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Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

You will combine strong animation fundamentals with technical fluency in Unreal Engine to build responsive, expressive, and scalable animation systems. You will act as a bridge between animation and ...

NEW YORK EDGE, INC

Jr. Animation Specialist

Hollis, NY · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

As an Animation Specialist, you will have a pivotal role in nurturing the next wave of animators and visual story-tellers. We are seeking individuals with a strong background in animation ...

De Circle

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

Austin, TX · On-site +1

We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join our team in Europe. The ideal candidates will possess a strong background in animating within ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$118K - $217K/yr

The Senior Animation Programmer is responsible for the implementation of CDPR-specific extensions and animation technology while working with the code for Unreal Engine's animation technology, tools ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$118K - $217K/yr

The Senior Animation Programmer is responsible for the implementation of CDPR-specific extensions and animation technology while working with the code for Unreal Engine's animation technology, tools ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

The Senior Animation Programmer is responsible for the implementation of CDPR-specific extensions and animation technology while working with the code for Unreal Engine's animation technology, tools ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site

The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as the main contact between production and supervisors, and ensuring smooth communication and workflow.

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to design and create gameplay animation systems that facilitate entertaining, high-quality characters.

Salt Lake Community College

Adjunct, Animation

UT · On-site

Job Summary The Animation adjunct faculty member will work with full-time faculty, under general supervision of the Associate Dean, in program and class-related duties such as classroom (including ...

Madison College

PT Instructor Pool - Animation

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

To instruct adult students in Animation - Concept Development at the vocational, associate degree and college transfer credit levels. Instructors develop instructional strategies and curriculum as a ...

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How much do animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation 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 jobs can I get in animation?

Jobs in animation include 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, or advertising industries.

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, can improve job prospects in this competitive field.

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.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney continues to hire 2D animators, especially for projects that preserve traditional animation techniques or require a hand-drawn style. While the industry has shifted toward 3D animation, there is still demand for skilled 2D animators in certain productions and training programs.

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.

More about Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Animation jobs? Cities with the most Animation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs? The most popular types of Animation jobs are:
What states have the most Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animation jobs are:
Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Character Animation Lead

Character Animation Lead

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ART
What We Do
Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment, character, and concept artists who strive to innovate and inspire.
What You'll Do
Epic Games is looking for a Character Animation Director to join our Special Projects team to help drive the vision and execution of character animation across experimental and gameplay-driven prototypes. You will combine strong animation fundamentals with technical fluency in Unreal Engine to build responsive, expressive, and scalable animation systems. You will act as a bridge between animation and engineering - helping to define workflows, shape systems, and solve complex problems at the intersection of gameplay and motion. This role requires both hands-on creation and leadership: setting quality bars, guiding others, and helping a small team move quickly without sacrificing clarity or craft.
In this role, you will
  • Lead the creation and implementation of high-quality, gameplay-driven animation in Unreal Engine
  • Prototype and iterate on new approaches to character movement, responsiveness, and player-driven animation
  • Collaborate closely with engineers and technical designers to design scalable, flexible animation systems. Excite those around you with creative and clear thinking
  • Own animation quality and leadership across projects, ensuring a strong and consistent point of view
  • Translate gameplay needs into animation behaviours that feel intuitive and responsive
  • Debug and solve complex animation and integration issues in the engine
  • Contribute to and help evolve animation pipelines, tools, and workflows for rapid iteration
  • Mentor and support other animators, fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and craft excellence
What we're looking for
  • Expert-level understanding of character animation principles, with the ability to deliver both realistic and stylized motion
  • Deep experience working in Unreal Engine, including Animation Blueprints, state machines, blending, and runtime systems
  • Strong understanding of gameplay animation-how input, timing, and responsiveness shape player experience
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and technical designers on complex, system-driven features
  • Experience building or contributing to animation systems (not just assets), including debugging and iteration in-engine
  • Animating in engine using Unreal Engine animation tools
  • Comfort working in ambiguous, exploratory environments with rapid iteration cycles
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to balance creative goals with technical constraints
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills
  • Experienced AAA development or equivalent real-time production environments

Bonus Points
  • Experience with motion matching, procedural animation, or emerging animation technologies
  • Familiarity with Control Rig and runtime rigging workflows in Unreal Engine
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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