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2Nd Shift 2D Character Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POWERHOUSE ANIMATION STUDIOS I

2D Animator

Austin, TX · On-site

$34.13/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Experienced 2D animator with a strong command of character acting and performance. * Proficiency in 2D animation software such as Clip Studio Paint, Toon Boom Harmony, etc. A bonus if experienced in ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site +1

... of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The ... For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility hascreated award-winning feature films and TV ...

Human Computer Lab

Character Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$142K - $149K/yr

... animation, character design, industrial design, or a related field - or have equivalent hands-on portfolio experience. * Have a portfolio that shows character design or expressive design work, in 2D ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming ... Create clear and expressive character turnarounds, pose sheets, and supplementary drawings in 2D ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming ... Create clear and expressive character turnarounds, pose sheets, and supplementary drawings in 2D ...

SciPlay

Senior Technical Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Animation - 2D character specific * Scripting ability to common art tooling (Photoshop, 3dx Max) * C# scripting knowledge in Unity * Scripting ability using Python We are SciPlay! We make games! The ...

SciPlay

Senior Technical Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Animation - 2D character specific * Scripting ability to common art tooling (Photoshop, 3dx Max) * C# scripting knowledge in Unity * Scripting ability using Python We are SciPlay! We make games! The ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site

... of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The ... For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility hascreated award-winning feature films and TV ...

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All Jobs2Nd Shift 2D Character Animator Jobs

2Nd Shift 2D Character Animator information

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$39

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

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for 2nd shift 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 are some unique aspects of working as a 2nd shift 2d character animator, and how does the schedule impact collaboration with other teams?

Working as a 2nd Shift 2D Character Animator often means your hours are later in the day, which can provide focused time for creative work with fewer daytime distractions. However, this schedule may require proactive communication with colleagues on the day shift to ensure project continuity and alignment. Collaborating through detailed notes, digital project management tools, and occasional overlapping meetings helps bridge any gaps. This shift can also offer opportunities to work independently and take ownership of specific project segments while still being part of a larger creative team.

What is a 2nd shift 2d character animator?

2nd Shift 2D Character Animators are artists who specialize in creating two-dimensional animated characters and work during the second shift, which typically covers late afternoon to late evening hours. Their responsibilities include designing, drawing, and animating characters for various media such as television shows, video games, or commercials. Working on the 2nd shift often supports production pipelines that require round-the-clock operation, ensuring that animation work continues seamlessly between different teams. These animators collaborate closely with other artists and directors to bring stories and characters to life using specialized software.

What is the difference between 2Nd Shift 2D Character Animator vs 2Nd Shift 2D Background Artist?

Aspect2Nd Shift 2D Character Animator2Nd Shift 2D Background Artist
Required SkillsAnimation software, character design, storytellingBackground design, painting, environment creation
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, post-production facilitiesAnimation studios, game development companies
Industry UsageFilm, TV, gaming, advertisingFilm, TV, gaming, animation projects
CertificationsAnimation courses, portfolioArt degrees, portfolio

While both roles work within the animation industry and require artistic skills, the 2Nd Shift 2D Character Animator focuses on bringing characters to life through movement and storytelling, whereas the 2Nd Shift 2D Background Artist specializes in creating immersive environments and backgrounds for scenes. Both positions often work during similar shifts and in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 2nd shift 2d character animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 2nd Shift 2D Character Animator, you need a strong foundation in drawing, animation principles, and character design, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or TVPaint is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, creativity, and effective time management are soft skills that set top animators apart, especially when working non-standard hours. These skills and qualities ensure the delivery of high-quality animations on tight deadlines, contributing to smooth production workflows and compelling visual storytelling.
What are the most commonly searched types of 2D Character Animator jobs? The most popular types of 2D Character Animator jobs are:
What states have the most 2Nd Shift 2D Character Animator jobs? States with the most job openings for 2Nd Shift 2D Character Animator jobs include:
2Nd Shift 2D Character Animator jobs near you

2D Animator

POWERHOUSE ANIMATION STUDIOS I

Austin, TX • On-site

$34.13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Animator is responsible for creating animated sequences or characters for the series production. They have a strong sense of anatomy and movement, and the ability to work with realistic characters in the production style.
Position Details
  • Contract Dates: August 24, 2026 - February 12, 2027
  • Rate: $34.13 per hour
  • Project Hours: 40 hours per week; hours worked in excess of 40 per week will be paid at one and one-half times the regular hourly rate.
  • Reports to: Animation Supervisor
  • Classification: Non Exempt, Full Time Employee
  • Location: To be considered for the position, all candidates must currently reside in Texas. Able to work onsite, remote, or hybrid.
  • This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements
  • Work closely with the Episode Directors, the Animation Supervisor, and other team members to ensure that the animated sequences meet the narrative and creative goals.
  • Keep up-to-date with the latest production notes and scripts, implementing changes and revisions as needed.
  • Ensure animations are delivered on time and in line with the production schedule.
  • Update the production tracker as necessary.
  • Troubleshoot and solve creative challenges to achieve the desired movement and performance.
  • Communicate any schedule and/or assignment concerns with the Animation Supervisor and Post Production Supervisor as soon as possible.
  • Attend production meetings as necessary.
  • Edit, clean up, and adjust outsourced animation assets as needed with internal standards and shot specific needs.
  • Provide animation draw overs and breakdowns to outsource partners to aid retake feedback.
  • Reconfigure and animate preexisting or new animation scenes.

Qualifications
  • Strong understanding of 2D animation principles, including timing, spacing, and squash-and-stretch.
  • Experienced 2D animator with a strong command of character acting and performance.
  • Proficiency in 2D animation software such as Clip Studio Paint, Toon Boom Harmony, etc. A bonus if experienced in Storyboard Pro.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to feedback.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with other artists and directors.
  • Experience working within tight deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality.
  • Understanding of acting and character performance as it applies to animation.

Benefits We Offer:
  • Comprehensive medical coverage (including HSA options)
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary coverage options
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Supplemental benefits, including accident and hospital indemnity coverage
  • Wellness programs, including telemedicine and chronic care support
  • Company Paid Holidays
  • Paid and Sick Time Off
  • 401K Contributions with up to a 4% Company Match after 90 days of employment

Powerhouse Animation Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility as required by law. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Powerhouse Animation Studios also complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws with regard to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Salary Description
$34.13 per hour

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