... engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like - Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form ...
... engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like - Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form ...
... engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like - Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form ...
... engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like - Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form ...
Collaborate closely with Art, Design, and Engineering teams to establish and maintain production pipelines and quality standards for performance animation, ensuring consistency in character emotions ...
Collaborate closely with Art, Design, and Engineering teams to establish and maintain production pipelines and quality standards for performance animation, ensuring consistency in character emotions ...
Lead Animator
$123K - $182K/yr
We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and ...
New
Lead Animator
$123K - $182K/yr
We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and ...
New
3D Animator
Pasadena, CA · Remote
... engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives * Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback Required Skills: * Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation ...
Quick apply
3D Animator
Pasadena, CA · Remote
... engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives * Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback Required Skills: * Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation ...
Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)
OR · On-site +1
$105K - $120K/yr
... animation direction across the game, providing constructive feedback as necessary. * Communicate effectively with other disciplines, including Designers, Programmers, Writers, Project Managers, Art ...
Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)
OR · On-site +1
$105K - $120K/yr
... animation direction across the game, providing constructive feedback as necessary. * Communicate effectively with other disciplines, including Designers, Programmers, Writers, Project Managers, Art ...
... engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like - Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form ...
... engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like - Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form ...
Ensure Animation Leads, Design, Tech Animation, and Engineering are aligned before content lock * Interface closely with Production to maintain schedules, priorities, and milestone targets * Provide ...
Ensure Animation Leads, Design, Tech Animation, and Engineering are aligned before content lock * Interface closely with Production to maintain schedules, priorities, and milestone targets * Provide ...
Technical Animator
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually ...
Technical Animator
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually ...
Lead Gameplay Animator
Irvine, CA · On-site
Partnering with cross-discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation with gameplay systems, technical realities, and the overall player experience. * Owning combat feel ...
Lead Gameplay Animator
Irvine, CA · On-site
Partnering with cross-discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation with gameplay systems, technical realities, and the overall player experience. * Owning combat feel ...
Technical Animator
$90K - $110K/yr
As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually ...
Technical Animator
$90K - $110K/yr
As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually ...
Technical Animator
$90K - $110K/yr
As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually ...
Quick apply
Technical Animator
$90K - $110K/yr
As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually ...
Iterate quickly based on feedback from animation leads, designers, and engineers * Export animations properly for Roblox Studio integration (using compatible formats and best practices) * Use ...
Iterate quickly based on feedback from animation leads, designers, and engineers * Export animations properly for Roblox Studio integration (using compatible formats and best practices) * Use ...
Lead Gameplay Animator
Irvine, CA · On-site +1
Partnering with cross-discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation with gameplay systems, technical realities, and the overall player experience. * Owning combat feel ...
Lead Gameplay Animator
Irvine, CA · On-site +1
Partnering with cross-discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation with gameplay systems, technical realities, and the overall player experience. * Owning combat feel ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Orange, CA · On-site
$88K - $120K/yr
... animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine animations based on feedback ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Orange, CA · On-site
$88K - $120K/yr
... animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine animations based on feedback ...
Animator IV
Reno, NV · On-site +1
$105K - $120K/yr
In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation ... Working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, Technical Artists, and Art peers, you will drive a ...
Animator IV
Reno, NV · On-site +1
$105K - $120K/yr
In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation ... Working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, Technical Artists, and Art peers, you will drive a ...
Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated ... In this role, you'll partner closely with Software Engineers, Technical Directors, Technical ...
Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated ... In this role, you'll partner closely with Software Engineers, Technical Directors, Technical ...
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator
$119K - $135K/yr
Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges * Take ownership ...
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator
$119K - $135K/yr
Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges * Take ownership ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Orange, CA · On-site
$88K - $120K/yr
... animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine animations based on feedback ...
Quick apply
Senior Gameplay Animator
Orange, CA · On-site
$88K - $120K/yr
... animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine animations based on feedback ...
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator
$119K - $135K/yr
Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges * Take ownership ...
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator
$119K - $135K/yr
Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges * Take ownership ...
Animation Developer information
See salary details
$35.10 - $38.70
1% of jobs
$38.70 - $42.31
1% of jobs
$42.31 - $45.91
4% of jobs
$45.91 - $49.52
11% of jobs
$52.62 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$49.52 - $53.13
9% of jobs
$53.13 - $56.73
15% of jobs
The median wage is $58.26 / hr.
$56.73 - $60.34
21% of jobs
$63.28 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$60.34 - $63.94
16% of jobs
$63.94 - $67.55
12% of jobs
$67.55 - $71.15
7% of jobs
$71.15 - $74.76
3% of jobs
$35
$58
$74
How much do animation developer jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation developer in the United States is $58.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.64 and $64.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What does an animation developer do?
