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Animation Job Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Motion Dessigner

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $137K/yr

After Effects skills include 2D animation, 3D model manipulation, visual effects, basic expressions. Conceptualize and execute motion animations using visual design (typography, composition, color ...

Front End Designer/Developer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$116K - $135K/yr

Any of the following Vanilla JavaScript, Interaction / Animation, ReactJS, MongoDB, PWA, Building custom HTML,CSS, JavaScript Frameworks. Project Description: The project is maintaining and extending ...

Experience with Jitter or similar motion design tools for UI animation and social content * Experience using AI-powered creative tools such as Runway as part of a modern production workflow

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Animation Job information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$44

$79

How much do animation job jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation job in Seattle, WA is $44.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.90 and $72.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animation job?

Animation jobs involve creating moving images using drawings, computer graphics, models, or other visual media. Professionals in this field may work on films, television shows, video games, advertising, or web content. Common roles include animators, character designers, storyboard artists, and visual effects artists. These jobs require creativity, technical skills, and often proficiency with animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender. Animation professionals collaborate with directors, writers, and other team members to bring stories and concepts to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animator?

To thrive as an Animator, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of motion and timing, and typically a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Toon Boom Harmony is essential, and certifications in these tools can be advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help animators bring characters and stories to life and collaborate with teams. These abilities ensure high-quality, engaging animations that meet project goals and client expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by animators when working on collaborative projects?

A common challenge animators face in collaborative projects is ensuring consistency in style and movement across different scenes, especially when multiple team members are involved. Communication with directors, storyboard artists, and other animators is essential to maintain a unified vision and meet tight production deadlines. Adapting to feedback and making revisions quickly is also a frequent part of the process. Animators often use shared asset libraries and project management tools to streamline collaboration and keep everyone aligned.

What is the difference between Animation Job vs 3D Modeler?

AspectAnimation Job3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation principles, storytelling, timingModeling, texturing, topology
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, gaming, advertisingGame development, film, product visualization
Tools UsedAdobe After Effects, Maya, BlenderMaya, ZBrush, 3ds Max
Common Industry UsageBrings characters and scenes to lifeCreates detailed 3D assets and models

Animation Jobs focus on bringing characters and scenes to life through movement and storytelling, while 3D Modelers specialize in creating detailed 3D assets. Both roles often collaborate in the entertainment and gaming industries but require different skill sets and tools.

Is animation a well paid job?

Animation jobs can be well paid, especially for experienced professionals working in high-demand industries like film, gaming, or advertising. Salaries vary based on skill level, location, and the complexity of projects, with many animators earning competitive wages and benefits. Developing strong skills in software such as Maya or Adobe After Effects can improve earning potential.

What kind of jobs can animation jobs get?

Animation jobs can lead to roles such as 2D or 3D animator, character designer, storyboard artist, visual effects artist, and motion graphics designer. These positions often require proficiency in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and may involve working in film, television, video game development, advertising, or online media.

What job categories do people searching Animation Job jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Job jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Animation Job job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,288 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Technical Animator (Animation Blueprints & Control Rig) - Remote or On-Site

Studio Wildcard

Seattle, WA • Remote

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.


We’re looking for an exceptionally talented Technical Animator who lives and breathes Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rig. You will own high-impact animation systems that bring creatures, characters, and gameplay to life. This is a systems-focused technical animation role: deep expertise in visual programming (AnimBPs + Control Rig) is the core requirement. Comfort with programming logic is essential, but day-to-day C++ work is not the focus.


Responsibilities:

  • Design, write, and implement animation systems, using Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs
  • Create sophisticated Control Rig solutions (procedural animation, IK/FK systems, full-body IK, terrain adaptation, foot placement, active ragdoll blending, etc.)
  • Develop responsive, scalable animation systems for bipeds, quadrupeds, and fantasy creatures
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve current solutions and create new ones
  • Create documentation and provide pipeline improvements
  • Optimize animation systems for performance, LODs, and large-scale creature ecosystems


Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a Technical Animator / Animation Programmer / Technical Artist focused on real-time animation systems, with at least one shipped title.
  • Expert-level proficiency with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints (complex state machines, layered blends, procedural logic, gameplay-driven systems).
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using Unreal Engine 5


Pluses:

  • C++ experience (useful for deeper engine integration or performance work, but not a primary focus of the role)
  • Experience with character/creature rigging and skinning in Maya, or Control Rig
  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with Rigging and Animation
  • Physics-driven animation (ragdoll, physics blending, cloth, custom physics solvers)
  • Tool Programming, MEL, PyMel Python
  • Houdini experience


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing
  • Portfolio or examples demonstrating Animation Blueprint and/or Control Rig work


About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.  


Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location. 


Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options