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3D Character Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aquent

Motion & Character Designer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$58.60 - $65.10/hr

Create 2D and 3D character animations, motion graphics, and interactive motion experiences for mobile applications and web platforms. * Build and deliver production-ready interactive animations ...

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Character Animation Director to join our Special ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

MOD Worldwide, LLC

Motion Designer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Deliver polished animations (2D, 3D, Character, Compositing) working with team members across all disciplines: strategy, accounts, design, copy, and dev. * * Bring layout, typography, and design ...

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 ... The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as ...

Side

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

$123K - $130K/yr

As a 3D Character Artist , you will play a key role in crafting high-quality characters that bring ... Collaborate with art leads, designers, and animators to ensure characters align with the project ...

Montgomery College

MD · On-site

Specialized experience with 3D character animation. * Willingness to incorporate- and a familiarity with- current trends in new technology. * Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with 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 ... The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as ...

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All Jobs3D Character Animation Jobs

3D Character Animation information

See salary details

$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

How much do 3d character animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d character animation 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D Character Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Character Animator, you need strong artistic skills in character movement, an understanding of anatomy, and typically a degree in animation or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and familiarity with rigging and motion capture systems are highly valuable. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration and communication skills make animators stand out in team-based environments. These abilities ensure the creation of lifelike, engaging characters that effectively tell stories and enhance visual projects.

What are some common challenges 3D Character Animators face when working on collaborative projects?

3D Character Animators frequently collaborate with modelers, riggers, and technical artists to bring characters to life. One common challenge is ensuring that the animation matches the intended style and technical specifications set by the art and design leads, especially when multiple animators are involved. Integrating animations seamlessly with game engines or film pipelines can also pose technical hurdles. Effective communication and regular feedback sessions are vital to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a consistent, high-quality result.

What is the difference between 3D Character Animation vs 3D Modeler?

Aspect3D Character Animation3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating movement and performance for charactersBuilding and designing 3D models, including characters
Skills RequiredAnimation, rigging, storytellingModeling, texturing, topology
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game development, filmModeling studios, game design, visual effects
Tools UsedAutodesk Maya, Blender, 3ds MaxAutodesk Maya, ZBrush, Blender

While both roles involve 3D software and creative skills, 3D Character Animation focuses on bringing characters to life through movement, whereas 3D Modelers create the detailed models that serve as the foundation for animation. Both roles often collaborate in the same industry settings like gaming and film production.

What is 3D character animation?

3D character animation is the process of creating and manipulating digital characters in a three-dimensional space to make them move, act, and express emotions. Animators use specialized software to design characters, rig their skeletal structure, and animate their movements for films, video games, and other media. The goal is to bring characters to life in a way that is believable and engaging to the audience.
More about 3D Character Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for 3D Character Animation jobs? Cities with the most 3D Character Animation job openings:
What states have the most 3D Character Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for 3D Character Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching 3D Character Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Character Animation jobs are:
3D Character Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character Animation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.
Motion & Character Designer

Motion & Character Designer

Aquent

Seattle, WA • On-site

$58.60 - $65.10/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Create 2D and 3D character animations, motion graphics, and interactive motion experiences for mobile applications and web platforms.

  • Build and deliver production-ready interactive animations, including state machines, transitions, and character rigs.

  • Design micro-interactions, loading animations, icon animations, transitions, and effects optimized for product delivery.

Job description

Placement Type:
Temporary
Salary:
$58.60-65.10 Hourly
Start Date:
Jun 12, 2026
Join a premier entertainment and experience company, a leader in crafting unforgettable digital interactions that captivate millions globally. Aquent, a trusted talent partner, is seeking a visionary Sr. Product Designer to bring motion, character, and interaction to life across our digital platforms, creating charming and engaging story moments that delight our audience. In this pivotal role, you'll be at the forefront of defining how animation behaves inside our products, directly shaping immersive experiences and infusing them with personality and purpose for millions of users.
This role is open to candidates located in Orlando, FL, Seattle, WA, or Glendale, CA. This role is 4 days on site and Friday's are remote.
As a Sr. Product Designer, you will play a crucial role in enhancing our digital experiences by applying your expertise in motion, character, and interaction design. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, contribute to innovative projects, and help define the future of interactive storytelling within our products. This is an opportunity to move characters with personality, design motion systems with purpose, and see your creative vision come to life at scale.
*What You'll Do**
* Create 2D and 3D character animations, motion graphics, and interactive motion experiences for mobile applications and web platforms.
* Build and deliver production-ready interactive animations, including state machines, transitions, and character rigs.
* Design micro-interactions, loading animations, icon animations, transitions, and effects optimized for product delivery.
* Collaborate with various departments and teams to understand scope, project needs, and technical delivery requirements.
* Expand and explore established motion styles and visual systems of existing products to meet industry standards.
* Pitch and present motion explorations to managers, principals, and executive leadership.
* Export and deliver production-quality animation assets optimized for various technical platforms.
* Participate in visual critiques, brainstorms, project kickoffs, and design critiques.
* Partner with other Sr. Animators and Principal Designers to define the most appropriate motion direction, methods, and approaches for each project, balancing storytelling craft with the practical realities of product delivery.
* Broaden your core skillset and share best practices and ideas for production innovation within the team.
**Must-Have Qualifications:**
* Minimum of 3 years of professional animation, motion design, or UX motion design experience, working on branded campaigns, commerce, hospitality, or entertainment products.
* Expert-level skills in at least two of the following: 2D/3D character animation, motion graphics, or interactive UX motion design.
* Demonstrated ability to animate characters with personality, weight, and emotional expressiveness across a range of styles.
* Proficiency in interactive animation tools, including state machines, interactive animations, and character rigs for real-time product delivery.
* Well-versed in After Effects, and comfortable working across animation tools such as Maya, Cinema 4D, or equivalent.
* Strong understanding of motion principles - timing, easing, anticipation, staging - and how they apply to both storytelling and product UI.
* A strong portfolio showcasing character animation, motion graphics, and/or interactive product motion in a variety of styles.
* Art degree or equivalent work experience.
* Exceptional creative problem-solving skills with the ability to balance craft and production constraints.
* Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to present ideas in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
* Affinity for leading entertainment brands and experiences.
* Ability to multi-task effectively and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
* A positive, enthusiastic attitude with a proactive approach to work.
* Ability to take direction and incorporate feedback constructively.
* Good written communication skills for clear documentation and collaboration.
* Self-starter, reliable, and passionate about their work.
* Keen eye for detail with a clear understanding of the big picture.
* Team player who understands the value of regular and effective communication.
* Bachelor's Degree and/or equivalent relevant experience.
**Nice-to-Have Qualifications:**
* Strength in all three disciplines (2D/3D character animation, motion graphics, and interactive UX motion design) is highly valued.
* Familiarity with Figma.
**About Aquent Talent**
Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match.
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.
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