An Animation Developer is responsible for creating and integrating animations into digital products like video games, apps, websites, and interactive media. They combine artistic skills with technical knowledge, using tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Adobe Animate to bring characters and environments to life. Animation Developers also collaborate with designers, programmers, and artists to ensure smooth, visually appealing animations that enhance user experiences. Their work often involves coding, testing, and troubleshooting animations to achieve the desired effects.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation developer, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Animation Developer, you need a strong grasp of animation principles, computer graphics, and programming languages like JavaScript or C++, often backed by a degree in computer science, digital media, or a related field. Proficiency with animation software such as Adobe Animate, Unity, Blender, or Maya, and familiarity with relevant APIs or frameworks, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help bring concepts to life and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills enable the creation of engaging, technically sound animations that meet project goals and user expectations.
What are some common challenges animation developers face when working on cross-functional teams?
Animation Developers often collaborate closely with designers, programmers, and project managers, which can present challenges in aligning creative vision with technical constraints. Effective communication is key, as developers must interpret design briefs into functional animations while ensuring performance and compatibility across platforms. Balancing the artistic aspects of animation with optimization for different devices and game engines is also a frequent challenge. Staying adaptable and fostering open dialogue within the team can help address these issues and lead to successful project outcomes.
What is the difference between Animation Developer vs Motion Designer?
| Aspect | Animation Developer | Motion Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's in Computer Graphics, Animation, or related field; knowledge of programming languages | Bachelor's in Graphic Design, Animation, or related field; strong design portfolio |
| Work Environment | Primarily in tech companies, gaming, or software development; focus on interactive animations | Advertising agencies, media, or entertainment; focus on visual storytelling and branding |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Used in software, gaming, and interactive media industries | Common in advertising, film, and digital media industries |
Animation Developers focus on creating interactive and programmatic animations often for digital platforms, requiring coding skills. Motion Designers primarily craft visual animations for branding, advertising, and media, emphasizing design and storytelling. While both roles involve animation, their tools, environments, and objectives differ significantly.
Are animation developers in demand right now?
Animation developers are in high demand due to the growth of digital media, gaming, and entertainment industries. Skills in 3D modeling, animation software, and programming languages like Python or C++ increase employability, especially in environments requiring real-time rendering and interactive content.
More about Animation Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Animation Developer jobs?
Cities with the most Animation Developer job openings:
What states have the most Animation Developer jobs?
States with the most job openings for Animation Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animation Developer jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Animation Developer jobs are:
Amazon rating
7.4
Based on 7,111 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
6th of 39 rated national retailers
Job description
We are seeking a Design Technologist to define the expressive motion vocabulary that makes our robot feel alive: how it gestures when speaking, how it shows curiosity, excitement, hesitation, and calm. You will work with motion capture, hand animation, and procedural techniques to build a library of movements that bring our robots to life in real time.
This role sits at the intersection of character animation and robotics.
You need strong animation instincts - timing, weight, personality - and enough technical fluency to work within the constraints of physical robots that must work in the real world.
Key job responsibilities
- Author expressive robot animations that articulate the robot's core personality: locomotion styles, conversational gesture, emotional reactions, interactive behaviors
- Partner closely with HRI researchers and robotics engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like
- Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form factor and joint constraints
- Develop tools and workflows (Python, Blender/Maya scripting) to accelerate animation authoring and integrate with the robot's behavior pipeline
- Test animations on real hardware and iterate based on how they read in person, from all angles
About the team
Fauna Robotics, an Amazon company, is building capable, safe, and genuinely delightful robots for everyday life. Our goal is simple: make robots people actually want to live and interact with in everyday human spaces.
We believe that future won't arrive until building for robotics becomes far more accessible. Today, too much effort is spent reinventing the fundamentals. We're changing that by developing tightly integrated hardware and software systems that make it faster, safer, and more intuitive to create real-world robotic products.
Our work spans the full stack: mechanical design, control systems, dynamic modeling, and intelligent software. The focus is not just functionality, but experience. We're building robots that feel responsive, expressive, and genuinely useful.
At Fauna, you'll work at the frontier of this space, helping define how robots move, manipulate, and interact with people in natural environments. It's an opportunity to solve hard problems across hardware and software with a team focused on making robotics accessible and joyful to build.
If you care about making robotics real for everyone and building systems that are as delightful as they are capable, we're interested in hearing from you.
About Amazon
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.
Industry
It services, book publishers, retail, real estate, computer and electronic product manufacturing and software development
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Seattle, WA, US