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3D Character Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Roblox

3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

We're seeking a talented Senior 3D Animator to join our team at Roblox for a 6-month engagement ... You'll focus on creating high-quality, foundational character animations for the Roblox platform ...

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 ...

Weekday AI

Character and Facial Animation Consultant

$60 - $90/hr

... character animator, with character and human performance as a primary area of expertise ... 3D work, layout, previsualization, environments, or visual effects without substantial character ...

Jam City

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 ...

Jam City Inc

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

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 ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA

$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 ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

aitrainer

$100 - $125/hr

Core Qualifications * 4+ years as a hands-on character animator, with human or character ... 3D artists. Layout, previsualization, environment and effects work will not qualify on their own.

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3d Character Animator information

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$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

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

As of Sep 9, 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.

What is a 3D character animator?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D character animator?

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 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.

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3d Character Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character Animator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Lead 3D Animator - Virtual Reality

Irvine, CA • On-site

Immersive Entertainment
See more jobs at Immersive Entertainmentexternal

Contractor

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Company Description

We create next-generation Virtual Reality Content that represents a new form of entertainment. We bridge the gap between video games and movies, providing a level of immersion, emotional engagement and realism never before seen.

Job Description
  • Creation of high quality game animations in collaboration with concept artists and CCO
  • Define the animation pipelines for maximum quality and efficiency
  • Leading the animation team
  • Ensure animation deliverables meet project defined timelines and budgets
  • Set quality standards for animation on the project
  • Set up a system to share knowledge and techniques across the studio
  • Mentoring animators


Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in game development
  • Expert knowledge in key frame creature & character animation of Max/Maya using FK and IK in a variety of styles
  • Expertise in knowledge of creature anatomy, motion, weight, acting and timing applied to 3D animation
  • Understanding of game animation practices and standards
  • Foundational knowledge of composition, editing and cinematic storytelling
  • Exceptional skill in animating realistic creatures
  • Create unique and innovative solutions for solving character animation issues
  • Experience with both motion capture in key frame techniques
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • English language
  • Strong team player and leader by example
Additional Information

Pluses

  • Shipped AAA PC or console titles as a Senior 3D Animator
  • Work experience with Unreal Engine 4
  • Understanding the difference between developing for VR compared to traditional game development.
  • A passion for developing and playing virtual reality experiences


Apply