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Animator Pay Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Roblox

Senior 3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$9.1K - $11K/mo

We're seeking a talented Senior 3D Animator to join our team at Roblox for a 6-month engagement ... The actual base pay is dependent upon a variety of job-related factors such as professional ...

PUBG Madglory

Mid-Level/Senior Animator

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$106K - $121K/yr

Defines animation direction and execution even in ambiguous situations. * Organizes direction and ... Comprehensive employer funded healthcare - ensuring you pay nothing out of pocket for in-network ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

What We Need: We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for ... However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

What We Need: We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for ... However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on ...

Hearst

Senior Social Editor & Animator

New York, NY · Hybrid

$88K - $94K/yr

From AI-enhanced storytelling to scroll-stopping animations, this role is at the cutting edge of ... The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work ...

Hearst

Senior Social Editor & Animator

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$88K - $94K/yr

From AI-enhanced storytelling to scroll-stopping animations, this role is at the cutting edge of ... The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work ...

Hearst

Senior Social Editor & Animator

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$88K - $94K/yr

From AI-enhanced storytelling to scroll-stopping animations, this role is at the cutting edge of ... The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work ...

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Animator Pay information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do animator pay jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator pay 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.

How much do animators pay?

Animator salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but the median annual pay in many regions ranges from $50,000 to $80,000. Entry-level animators typically earn less, while those with specialized skills in software like Maya or Adobe After Effects and a strong portfolio can earn higher wages.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney continues to hire 2D animators, especially for projects that require traditional hand-drawn animation or a nostalgic aesthetic. While the industry has shifted toward digital 3D animation, there is still demand for skilled 2D animators in certain productions and specialized roles.

How much do animators typically get paid?

Animator pay can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, industry, and the type of animation work. In the United States, the median annual salary for animators and multimedia artists is around $78,790 as of 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level animators may earn less, while experienced or specialized animators working in film, television, or video games can earn significantly more. Freelance rates also vary, often depending on the complexity of the project and the animator's portfolio.

What is the difference between Animator Pay vs Video Editor Pay?

AspectAnimator PayVideo Editor Pay
Required CredentialsAnimation degree or related certificationVideo production or editing certification
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, media companies, freelanceMedia companies, production houses, freelance
Industry UsageUsed in entertainment, advertising, gamingUsed in film, TV, online content
Common Search IntentComparing salaries and pay ratesComparing salaries and pay rates

Animator Pay and Video Editor Pay are both creative roles in media industries, often requiring similar certifications and working in related environments. While animator salaries tend to be higher due to specialized skills in character and motion design, video editors focus on assembling footage and editing content. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and employers set appropriate compensation expectations based on role-specific skills and industry standards.

What are some common challenges animators face when negotiating their pay or salary?

Animators often encounter challenges such as pay discrepancies based on project budgets, studio size, and location. Freelance animators may find it difficult to set competitive rates, especially when balancing client expectations with fair compensation for their skills and experience. Additionally, animators working in-house might struggle with salary transparency and advancement opportunities, as pay scales can vary widely across the industry. Researching industry standards and networking with peers can help animators better advocate for fair pay during negotiations.

What is the highest paid animator?

The highest paid animators are often senior or lead professionals working in film, television, or video game industries, with top earners making over $150,000 annually. Experienced animators with specialized skills in 3D modeling, character design, or visual effects tend to earn the highest salaries, especially when working on major projects or for large studios.

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 animation principles, and typically a degree in animation, graphic design, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Toon Boom Harmony is commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for producing visually engaging animations that meet client or project specifications while collaborating efficiently within creative teams.

Is animator a high paying job?

Animator pay varies based on experience, location, and industry, but generally, it is considered a mid-range salary job. Entry-level animators often earn less, while experienced professionals working in film, gaming, or advertising can earn higher wages, especially with specialized skills and advanced software knowledge.
More about Animator Pay jobs
What cities are hiring for Animator Pay jobs? Cities with the most Animator Pay job openings:
What states have the most Animator Pay jobs? States with the most job openings for Animator Pay jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animator Pay jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animator Pay jobs are:
Animator Pay jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animator Pay job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Locum Tenens, 60% As Needed, 22% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 71% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, CA

$119K - $135K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

This is a hybrid / onsite position.  

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I and Part II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we're busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us!

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

Please note: This is not a rigging position. We are looking for an animator that is capable of being the bridge between art and technical teams by designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex runtime animation systems and character behaviors. 

What you will do:

  • