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3D Animator Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

CINEMATICS ANIMATOR - CutscenesRole Overview Location: United States (Remote) Work Type: Contract We are seeking a Cinematics Animator for a contract role focused on delivering high-quality character ...

Senior Motion Dessigner

Seattle, WA

$120K - $137K/yr

After Effects skills include 2D animation, 3D model manipulation, visual effects, basic expressions. Conceptualize and execute motion animations using visual design (typography, composition, color ...

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3D Animator information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$34.7K

$71.4K

$148.1K

How much do 3d animator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d animator in Bothell, WA is $71,395.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $69,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 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.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D animator?

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.

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.

Is 3D animation a good career?

3D animation is a viable career that offers opportunities in entertainment, gaming, advertising, and film industries. Success typically requires strong artistic skills, proficiency with software like Maya or Blender, and continuous learning to keep up with technological advancements.

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 jobs can a 3D Animator do?

A 3D Animator can work in industries such as film, video games, advertising, and virtual reality, creating animated characters, environments, and visual effects. They often use software like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max and may collaborate with designers, directors, and developers to produce visual content for various media platforms.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Animator jobs in Bothell, WA?

The most popular types of 3D Animator jobs in Bothell, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to 3D Animator jobs in Bothell, WA?

For 3D Animator jobs in Bothell, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 3D Animator jobs in Bothell, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for 3D Animator jobs in Bothell, WA are:

What cities near Bothell, WA are hiring for 3D Animator jobs?

Cities near Bothell, WA with the most 3D Animator job openings:

Infographic showing various 3D Animator job openings in Bothell, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 66% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,395 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Animator at Valve Corporation Bellevue, WA

Bellevue, WA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Animator job at Valve Corporation. Bellevue, WA.

At Valve we look beyond hiring for a set position, but instead, we seek exceptional people with broad skill sets who also exhibit deep expertise in their chosen craft. The animators at Valve are a world-class group of artists working with writers, software engineers, and designers who are continually creating and releasing compelling entertainment experiences to players around the world.

Animators determine work priorities in collaboration with their peers, contributing creative solutions throughout production in a variety of ways. From conceptualizing ideas to producing an extensive range of animated content including dynamic interactive performances and large-scale cinematic moments, whose work is crucial in helping shape ideas. Within each team, they are part of prototyping gameplay experiences with designers and programmers for a diverse array of characters, creatures, and in-game encounters. They also work closely with software engineers to improve our proprietary tools, maximize efficiency of our workflow, and to ensure the animation that we create is exceptional.

At Valve our animators are highly experienced and can demonstrate a number of skills, most importantly:

They collaborate with other employees and solve hard problems that make products better.

Each of them has examples - that they can share - showing that they have done something particularly exciting that makes their work special.

What work or experiences can YOU share that are novel and inspiring?

Our animators’ work often utilizes:

  • Product-level thinking that informs intentional, meaningful decisions from concept to completion.
  • An outstanding ability to portray believable physical movement, strong acting, storytelling and performance of 3D computer-generated characters.
  • A detailed understanding of Maya; experience working with motion capture and building animation state machines.
  • Knowledge of rigging, scripting, modeling, texturing, lighting, and video editing.
  • Prior professional experiences shipping world-class products in the software, television or film industry.
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