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Animation Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

This role is focused on technical animation, but will also work with design and engineering teams to translate needs across those subject areas. Who You Are: * Collaborate closely with teams across ...

Rapptr Labs

UX/UI Designer (LATAM)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Motion/animation design skills * Experience with user research and testing * Previous agency or consulting experience What We Offer * Competitive USD-based compensation * Fully remote - work fr ...

Rapptr Labs

UX/UI Designer (LATAM)

New York, NY · On-site

Motion/animation design skills * Experience with user research and testing * Previous agency or consulting experience What We Offer * Competitive USD-based compensation * Fully remote - work fr ...

Xponential Fitness

Digital Graphic Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$71K - $75K/yr

Develop multimedia content ideas in collaboration with design and marketing teams * Create and edit digital images, video animation, and textual animations. * Help maintain and build brand standards ...

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

Collaborate closely with engineers and technical designers to design scalable, flexible animation systems. Excite those around you with creative and clear thinking * Own animation quality and ...

Salt Lake Community College

Adjunct, Animation

UT · On-site

Visual Arts & Design Opening Date: 07/15/2025 Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Mountain FLSA ... Job Summary The Animation adjunct faculty member will work with full-time faculty, under general ...

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How much do animation design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation design in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the job of an animation designer?

An animation designer creates visual sequences and motion graphics for various media, including films, video games, and advertisements. They use tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and often collaborate with other creative professionals to develop engaging animated content. Strong artistic skills, knowledge of animation principles, and proficiency with animation software are essential for this role.

How much does an animation designer make?

Animation designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers with advanced skills in software like Adobe After Effects or Maya can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets.

What is the difference between Animation Design vs Motion Graphics Design?

AspectAnimation DesignMotion Graphics Design
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in animation, graphic design, or related fieldsOften requires similar credentials, with emphasis on graphic design and digital media
Work EnvironmentWorks in animation studios, film, gaming, or advertisingWorks in advertising agencies, media companies, or digital marketing
Industry UsageUsed for character animation, storytelling, and 3D animationUsed for branding, promotional videos, and visual effects

Animation Design focuses on creating animated content, including characters and storytelling, often in 3D or traditional animation. Motion Graphics Design emphasizes animated graphic elements for branding, advertising, and digital media. While both roles involve animation skills and similar credentials, their applications and industries differ, making each specialized for distinct creative outputs.

What careers can you do with animation?

Animation design skills can lead to careers such as 2D or 3D animator, character designer, motion graphics artist, visual effects artist, or storyboard artist. These roles are common in industries like film, television, video game development, advertising, and digital media, often requiring proficiency in tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender. A strong portfolio and understanding of storytelling, timing, and software are essential for these careers.

How does an animation designer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Animation designers often work closely with a variety of teams, including scriptwriters, storyboard artists, voice actors, and software developers. Effective communication and regular feedback loops are essential, as animation designers need to ensure their visuals align with the narrative and technical requirements. Collaboration may involve attending cross-functional meetings, sharing progress updates, and revising work based on input from directors or marketing teams. This teamwork approach helps ensure the final animation meets both creative and business objectives.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney continues to hire 2D animators for certain projects, especially in legacy and specialized animation departments. However, the company has shifted focus toward 3D animation and digital techniques, so opportunities for 2D animation roles are more limited than in the past.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animation Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Designer, you need a solid foundation in visual storytelling, drawing, and animation principles, often supported by a degree in animation, graphic design, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Toon Boom Harmony, along with a strong portfolio, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for delivering engaging animations and working with diverse teams. These skills ensure the creation of compelling, high-quality animations that meet client needs and industry standards.

What is animation design?

Animation design is the process of creating visual sequences that give the illusion of movement, often for use in films, television, video games, advertisements, or online content. Animation designers use various techniques, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and computer-generated imagery, to bring stories and ideas to life. The role involves storyboarding, drawing, modeling, texturing, and animating characters or objects. Animation designers often collaborate with writers, directors, and other artists to achieve a cohesive visual narrative. Creativity, technical skill, and attention to detail are essential traits for success in this field.
More about Animation Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Animation Design jobs? Cities with the most Animation Design job openings:
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Animation Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 69% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 22% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Senior Technical Animation Designer

Senior Technical Animation Designer

2K

San Mateo, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

WE ARE GAME MAKERS

Who We Are:

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games.  We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.

What We Need:

We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining animation systems that drive the gameplay motion of our characters. This will include features that support major gameplay mechanics, such as locomotion and abilities, UI selection animations, and procedural solutions.

You will be a communication hub in addition to the technical aspect of the job. You'll need to ensure that everyone has the information they need to be successful. This role is focused on technical animation, but will also work with design and engineering teams to translate needs across those subject areas.

Who You Are:

  • Collaborate closely with teams across Animation, Engineering, and Design to help deliver a cohesive, high-quality animation style that supports an immersive gameplay experience.
  • Work with key stakeholders to define goals and implement scalable solutions that streamline animation content creation and integration.
  • Take initiative in building and refining animation systems, carefully balancing performance needs with desired in-game behaviors.
  • Provide and offer technical support and mentorship to animators, contributing to their development while promoting effective cross-disciplinary communication.
  • Regularly document processes and share insights to help improve team workflows and knowledge sharing.

What Will Make You a Great Fit:

  • Shipped at least one AAA title with 4+ years of professional animation experience in Maya
  • Strong understanding of third-person shooter mechanics and in-engine animation systems (state machines, blendspaces, animation graphs)
  • Proficient with run-time and procedural animation tools such as IK, Control Rig, retargeting, ragdolls, and motion matching
  • Experienced in Unreal Engine (2+ years), including scripting with Blueprints and/or C++, and solid foundation in vector math and code concepts.
  • Skilled at bridging disciplines with strong problem-solving and communication abilities.
  • Continuously up to date with the latest in Unreal, Maya, and animation technologies; portfolio demonstrating expertise.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $108,900 and $161,160 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.

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