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3D Character Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

William Paterson University

$2.1K/wk

Storyboarding & Production Design, Cell Animation I, 3D Character Animation, Advanced Cell Animation, Projects Drawing for Animators, and other Animation Courses. Department overview: The Department ...

Roblox

Senior Product Manager, Avatar Movement

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

You Have: * 5+ years of product management experience, specifically working on game engines, 3D character controllers, avatar animation, or core gameplay systems. * A Bachelor's degree or equivalent ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

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$132.5K

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

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d character 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.

How much does a character animator make?

The average salary for a 3D character animator varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level animators may earn around $40,000, while experienced professionals with advanced skills in software like Maya or Blender can earn over $100,000 per year.

Is 30 too late to become an animator?

3D character animation is a skill that can be learned at any age, and many successful animators start later in life. Building a strong portfolio, mastering animation software like Maya or Blender, and gaining relevant experience are key steps regardless of age. Age should not be a barrier to pursuing a career in animation if you are committed to developing your skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3D Character Animator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Character Animator, you need a strong background in animation principles, anatomy, and computer graphics, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max is essential, and having a demo reel or certification can enhance your qualifications. Creativity, strong communication skills, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for working effectively on collaborative projects. These skills ensure you can bring characters to life convincingly while meeting project goals and deadlines in dynamic production environments.

What does a 3D character animator do?

A 3D character animator creates and brings to life digital characters for films, video games, and animations by designing movement, expressions, and gestures. They use software like Maya or Blender and often collaborate with modelers and riggers to produce realistic or stylized animations that enhance storytelling and visual appeal.

What are some common challenges faced by 3D Character Animators in a production environment?

3D Character Animators often face challenges such as meeting tight deadlines, ensuring consistency with a project’s artistic vision, and adapting to feedback from directors or clients. Balancing creativity with technical constraints, like optimizing animations for real-time engines or specific platforms, can also be demanding. Additionally, collaborating closely with modelers, riggers, and other team members means strong communication and adaptability are essential. Overcoming these challenges helps animators deliver high-quality work and maintain efficient production workflows.

What is the salary of a 3D character animator?

The average salary for a 3D character animator varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level animators may earn around $40,000, while experienced professionals with advanced skills in software like Maya or Blender can earn over $100,000. Many roles also offer freelance or project-based work with variable pay scales.

What is a 3D Character Animator job?

A 3D Character Animator is responsible for creating fluid and expressive character movements in films, video games, and other digital media. They use specialized software, such as Autodesk Maya or Blender, to bring characters to life through motion, expressions, and body language. Their work involves understanding animation principles, character rigging, and storytelling techniques to create believable performances. 3D Character Animators collaborate with modelers, riggers, and directors to ensure animations meet artistic and technical requirements.

More about 3D Character Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for 3D Character Animator jobs? Cities with the most 3D Character Animator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Character Animator jobs? The most popular types of 3D Character Animator jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching 3D Character Animator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Character Animator jobs are:
3D Character Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character Animator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 58% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.
Character Designer - Disney Television Animation

Character Designer - Disney Television Animation

The Walt Disney Company

Glendale, CA • On-site

$59.16 - $65.87/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 48 rated entertainment

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Character Designer - Disney Television Animation

Req ID:

10151477

Job Description:

About this Role and our Studio

Disney Television Animation(DTVA)has over 40 years of legacy as a top producer of kids & family entertainment. Our work is integraltoThe Walt Disney Company, bringing Disney-branded characters and stories to families' homes across the globe.

DTVA createsboth long-form and short-form content spanningtraditional2D, rig-based 2D, CG (preschool), CG (premium), and stop-motion.We createshows ina broad range of unique and innovative styles, and we aim to match the right talent with the right production in terms of skill and artistic style.

Bysubmittingan applicationfor thisCharacter Designerrole, youmaybeconsideredforanyCharacter Designer positions that arise until theexpirationdate provided.

Applications submitted to this job posting will remain valid until December 31, 2026.

Whatyou willdo

Character Designers furtherthe storytelling process by developing the look,personalityand feel of the characters.Their work captures the personality and life of a character with their design and attire.Responsibilities include:

  • Creating turnarounds, special poses, mouthchartsand expression sheets and provide a clean pass of the final approved design.

  • Working closely with the Art Director to review Storyboard for characters that needto be designed for each episode.

  • Ensuring that the high quality and style of showestablishedby the Executive Producer andArt Director is achieved andmaintained.

  • Preparing all character designs for shipment to oversees vendor animation studios

  • Working closely withArtDirector to resolve design issues and deadlines.

  • Adhering to the production schedule provided by Line Producer to ensure cost effective,timelyproduction.

Required Qualifications and Skills

  • Abilityto design and create a variety of characters, turnarounds, mouth charts, expressionsheetsand special poses.

  • Ability to align with style and sensibility of show.

  • Ability to translate reference into 2D or 3D art.

  • Knowledge of drawing software that includes Photoshop, Illustrator, and 3D technology, where applicable.

  • Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible.

  • Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-socialskillsand acumen.

Education

  • Bachelordegree or equivalent work experience

Location

  • This is a fully on-site role based in Glendale, CA.

The pay rate for this role in California is $59.16 to $65.87 per hour, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

Job Posting Segment:

Disney Branded Television

Job Posting Primary Business:

TVA Production Management

Primary Job Posting Category:

Modeling

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-05-19

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media

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