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Animator Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US AI

Contract Animator

Rockville, MD

Contract / Freelance Duration: [e.g., 13 months, with potential extension] Hours: [e.g., 2040 hours per week] Role Overview We are seeking a talented Contract Animator to bring ideas, products, and ...

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA

In regards to a contract job with one of our client in Torrance, CA. They are looking for a FLASH1- Animator/Developer with Knowledge in ActionScript, CSV, XML, and HTML5. Please feel free to get in ...

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA · On-site

In regards to a contract job with one of our client in Torrance, CA. They are looking for a FLASH1- Animator/Developer with Knowledge in ActionScript, CSV, XML, and HTML5. Please feel free to get in ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

San Mateo, CA

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

VG Systems

Animator / 3-D Modeler

Huntsville, AL

... contract. * Substitution 1: Associate's degree in 3-D Modeling, Animation, or a related arts discipline with 7 years of experience providing creative animation and modeling support on a DoD or ...

VG Systems

Animator / 3-D Modeler

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... contract. * Substitution 1: Associate's degree in 3-D Modeling, Animation, or a related arts discipline with 7 years of experience providing creative animation and modeling support on a DoD or ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Sunnyvale, CA

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

San Francisco, CA

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Hayward, CA

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Fremont, CA · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Santa Rosa, CA

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Mundelein, IL

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

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All JobsAnimator Contract Jobs

Animator Contract information

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$10

$39

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How much do animator contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator contract 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 are the typical responsibilities of a contract animator during a project?

As a contract animator, your main responsibilities typically include creating character animations, developing storyboards, and collaborating closely with directors or other creative professionals to achieve the desired visual style. You may also be asked to revise or iterate on animations based on client feedback and adhere to project timelines and deliverables. Daily tasks often involve both independent work and virtual meetings to stay aligned with the team’s vision. Contract animators should expect to manage their own schedules and maintain clear communication with clients to ensure successful project completion. This role offers valuable exposure to a variety of projects and the chance to build a diverse professional portfolio.

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

To thrive as an Animator Contract, you need proficiency in animation principles, strong drawing or modeling abilities, and a portfolio showcasing relevant work, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Experience with leading animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Toon Boom Harmony is typically required, and familiarity with collaborative project management tools can be beneficial. Strong time management, adaptability, and effective communication are key soft skills for meeting project deadlines and collaborating remotely with clients or creative teams. These capabilities ensure high-quality deliverables, seamless teamwork, and the ability to meet diverse client needs in a fast-paced contract environment.

What is an Animator Contract job?

An Animator Contract job is a temporary or freelance position where an animator is hired for a specific project or duration. These roles typically involve creating 2D or 3D animations for films, games, advertisements, or other media. Contract animators may work remotely or on-site, depending on the employer's needs. The contract terms, including duration, payment, and project scope, vary based on the company's requirements.

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Animator Contract jobs near you
Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Nintendo of America Inc

Austin, TX • On-site

Contractor

Posted 14 days ago

Nintendo rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 191 rated software companies

Job description

RETRO STUDIOS: Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company's cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence. Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game. Retro Studios is looking for an Animator! We are looking for someone who is passionate about quality and takes pride in their work. An animator who wants to be part of a creative and collaborative team. Someone who will be thrilled to work on Nintendo's awesome IPs! We expect our animators to exhibit leadership qualities and encourage involvement and responsibility across wider aspects of the project. DESCRIPTIONS OF DUTIES: You will implement and maintain animations for a wide range of characters, creatures, bosses, cinematics and pretty much anything that moves. You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other aspects of our projects such as gameplay and story. We will count on you to help us identify needs and propose solutions that will improve our production pipeline. We all use "Band-Aid solutions" from time to time, but we love forward thinkers, people who think long term. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated, and you will get plenty of critique from others to help you grow your own skills. You feel comfortable on the technical side of animation deployment. You don't have to be an expert rigger or scripter, but you know how to set up simple characters and are familiar with using a variety of tools to speed up your work process. You are part of a creative team, the process of game making is dynamic, so it is important that you maintain familiarity with the game, the latest changes and updates. You enjoy collaborating with other development disciplines, contributing your expertise and taking advantage of the expertise of others to achieve more together. Did we mention how excited we are that you are considering this position? *This job description outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify all tasks that may be performed; individuals occupying the position may be required to perform other duties. The company may modify job duties from time to time, either in practice or in writing. SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: Minimum 5 years' experience with in-game and/or cinematic video game animation, including at least 2 full video game production cycles. A robust portfolio that demonstrates a wide range of animation experience. Considerable experience animating in Maya. Undergraduate degree in art related subject or completion of an intensive art training program preferred. Specific experience can be substituted for formal education. Effective written, verbal and interpersonal skills. Retro Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy, and respect for each
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