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Animation Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

loyalkaspar

Senior Designer / Animator

New York, NY

$116K - $132K/yr

Qualifications 6+ years professional design & animation experience for entertainment brands Mastery of Adobe CC: After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign Advanced knowledge of Cinema 4D ...

loyalkaspar

Senior Designer / Animator

New York, NY · On-site

$116K - $132K/yr

Qualifications • 6+ years professional design & animation experience for entertainment brands • Mastery of Adobe CC: After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign • Advanced knowledge of ...

Filmless

Freelance Animator & GFX Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

Specifically, you should be able to: • Conceptualize, visualize and design special effects, animation, or other visual images for our clients videos (explainer, promo and interview style) • ...

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All JobsAnimation JobsAnimation Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Animation information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$10

$40

$71

How much do animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation in Rutherford, NJ is $40.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $65.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are animators still in demand?

Animators continue to be in demand across industries such as entertainment, advertising, and gaming, especially with the growth of digital media and online content. Strong skills in animation software like Adobe After Effects and Blender, along with a portfolio, are important for job prospects.

What are some common challenges animators face in their daily work?

Animators often deal with tight deadlines and the need to revise work multiple times to match client or director feedback, which requires patience and adaptability. The role can involve long periods of focused work at a computer, making time management and attention to ergonomic practices important. Additionally, staying updated with the latest animation techniques and software advancements is crucial for remaining competitive in the field. Collaboration with story artists, designers, and technical teams is also a major part of the job, ensuring each project is cohesive and visually appealing.

What jobs can animators get?

Animators can work in various roles such as 2D or 3D animator, character animator, visual effects artist, motion graphics designer, and storyboard artist. They often find employment in film, television, video game development, advertising, and digital media, using tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender. Strong artistic skills, proficiency with animation software, and a portfolio are essential for these positions.

Is it hard to get hired as an animator?

Getting hired as an animator can be competitive, as it often requires a strong portfolio, proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe Animate or Maya, and relevant education or training. Building a network and gaining experience through internships or freelance work can improve employment prospects.

What does an Animation job involve?

An Animation job involves creating moving images using computer software or traditional techniques like hand-drawing or stop-motion. Animators develop characters, backgrounds, and special effects for films, video games, advertisements, and digital media. They collaborate with writers, designers, and directors to bring stories to life. Strong artistic skills, creativity, and proficiency in animation software like Adobe Animate or Blender are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Animation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Animation, you need strong artistic abilities, knowledge of animation principles, and typically a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, Blender, or Toon Boom Harmony is highly desirable, and certification in these can be advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and effective collaboration skills help animators excel in team-oriented environments. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality animations that meet client briefs and project deadlines in this fast-evolving industry.

What jobs are there for animators?

Animators can work in various roles such as 2D or 3D animator, character animator, visual effects artist, motion graphics designer, and storyboard artist. They often work in industries like film, television, video games, advertising, and web development, using tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender. Many positions require a strong portfolio and proficiency in animation software.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in Rutherford, NJ? The most popular types of Animation jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Animation jobs? Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Animation job openings:
Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,567 per year, or $40.2 per hour.
Acting & Animation Specialist - Remote | Upto $90/hr

Acting & Animation Specialist - Remote | Upto $90/hr

Mercor

New York, NY

$90/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Acting & Animation Performance Consultant
Type: Contract
Compensation: $60–$90/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Establish evaluation standards to define criteria for capturing performance in emotional resonance and physical fidelity.
  • Curate benchmarks by identifying strong examples of performances for meaningful model tests.
  • Shape the evaluation pool by defining profiles and rubrics for human reviewers.
  • Collaborate with other experts to maintain consistent and accurate evaluations.
  • Work independently and asynchronously to meet deadlines while improving AI model performance.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • 7 to 10 years of professional experience in the entertainment or animation industry.
  • Proven track record on 2 or more professional films.
  • Specialization in Character Animation, Character Technical Design, Acting Teacher or Coach, or Director of Photography (DP).
  • Meticulous eye for micro-expressions and emotional beats.
  • AI proficiency with tools and workflows.
  • Ability to translate complex visual details into clear language.
  • Able to come on-site in Playa Vista (Los Angeles), CA or New York, NY for in-person sessions once or twice a month.

Preferred

  • Reliable access to a 4K-resolution monitor for precise review.

Compensation & Legal

  • Hourly contractor
  • W-2 employment through Cincinnatus LLC

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.