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Animation Jobs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll partner closely with animation, design, and engineering teams to create and implement high-quality keyframe animation for both human and non-human characters, bringing them to ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal. * Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick animation prototypes for new ...

Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal. * Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick animation prototypes for new ...

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll partner closely with animation, design, and engineering teams to create and implement high-quality keyframe animation for both human and non-human characters, bringing them to ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal. * Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick animation prototypes for new ...

Instructor of Animation

Muncie, IN ยท On-site

$3.0K - $9.0K/wk

Instructor of Animation Compensation: $3000-$9000 per course Department: School of Art - Temp Start Date: 08/17/2026 About this opportunity: The School of Art at Ball State University invites ...

Adjunct Faculty in Animation Full-time Faculty Positions Full-time faculty positions will be posted on a per-opening basis. Postings are organized by college/school and department. Applicants will be ...

Animator IV

Reno, NV ยท On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation, establishing the visual tone and quality standards for groundbreaking gaming experiences while ...

Apply animation principles, timing, and pacing to deliver polished, professional results * Iterate on feedback quickly while maintaining quality and consistency * Manage multiple animation projects ...

Animator IV

Reno, NV ยท On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation, establishing the visual tone and quality standards for groundbreaking gaming experiences while ...

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Animation Jobs information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do animation jobs jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation jobs 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 types of jobs are in animation?

Animation jobs include roles such as character animator, storyboard artist, 3D modeler, visual effects artist, and motion graphics designer. These positions often require skills in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender, and may involve working in film, television, video games, or advertising industries.

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

AspectAnimation Jobs3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation techniques, storytelling, software like Maya or BlenderModeling, texturing, sculpting, software like Maya or ZBrush
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, gaming, advertising studiosGame development, film, product visualization companies
Industry UsageCreating animated sequences and charactersBuilding 3D assets and models for various media

Animation jobs focus on bringing characters and scenes to life through movement and storytelling, while 3D modelers specialize in creating detailed 3D assets used in animations, games, and visualizations. Both roles often use similar software and work in related industries, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What jobs can I do with animation?

With animation skills, you can pursue roles such as animator, character designer, storyboard artist, 3D modeler, visual effects artist, motion graphics designer, and game artist. These jobs 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.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney Animation Studios has shifted focus toward 3D computer-generated animation, but they still hire 2D animators for specific projects and legacy styles. Opportunities for 2D animation roles are less frequent and often involve specialized skills in traditional techniques and software like Toon Boom or TVPaint.

What jobs can I get in animation?

In animation, common jobs include animator, character designer, storyboard artist, 3D modeler, visual effects artist, and animation director. These roles often require skills in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender, and may involve working in studios, freelance projects, or remote environments.
What cities are hiring for Animation Jobs jobs? Cities with the most Animation Jobs job openings:
Infographic showing various Animation Jobs job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 25% As Needed, 24% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Expert Animator

Expert Animator

2K

San Mateo, CA โ€ข On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

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're looking for an Expert Animator who can bridge the gap between compelling character performance and responsive gameplay. In this role, you'll partner closely with animation, design, and engineering teams to create and implement high-quality keyframe animation for both human and non-human characters, bringing them to life through expressive movement and gameplay-driven performance. We're seeking an inspired problem-solver who is passionate about animation craft, champions high standards, pushes for continuous improvement, embraces change, and challenges the status quo. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, thrives in a deadline-driven environment, and can adapt quickly within a fast-growing organization.

What You Will Do:
  • Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay.

  • Implement animations directly in Unreal using the project's animation system and Blueprints.

  • Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal.

  • Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning.

  • Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or cinematic sequences.

  • Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality bar by creating clear examples, documenting standards, and sharing best practices with the team.

  • Prototype and validate new approaches to character movement and gameplay animation.

  • Partner with Technical Animation to explore and refine locomotion and overall character motion, ensuring the smoothest and most polished player experience possible.

  • Collaborate closely with fellow animators to elevate the overall quality of the team's work, foster knowledge sharing, and inspire creative growth while serving as a benchmark for animation excellence.

  • Proactively coordinate and maintain strong cross-disciplinary communication with Production, Design, Art, Audio, and VFX to ensure the successful delivery of your areas of responsibility.

  • Work together with character artists and riggers to establish both core and secondary functionality of our characters.

Who We Think Will Be A Great Fit:
  • 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role.

  • Expert-level proficiency in gameplay animation using industry-standard 3D software, with strong experience in Maya preferred.

  • Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced development environment, quickly prioritizing tasks and solving creative and technical challenges.

  • Adaptable and responsive to creative feedback and changing project needs, with the ability to pivot direction while maintaining quality and momentum.

  • An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-key examples.

  • Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations.

  • Familiarity with Unreal Sequencer, camera language, and in-game cinematic workflows.

  • Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments.

  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach to problem solving.

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience creating cinematic sequences, character performances, and story-driven animation that enhances narrative and emotional impact.

  • Experience with non-linear video editing, including pacing, shot composition, cuts, transitions, and visual storytelling techniques.


The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $123,200 and $182,360 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.ย 

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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