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3D Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kitware

3D Computer Vision Researcher

Arlington, VA

$155K - $215K/yr

Current 3D projects have an emphasis on aerial and satellite imagery sources, but capabilities are often adapted to other problem domains. These projects have created and continue to support the ...

US AI

Contract Animator

Rockville, MD

Create 2D and/or 3D animations for marketing, product, and brand storytelling * Develop motion graphics for videos, product demos, social media, web, and presentations * Collaborate with marketing ...

Kitware

3D Computer Vision Researcher

Arlington, VA

Current 3D projects have an emphasis on aerial and satellite imagery sources, but capabilities are often adapted to other problem domains. These projects have created and continue to support the ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life! Description

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life! Description

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life! Description

Kitware

3D Computer Vision Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

Current 3D projects have an emphasis on aerial and satellite imagery sources, but capabilities are often adapted to other problem domains. These projects have created and continue to support the ...

Kitware

3D Computer Vision Researcher

Clifton Park, NY · On-site

Our 3D computer vision team develops algorithms and open source applications for photogrammetry: reconstructing 3D models of objects from images and video. Current 3D projects have an emphasis on ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

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. * Strong understanding of ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

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. * Strong understanding of ...

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3d Animator information

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$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

How much do 3d animator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d 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 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.

Does Disney hire 2D animators?

Disney has historically hired 2D animators for traditional animation projects, especially for classic animated films and television series. However, in recent years, the company has shifted focus toward 3D animation and CGI, with fewer opportunities specifically for 2D animators, though some roles in 2D animation still exist for specialized projects or legacy work.

What is 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.

Is 3D animation a good career?

3D animation is a viable career that involves creating visual effects and models for entertainment, advertising, and other industries. Success often requires proficiency in software like Maya or Blender, strong artistic skills, and continuous learning to keep up with technological advances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D Animator, and why are they important?

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.

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 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.

Is AI replacing 3D animators?

AI is increasingly used to assist 3D animators by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing workflow, but it does not fully replace the need for human creativity, artistic judgment, and technical skills essential to the role. 3D animators continue to be vital for creating complex, expressive, and high-quality animations that require artistic direction and problem-solving. Proficiency in animation software and understanding of AI tools can improve efficiency but do not eliminate the need for skilled professionals in the field.
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3d Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Animator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.
3D Motion Design 2 -Adjunct Faculty- Traditional Ground - College of Arts and Media

3D Motion Design 2 -Adjunct Faculty- Traditional Ground - College of Arts and Media

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Facilitate classroom lecture and discussions while incorporating innovative teaching strategies.

  • Engage students in cutting-edge technologies and industry trends.

  • Assess student performance and mentor classroom success to prepare them for their chosen career path.

Grand Canyon Education rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 72 rated education support services

Job description

Make a Difference at Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona.
The College of Arts and Media offers exciting opportunities for adjunct faculty to teach part-time, face-to-face instruction at our Phoenix campus.
Why Work at GCU:
  • Education Benefits and Tuition Assistance
  • 401(k)
  • Employee Perks and Discounts
  • Gym and Fitness Center
  • Canyon Health & Wellness Center

GCU Traditional Campus located in Phoenix, AZ:
  • Courses are in-person and on-campus for the Fall 2026 semester (Class start date 09/08/2026)

Course: 3D Motion Design 2
This course focuses on building creative skillsets, with an emphasis on developing the principles and processes of 3D motion graphics using industry standard tools and techniques. Students demonstrate the design aesthetics and practical technical skills needed to enter the field of motion graphics. Technology requirement: Students provide their own laptop and mouse. Students will use industry-standard software to complete assignments. Verify required technical specifications in the University Policy Handbook, which is available on www.gcu.edu. Prerequisite: DDN-306.
What You Will Do:
  • Facilitate classroom lecture and discussions while incorporating innovative teaching strategies.
  • Engage students in cutting-edge technologies and industry trends.
  • Assess student performance and mentor classroom success to prepare them for their chosen career path.
  • Provide a positive example to students by supporting the University's Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Position Statement and Mission of Grand Canyon University.

What You Will Bring:
  • A candidate with a bachelor's degree in animation, motion graphics, 3D modeling, graphic design, advertising, or an equivalent degree in the visual arts.
  • A Master's degree and 3 or more years' experience in the design industry is preferred.
  • Skills in the following are required: 12 Principles of Animation, understanding of graphic design and how it relates to motion graphics, motion graphics trends, motion production pipeline, understanding of typography and its use in motion, color theory, shot structure, modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering.
  • Skills teaching the following software programs are required: Maya, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.
  • Job titles that fit the criteria: Graphic Designer, 3D Animator, Motion Graphics Designer, Creative Director, Art Director.
  • Technical Requirements: GCU does not provide software or hardware outside of the campus classrooms. Candidates are expected to be able to teach on the most current version of the Adobe and Maya software products. A portfolio of current work examples is required with the application to teach.

Before submitting your application, please attach the following to review:
  • Your unofficial transcript for any applicable conferred graduate degrees

#gcu #highered #faculty #phoenix #artsandmedia #INDLOPESUP

What Grand Canyon Education employees say

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About Grand Canyon Education

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Grand Canyon Education (GCE) is a rapidly growing educational service company that has long been an industry leader in providing educational, operational and technological support services to the post-secondary education sector. Formerly part of Grand Canyon University (GCU), GCE still works closely with GCU to benefit thousands of students, families and the local inner-city community. We put people first, drive innovation, and do good in the community that we live and work in.

Industry

Education

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

Year founded

1983

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