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3D Animation Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Professor position of Digital Arts and Media Design focusing on 3D Animation. This is a full-time, ... The ideal candidate is a 3D animator/generalist with considerable experience in 3D animation ...

... Professor Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate based on experience, education, and faculty rank ... 2D and 3D animation, kinetic and immersive installations). With a state-of-the-art Virtual ...

Tenure-track, Assistant Professor in VFX, Animation and Game Design, in the School of Media and ... They will embrace the opportunity to augment our faculty's strengths in 3D content creation, game ...

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3d Animation Professor information

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$50K

$87.3K

$166K

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

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d animation professor in the United States is $87,333.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3d animation professor?

3D Animation Professors are educators who specialize in teaching the principles, techniques, and software used in 3D animation to students at colleges or universities. They design and deliver courses covering topics such as modeling, texturing, rigging, lighting, and animating digital objects and characters. In addition to teaching, they often guide students on projects, stay updated with industry trends, and may conduct research in digital media or animation technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3d animation professor, and why are they important?

To excel as a 3D Animation Professor, you need advanced expertise in animation principles, a relevant degree (typically an MFA or higher), and a proven record in both academic and professional animation environments. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with familiarity with learning management systems, is essential. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and curriculum development skills help foster student creativity and growth. These abilities ensure students gain current, industry-relevant knowledge and are prepared for careers in animation.

What are some common challenges 3d animation professors face when balancing teaching and staying up-to-date with industry trends?

3D Animation Professors often juggle the demands of curriculum development, student mentorship, and administrative duties, which can make it challenging to stay current with rapidly evolving industry software and techniques. To address this, many professors participate in professional development workshops, attend industry conferences, and collaborate with studios or alumni working in the field. This continuous learning helps ensure that course content remains relevant and prepares students for the latest industry standards. Maintaining this balance requires proactive time management and a genuine passion for both teaching and the animation industry.

What is the difference between 3D Animation Professor vs 3D Animation Instructor?

Aspect3D Animation Professor3D Animation Instructor
CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Animation, Art, or related fieldRelevant certifications or industry experience, often with a bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsWorkshops, training centers, online platforms
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, academic industryPrivate training companies, online education providers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic roles and qualificationsLearning about practical teaching and industry training

While both roles involve teaching 3D animation skills, a 3D Animation Professor typically works in higher education institutions with advanced degrees and focuses on academic curriculum development. In contrast, a 3D Animation Instructor often teaches industry professionals or students in training centers, emphasizing practical skills and industry experience.

Is 3D animation still in demand?

3D animation professionals, including 3D animation professors, are in ongoing demand due to the growth of industries like gaming, film, advertising, and virtual reality. Skills in software such as Maya, Blender, or Cinema 4D, along with a strong portfolio and teaching experience, can enhance job prospects in this evolving field.

What jobs can you get with a 3D animation professor degree?

A 3D animation professor degree prepares individuals for careers in education, such as teaching animation at colleges or universities. It also qualifies graduates for roles in the animation industry, including 3D animator, character designer, visual effects artist, or multimedia specialist, often requiring proficiency with tools like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max. Additional skills in storytelling, design, and technical software are valuable for these positions.

What are popular job titles related to 3D Animation Professor jobs?

For 3D Animation Professor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various 3D Animation Professor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,333 per year, or $42 per hour.

Assistant Professor (3D Animation) (0070059)

Honolulu, HI • On-site

University of Hawaii
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 5 hours ago


University Of Hawaii System rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description Title: Assistant Professor (3D Animation) Position Number: 0070059 Hiring Unit: College of Arts, Languages & Letters, School of Cinematic Arts Location: Manoa Date Posted: 08/14/2026 Closing Date: Continuous - application review begins 10/15/2026 Salary Information: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience Monthly Type: 9 Month Tenure Track: Tenure Full Time/Part Time: Full Time Temporary/Permanent: Permanent Other Conditions: Full-time, tenure track position in 3D Animation to begin Fall 2027, pending position clearance and availability of funds. As Hawai'i's Film School, School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is at the forefront of cinematic arts education in the Pacific. Located in Honolulu at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, SCA is dedicated to academic and creative excellence through its bachelor of arts degree designed to encourage innovation and collaboration with an emphasis on Hawaii, Pacific, and Asia.

Focused in the heart of a state with a robust film and television industry, SCA encourages professional development, mentorship and community engagement through a variety of programs, including internships, master classes, and industry screenings. SCA nurtures and empowers students to develop their own unique voice as storytellers. Exploring cinematic arts forms rooted in personal experience and place-based learning through animation, cinema studies, digital cinema production, and screenwriting.

Duties and Responsibilities: Teach beginning to advanced courses in 3D animation; Assist in the development, support, and teaching of a curricular program in animation, stressing multiple theoretical, critical, historical, and technical approaches in the study, design, application, and distribution of animation; Development of creative works or scholarship in your field of specialization, leading to public screenings and presentations; Involvement in and presentations at nationally recognized professional organizations/conferences in your field; Work towards the development of internship opportunities for students; Supervise animation labs; Involvement in service to the department, university, and community; Advise student majors in the animation track; and Other duties as assigned by the Chair. Minimum Qualifications: Terminal degree (i.e., M.F.A. or equivalent) in Animation, Digital Arts, Film/Media Arts,or closely related field from a college or university of recognized standing (degree must be completed by August 2027); Professional industry experience and accomplishment in 3D animation as demonstrated through the creation, direction, and collaboration of projects that include 3D animation; Experience teaching college level animation classes; Demonstrated knowledge and experience across the 3D animation production pipeline, including pre-visualization, modeling, texturing, rigging, character animation, visual effects (VFX), lighting, and rendering, with advanced expertise in one or more of these areas

Proficiency in industry-standard software suites and specialized applications, including: Unreal Engine, Maya and Adobe Creative Suite ZBrush, Substance Painter, Maxon Cinema 4D or comparable software Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially with students, faculty, staff, and administration. Desirable Qualifications: Proficiency in and knowledge of 2D animation as demonstrated through creative or professional work. Advanced and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of: 2D animation software including but not limited to ToonBoom Harmony, Storyboard Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable software.

Animation history. Experience in community engagement. To Apply: Click on the "Apply" button at the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents: Letter of application that addresses abilities to meet duties and how minimum and desirable qualifications are met.

Applicants should further discuss their suitability, collegiality and enthusiasm for creating and participating in programs across disciplines in a highly collaborative curriculum. Statement of teaching philosophy; Curriculum vitae; Transcript(s) showing highest degree received; copies of transcripts acceptable at time of application, original transcript required at time of hire; URL link(s) to portfolio, samples, or professional or scholarly work; List of at least five references and contact information. Inquiries: Search Committee Chair: Laura Margulies, lmarguli@hawaii.edu EEO, Clery Act, ADA The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status

For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/ Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/


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About University of Hawaii

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The University of Hawaii, located in Honolulu, HI, US, is an internationally recognized institution of higher learning. Spanning across ten campuses, including one online university, it represents the public system of higher education in the state of Hawaii. Established in 1907, the university operates in the educational services industry, its mission rooted in quality and affordable education for all. It offers over 600 different study programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Some of its unrivaled specialties encompass tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, oceanography, astronomy, electrical engineering, volcanology, and Pacific Islands and Asian area studies.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Honolulu, HI, US

Year founded

1907