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3D Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly apply animation principles to in-game animation: timing, acting, & body mechanics. * Experience with ...

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

... gameplay sequences. * Expert-level proficiency in 2D and 3D animation tools such as After Effects, Spine, Maya, and Blender. * Experience creating and implementing real-time animations in Unity.

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly apply animation principles to in-game animation: timing, acting, & body mechanics. * Experience with ...

Senior Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe stylized 3D animation. Exceptional knowledge of how to create and maintain gameplay and AI systems in game engines as they pertain to video game animation. Excellent ...

Senior Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe stylized 3D animation. Exceptional knowledge of how to create and maintain gameplay and AI systems in game engines as they pertain to video game animation. Excellent ...

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

... gameplay sequences. * Expert-level proficiency in 2D and 3D animation tools such as After Effects, Spine, Maya, and Blender. * Experience creating and implementing real-time animations in Unity.

Advanced Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Collaborate with the game artist to conceptualize and create compelling 2D/3D animations, visual effects, and motion graphics for game logos, symbols, backgrounds, and features * Work closely with ...

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

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

... animation, and external partnersMore QualificationsStrong 3D graphics skills, including shader creation, materials, and real-time rendering techniques.Experience with game development workflows and ...

Collaborate with the game artist to conceptualize and create compelling 2D/3D animations, visual effects, and motion graphics for game logos, symbols, backgrounds, and features * Work closely with ...

Collaborate with the game artist to conceptualize and create compelling 2D/3D animations, visual effects, and motion graphics for game logos, symbols, backgrounds, and features * Work closely with ...

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

Minimum 3-5 years game development experience required * Strong portfolio/reel showcasing animation, timing, and visual storytelling * Expertise in 2D/3D tools (After Effects, Spine, Maya, Blender ...

$178.11 - $315.80/hr

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

Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art ... Experience with 3D software a plus * Preferably Blender/Cinema 4D/Maya * Spine Animation software a ...

Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art ... Experience with 3D software a plus * Preferably Blender/Cinema 4D/Maya * Spine Animation software a ...

Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art ... Experience with 3D software a plus * Preferably Blender/Cinema 4D/Maya * Spine Animation software a ...

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3D Game Animator information

See salary details

$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d game 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 is a 3d game animator?

A 3D Game Animator is responsible for creating animated characters, objects, and environments in video games. They bring models to life by designing movements, facial expressions, and interactions based on the game's style and mechanics. Using software like Maya, Blender, or MotionBuilder, they work closely with designers and programmers to ensure animations are smooth and responsive. Their job often involves rigging characters, refining motion capture data, and optimizing animations for performance. A strong understanding of movement, physics, and storytelling is essential for this role.

What are the common daily responsibilities of a 3d game animator on a game development team?

As a 3D Game Animator, your day-to-day responsibilities typically include creating and refining character, creature, and object animations to bring the game world to life. You’ll work closely with concept artists, modelers, programmers, and game designers to ensure animations align with gameplay requirements and artistic vision. Reviewing feedback, conducting animation tests within the game engine, and troubleshooting technical issues are also regular parts of the job. Collaboration and responsive communication are essential, as changes in design or technical constraints may require you to adjust animations to maintain both quality and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3d game animator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Game Animator, you need strong skills in animation principles, character rigging, and 3D modeling, typically supported by a degree in animation, game design, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine is essential, and having certifications in these tools can be advantageous. Excellent communication, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team are key soft skills for success in this role. These combined abilities are crucial for producing engaging and fluid character animations that enhance the gaming experience and meet project goals.

What cities are hiring for 3D Game Animator jobs?

Cities with the most 3D Game Animator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Game Animator jobs?

The most popular types of 3D Game Animator jobs are:

What states have the most 3D Game Animator jobs?

States with the most job openings for 3D Game Animator jobs include:

Infographic showing various 3D Game Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Technical Animator

Jam City

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the hunt for innovators who consider themselves dynamic, collaborative and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
PERKS & BENEFITS
Unlimited Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Kin Care & Holidays*
100% Covered Medical and Company-Sponsored Dental & Vision (Plans Vary)*
Life Insurance, 401k, Flexible Spending Accounts, & More*
Wellness Activities & Programs
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave*
Happy Hours
Company Events
*Only applies to full-time positions.
We are currently looking for a talented Technical Animator to join our tightly knit group of artists, animators and tech artists! The ideal candidate will have experience in assisting animation teams with technical solutions and animating . You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually stunning animations for our upcoming and live games!
**In order to be considered, you MUST provide us with a Demo Reel with examples of your most rigging and animation work. Along with your reel, you should provide a shot breakdown with an explanation of responsibilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Rig characters, creatures and props that adhere to all the animation needs.
  • Export, import and assemble animations in Unity.
  • Create State Machine and Blend Trees in Unity.
  • Augment and maintain the animation pipeline.
  • Propose or create tools to automate the animation pipeline.
  • Assist the animation team with high quality animation. This includes short loops, locomotion cycles, and full cinematics with camera and character animations.
  • Collaborate with the Lead Animator to refine and maintain the game's animation style and feel.
  • Embellish story scenes with high quality FX using particles or shaders in Unity.
  • Setup and maintain cloth simulation pipelines.
  • Able to maintain clean and organized work files.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience rigging characters and props using Maya.
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience animating characters using Maya.
  • Master of Unity, with emphasis on anything animation and rigging related.
  • Self-motivated, an excellent communicator and a team player. Go to great lengths to create outstanding work rather than settling for bare minimum.
  • Excellent understanding of human and animal anatomy.
  • Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms.
  • Expertly apply animation principles to in-game animation: timing, acting, & body mechanics.
  • Experience with Unity particle systems.
  • Proven problem-solving and prototyping ability, collaborating within the animation team and across adjacent teams.
  • Excellent grasp of the English language.
  • Able to be onsite 5x a week.

NICE TO HAVE
  • Have shipped AAA and/or mobile games as a technical animator, animator, rigger or tech artist.
  • Experience in creating animated shaders.
  • Film animation experience.
  • A passion for games!

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation for this role. The range listed is just one component of Jam City's total compensation package for employees, which may also include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of job-related factors, which may include education, training, experience, certifications, location, business needs, or market demands. This range is based on a full-time position. This range may be modified in the future. In addition, Jam City provides a variety of benefits to employees, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, parental leave, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, life, disability, and accident insurance. Pay Range: $90,000 - $110,000 salary per year.
CHECK OUT LIFE AS A JAM CITIZEN:
- Company news and events on our LinkedIn
- Company Blog
- Employee Feedback on our Comparably page
- Find videos on our teams and games on our Youtube
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
We believe in creating games that unite people across the world and that showcase our commitment to providing an environment that is both inclusive and diverse for our players and employees. We strive to create a workforce that is reflective of our global player community as we know that we are stronger and better when we play together. To help promote an inclusive culture, we celebrate the visible and invisible diversity of our Jam Citizens through initiatives including Employee Resource Groups, cultural events, trainings, speaker series, and more.
Jam City is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, religion, ethnicity, marital, or domestic partnerships status, disability, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws. Our management is committed to following this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruiting, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.
ABOUT JAM CITY
Jam City is a leading entertainment studio with a proven track record of creating some of the world's most beloved casual puzzle and story-driven mobile games. As the creative force behind fan-favorite, award-winning titles such as Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Cookie Jam and Panda Pop, Jam City develops engaging and dynamic games that become an enduring part of our players' lives. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles with a global network of studios and talent. For more information, please visit www.jamcity.com.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.