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3D Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

The 3D Animator will create high-fidelity, cinematic animations that communicate complex scientific and technical concepts through compelling visual storytelling. This role is ideal for a senior ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · Remote

The 3D Animator will create high-fidelity, cinematic animations that communicate complex scientific and technical concepts through compelling visual storytelling. This role is ideal for a senior ...

ZAGG, Inc.

Senior 3D Animator

Midvale, UT · On-site

$100K - $114K/yr

Senior 3D Animator Location: Midvale, UT, 84047 Employment Type: Full-Time | On-site Department: Creative/Marketing About Us At ZAGG Brands, we're at the forefront of innovation, empowering mobile ...

ZAGG Inc

Senior 3D Animator

Midvale, UT · On-site

$100K - $114K/yr

Senior 3D Animator Location: Midvale, UT, 84047 Employment Type: Full-Time | On-site Department: Creative/Marketing About Us At ZAGG Brands, we're at the forefront of innovation, empowering mobile ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site +1

The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as the main contact between production and supervisors, and ensuring smooth communication and workflow.

Stantec

3D Visualization Specialist

Denver, CO · On-site

$72K - $104K/yr

This role will focus on creating 3D models, renderings, animations, photo simulations, and presentation graphics for Stantec projects across infrastructure, transportation, water, environmental ...

VG Systems

Animator / 3-D Modeler

Huntsville, AL

VG Systems, LLC is seeking a highly skilled Animator / 3-D Modeler to support the development of high-quality visual content for mission-driven initiatives. This role is responsible for creating ...

VG Systems

Animator / 3-D Modeler

Huntsville, AL · On-site

VG Systems, LLC is seeking a highly skilled Animator / 3-D Modeler to support the development of high-quality visual content for mission-driven initiatives. This role is responsible for creating ...

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3D Animator information

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$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

How much do 3d animator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d animator in the United States is $63,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges 3D Animators face when working on team-based projects?

3D Animators often collaborate closely with modelers, riggers, and technical directors, which can present challenges such as ensuring animation timing matches the project's vision and maintaining consistency across multiple characters or scenes. Communicating effectively to align on feedback and revisions is crucial, especially when working with remote teams or tight deadlines. Being adaptable and open to creative input helps animators navigate these challenges while contributing to a cohesive final product.

Does Disney hire 2D animators?

Disney has historically hired 2D animators for traditional animation projects, especially for classic animated films and television series. However, in recent years, the company has shifted focus toward 3D animation and CGI, with fewer opportunities specifically for 2D animators, though some roles in 2D animation still exist for specialized projects or legacy work.

What is 3D Animator?

A 3D animator combines art and science to produce 3D animated creations. These artists generate visual designs on a computer and use 3D printing technology to make a tangible model of their concept. Examples of 3D animation products include gaming equipment, film props, and medical illustrations. Most 3D animators work in a studio setting among a team of other 3D animators, each person contributing to the projects based on their strengths.

Is 3D animation a good career?

3D animation is a viable career that involves creating visual effects and models for entertainment, advertising, and other industries. Success often requires proficiency in software like Maya or Blender, strong artistic skills, and continuous learning to keep up with technological advances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Animator, you need a strong understanding of animation principles, modeling, texturing, and a portfolio demonstrating your creative and technical abilities, often supported by a degree in animation or related fields. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max and familiarity with rendering engines and motion capture systems are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, collaboration, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for translating ideas into compelling visual stories and working with production teams. These skills and qualities are vital for producing high-quality animations that meet project goals and industry standards.

Is there a demand for 3D animators?

The demand for 3D animators remains strong across industries such as entertainment, gaming, advertising, and virtual reality, driven by ongoing growth in digital media and content creation. Skills in industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, or Cinema 4D, along with a strong portfolio, can enhance job prospects as companies seek talented animators for various projects.

What does a 3D Animator do?

A 3D Animator creates three-dimensional moving images for films, video games, advertisements, and other media. They use specialized software to design characters, objects, and environments, and then animate them to bring stories or concepts to life. Their work often involves collaborating with other artists, directors, and technical staff to ensure the animation fits the overall vision of the project. 3D Animators must have strong artistic skills, technical proficiency, and attention to detail.

Is AI replacing 3D animators?

AI is increasingly used to assist 3D animators by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing workflow, but it does not fully replace the need for human creativity, artistic judgment, and technical skills essential to the role. 3D animators continue to be vital for creating complex, expressive, and high-quality animations that require artistic direction and problem-solving. Proficiency in animation software and understanding of AI tools can improve efficiency but do not eliminate the need for skilled professionals in the field.
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3D Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Animator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.
3D Animator

3D Animator

M&S Consulting

Pasadena, CA • On-site, Remote

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

M&S (which stands for Management and Solutions) was conceived in 2002 with the vision of creating highly effective teams of elite consultants to deliver strategic process and technology solutions to enterprise organizations across the US. Our commitment to delivery in complex environments and long-term customer success has merged process and technology into innovative solutions, established deep pockets of expertise, and enabled innovative transformation for evolving businesses.
We have intentionally cultivated steady growth focused on being approachable and helpful to our dearly valued clients and closely cared-for employees. M&S people simply "care hard", and this reflects in our work products, our interactions, and our culture.
Job Responsibilities:
The 3D Animator will create high-fidelity, cinematic animations that communicate complex scientific and technical concepts through compelling visual storytelling. This role is ideal for a senior-leaning animator/generalist who enjoys working across the full 3D pipeline-from modeling through final render-and translating real-world data, engineering concepts, and mission narratives into visually engaging content.
  • Create cinematic 3D animations from pre-visualization or animatics through final render
  • Model, texture, shade, and light assets for high-quality scientific and technical visualization
  • Rig and animate mechanical systems, spacecraft, instruments, and robotic processes
  • Develop environments and planetary visualizations to support mission storytelling
  • Render and composite final sequences for video deliverables
  • Collaborate with creative directors, producers, and technical experts to ensure scientific accuracy
  • Translate complex engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives
  • Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback

Required Skills:
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation and visualization work
  • Experience working across the full 3D pipeline: modeling, texturing/shading, lighting, rigging, animation, rendering, and compositing
  • Proficiency with tools such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya, and/or After Effects
  • Ability to produce high-quality animations both independently and within collaborative pipelines
  • Strong sense of motion, timing, lighting, and cinematic composition
  • Comfort working from storyboards, pre-vis, or animatics to final delivery

Desired Skills:
  • Experience working with CAD files and converting them into production-ready 3D assets
  • Background animating mechanical systems, robotics, or engineering processes
  • Experience creating space, planetary, or scientific visualizations
  • Familiarity with real-time rendering workflows (e.g., Unreal Engine pipelines)
  • Experience collaborating with scientists, engineers, or technical subject-matter experts

*Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident
*This is a remote position
*M&S Consulting proactively fulfills its role as an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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