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Animation Studios Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

VMG Studios

Creative Project Producer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$80K - $105K/hr

Experience with localization workflows, including vendor coordination, language versioning, and QA. Who VMG Is VMG Studios is an Emmy-winning creative agency working across video, animation, design, ...

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Animation Studios information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$44

$79

How much do animation studios jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation studios 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 are animation studios?

Animation studios are specialized companies or production facilities that create animated content for various media, including films, television shows, commercials, and video games. These studios employ teams of artists, animators, writers, and technical staff who work together to bring stories and characters to life using techniques such as 2D animation, 3D animation, and computer-generated imagery (CGI). Major animation studios, like Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks, are known for producing some of the most popular animated movies and series worldwide. Animation studios play a crucial role in the entertainment industry by combining art and technology to produce visually engaging content.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in animation studios?

Professionals in animation studios often encounter tight deadlines and the need to balance artistic creativity with client or director feedback. Collaboration is key, as animators must communicate closely with storyboard artists, modelers, and sound designers to ensure consistency and meet project goals. Additionally, adapting to rapidly evolving software and industry standards is essential. The fast-paced, team-oriented environment can be demanding but also offers opportunities for skill development and creative growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an animation studio, and why are they important?

To thrive in an animation studio, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of animation principles, and proficiency in design, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, or Toon Boom Harmony is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills are critical soft skills in this environment. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality, visually engaging content and effective collaboration across diverse production teams.

What is the difference between Animation Studios vs Animation Artists?

AspectAnimation StudiosAnimation Artists
CredentialsTypically require a degree in animation, fine arts, or related fieldsRequire similar credentials, often with specialized portfolios
Work EnvironmentWork in teams within studios, collaborating on large projectsWork independently or in small teams, often freelance or contract
Industry UsageUsed by production companies, advertising agencies, and entertainment firmsUsed by studios, freelance clients, and media companies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare to understand company structures and project scopePeople compare to find job opportunities or freelance work

Animation Studios are organizations that produce animated content through collaborative teams, often on large-scale projects. Animation Artists are individual professionals creating animations, either within studios or independently. While both share similar credentials and work environments, studios focus on production management, whereas artists focus on creating animations. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and clients find the right fit for their needs.

What are popular job titles related to Animation Studios jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Animation Studios jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Animation Studios jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Animation Studios job openings:

Animation Studios jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Studios job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% 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

Re-posted 11 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