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Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design Works Studios LLC

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · Hybrid

Animator Location: Scottsdale, AZ Job Type: Full Time No C2C or Third Parties. Must be local to U.S. Sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) is not available. What we are ...

Design Works Studios LLC

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · Hybrid

Animator Location: Scottsdale, AZ Job Type: Full Time No C2C or Third Parties. Must be local to U.S. Sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) is not available. What we are ...

Design Works Gaming

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

Animator Location: Scottsdale, AZ Job Type: Full Time No C2C or Third Parties. Must be local to U.S. Sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) is not available. What we are ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

Create high-impact animations and visual effects for real-time and pre-rendered gameplay * Craft storyboards, animatics, and gameplay sequences that maximize excitement * Collaborate with designers ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Lead Animator San Mateo, California, United States 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 ...

IGT

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

Create high-impact animations and visual effects for real-time and pre-rendered gameplay * Craft storyboards, animatics, and gameplay sequences that maximize excitement * Collaborate with designers ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Lead Animator San Mateo, California, United States 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 ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

US AI

Contract Animator

Rockville, MD · On-site

Create 2D and/or 3D animations for marketing, product, and brand storytelling * Develop motion graphics for videos, product demos, social media, web, and presentations * Collaborate with marketing ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

teamLFG

Staff Gameplay Animator

OR · On-site +1

Do you think a lot about how well-crafted animations create satisfying feedback for players, or how to achieve quality character animation within real time constraints? Come join us at teamLFG! We ...

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA

They are looking for a FLASH1- Animator/Developer with Knowledge in ActionScript, CSV, XML, and HTML5. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you are available to talk and in the job market.

teamLFG

Staff Gameplay Animator

$144K - $217K/yr

Do you think a lot about how well-crafted animations create satisfying feedback for players, or how to achieve quality character animation within real time constraints? Come join us at teamLFG! We ...

Jobgether

$100K - $131K/yr

Our partner is looking for a Senior Animator based in Netherlands. This is an opportunity for an experienced animator to contribute to the development of a major upcoming game project. You will ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · 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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Animator information

See salary details

$10

$39

$70

How much do animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator 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 does an animator do?

Animators create moving images for television, movies, video games, websites, multimedia platforms, and other forms of media. As an animator, your duties are to design illustrations to match characters and settings described in scripts. Sometimes an animator comes up with a new character before developing a script or role for it, while other times animators work closely with writers to collaborate on character development. After the creation stage, your responsibilities shift to rendering the image for whatever medium you work in, such as feature-length computer animated films or short graphic descriptions of news for an online magazine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animator, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of motion, timing, and storytelling, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency in animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Blender, and familiarity with digital drawing tablets are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help animators collaborate well and bring ideas to life. These skills are vital for producing high-quality, engaging animations that meet project goals and client expectations.

What are some typical challenges animators face when working on collaborative projects?

Animators often collaborate with teams of artists, directors, and sound designers, which can present challenges such as maintaining consistent visual style and meeting tight production deadlines. Communication is key, as feedback and revisions are frequent, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. Additionally, animators need to be proficient in various software and workflows to ensure their work integrates smoothly with other departments, such as modeling or lighting. Balancing creative vision with technical requirements is a common aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Animator vs 3D Modeler?

AspectAnimator3D Modeler
Required CredentialsAnimation courses, portfolio3D modeling courses, portfolio
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game companiesDesign studios, game development
Industry UsageBrings characters to life through movementCreates 3D assets and models

While both roles work closely in the animation and gaming industries, an Animator focuses on bringing characters and objects to life through movement, whereas a 3D Modeler specializes in creating the detailed 3D models used in animations and games. Both require similar technical skills and often collaborate on projects, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

Are animators still in demand?

Animator roles remain in demand in industries such as entertainment, gaming, and advertising, especially for those skilled in digital tools like Adobe Animate or Maya. The job market values creativity, technical skills, and the ability to adapt to new animation technologies, with opportunities available for both freelance and full-time positions.

How do I get a job as an animator?

To get a job as an animator, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your work, gain proficiency in animation software such as Adobe After Effects or Maya, and obtain relevant education or training in animation or related fields. Internships and entry-level positions can provide experience and industry connections, while networking and continuous skill development improve job prospects.

What kind of jobs can animators get?

Animators can work in various fields including film, television, video games, advertising, and web content. They create animated visuals using tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and may specialize in 2D or 3D animation, character design, or visual effects. Job roles include character animator, storyboard artist, motion graphics artist, and visual effects artist.
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Cities with the most Animator job openings:

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Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 58% In-person, and 42% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ • Hybrid

Design Works Studios LLC
See more jobs at Design Works Studios LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description

Job Title: Animator

Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Job Type: Full Time

No C2C or Third Parties. Must be local to U.S. Sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) is not available.


What we are looking for...

Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art Department in Scottsdale! At DWG, our Animators are responsible for creating visually stunning animations for Casino games and marketing materials. They will have the ability to push creative projects from concept to final execution. This is going to be someone who communicates well with different people and departments, is passionate, motivated, and excited about what you do! We want someone who works for the good of the team and excellence of the product. A pertinent part of the Animator role will be maintaining an efficient workflow including good time management and task prioritization. This person will need to communicate well maintaining a high level of availability and response time.


How you'll grow...

At Design Works Gaming, you will be a part of a close-knit team of artists and animators. You will create and grow games in numerous locations with millions of users. Be part of our innovative, imaginative, and intelligent team. If you have big ideas and the drive to make things happen, we want to talk with you!


Your Role and Impact:

  • Create a diverse range of impactful animations from assets including characters, backgrounds, symbols, text, logos, and      various other graphic elements geared towards keeping the players excited and engaged.
  • Actively seek out FX, Scripts, and Plug-ins to improve quality and efficiency of product.
  • Shows effort to learn, seeks feedback and takes direction from the higher-level animators in order to grow and fine tune      their skill and knowledge and learn new techniques.
  • Assist other departments such as Commercial and Marketing with animation needs
  • Contributes to a collaborative environment within the team
  • Meets quality expectations pertaining to animations and videos being worked on
  • Seeks out and shares outside sources of art and design inspiration in the Art Inspiration Channel at least once per week.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • After Effects
  • Photoshop
  • Illustrator
  • Red Giant Trapcode Suite (not required but recommended)
  • Experience with 3D software a plus
    • Preferably Blender/Cinema 4D/Maya
  • Spine Animation software a plus (not required)
  • Working knowledge of AI generative tools and incorporating them into workflow
  • Strong understanding of animation principles
  • Good attitude, team player with great communication skills


Design Works Gaming is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive due consideration for employment without any discrimination. All applicants will be evaluated solely based on their ability, competence and their proven capability to perform the functions outlined in the corresponding role.


We promote and support a diverse workforce across all levels in the company. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.


Why come work with us?
Design Works Gaming Offers You!

  • Competitive Salary
  • Hybrid work schedule
  • Health, Dental & Vision insurance
  • Complimentary snack and drink bar
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Gym membership reimbursement
  • Fun company culture
  • Short workdays on Fridays

Apply