready assets that align with creative direction ...

Art Lead

Chicago, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

You will create high-quality 2D and 3D artwork, animation, typography, graphic designs, logos ... and character designs. * Develop production-ready assets that align with creative direction ...

... and character acting, bringing story concepts to life and creating a visual blueprint. * Apply a strong understanding of story principles. Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that ...

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2D Character Animator information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do 2d character animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for 2d character animator in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a 2d character animator do?

A 2D Character Animator creates movement for characters in a two-dimensional space, bringing them to life for films, TV shows, video games, or advertisements. They use software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or TVPaint to design fluid and expressive animations. Their work often involves sketching keyframes, refining motion, and ensuring consistency in character movement. Strong artistic skills, an understanding of timing and physics, and attention to detail are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 2d character animator?

To thrive as a 2D Character Animator, you need strong drawing skills, an understanding of animation principles, and experience with character movement and expression, often backed by a relevant degree or portfolio. Proficiency with animation software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or TVPaint is typically required, and some roles may value certifications in these tools. Creativity, teamwork, strong communication, and the ability to accept and integrate feedback are invaluable soft skills in this position. These abilities ensure the creation of engaging, polished animations that meet project goals and foster effective collaboration within creative teams.

What are some common challenges faced by 2d character animators in a studio environment?

2D Character Animators in a studio setting often face tight deadlines, the need to quickly iterate on creative feedback, and the challenge of maintaining consistency across episodes or projects. They regularly collaborate with directors, storyboard artists, and other animators, which requires strong communication and the ability to adapt to different artistic styles and project needs. Keeping up with evolving animation software and industry trends can also be demanding. Despite these challenges, many animators find the work highly rewarding due to the creative input and team-driven environment that produces visually engaging content.

What are the most commonly searched types of 2D Character Animator jobs?

The most popular types of 2D Character Animator jobs are:

Infographic showing various 2D Character Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty DAA

COGSWELL COLLEGE LLC

San Jose, CA • On-site

$3.0K - $4.5K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Summary
Transfer knowledge including theory, practical skills, methods, and techniques. Impart practical application of principles, techniques, and software. Other aspects of teaching include; supervision of instructional activities, such as cooperative work experiences, internships, and practice; instructional management, tutoring; curriculum and course development; and creation of teaching and instructional materials.
Classes include:
  • Character Rigging - emphasis on character rigging techniques: joints, surface binding, articulation, forward and inverse kinematics, and hierarchical node structures
  • Storyboarding - principles of Storytelling in a visual medium to pre-visualize animation or live-action film. Topics include scale and camera angle, camera movement, character staging, composition, and basic editing processes
  • 2D Animation, level 2 - Advanced study of facial animation and expression with an introduction to animal characters and animation
  • Modeling - introduction to hard and organic surface modeling
  • Lighting and Layout - lighting, scene composition, blocking
  • Digital Painting - painting textures for shaders and fully realized scenes

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Teach several classes per semester
  • Collaborate with department faculty in curriculum implementation, student support, and continuous program improvement.
  • Ensure curriculum and syllabi are up to date and all classes have relevant materials through program review
  • Maintain regular office hours outside of instructional time
  • Participate in department meetings and student success initiatives
  • Participate in program learning assessment
  • Maintain industry knowledge
  • Other duties and related projects as assigned

Qualifications
Education:
Master's Degree in Related Field OR Bachelor's Degree with equivalent experience. Bachelor's degree is only acceptable with extensive industry experience.
Experience:
  • Experience working with Maya software for animation, modeling, rigging, or lighting of content in animations/films.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience working at a professional level with practical domain-specific experience.
  • Teaching experience in an academic or professional setting is preferred.

Skills:
  • Ability to work with and help students. Ability and willingness to discern and meet the needs of students.
  • Skilled in storyboarding, digital painting, rigging, modeling and 2D animation
  • Strong computer skills including the ability to collect and analyze information.
  • Competent in a wide variety of tools or techniques related to the pertinent field.
  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to establish interpersonal rapport and relate to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures
  • Ability to work with others in a collegial and productive manner.

EEO Statement
USV is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Americans with Disabilities Act institution. We value diversity, strive for a more unified campus where all people are valued, treated fairly, and possess a sense of belonging. USV encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.
Working Conditions
This job operates in a professional office environment with extensive people interaction. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and office machines.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and use a telephone. The employee frequently is required to sit for long periods; use hands and reach with hands and arms for such activities as keyboarding.
Benefits
Not Eligible for Benefits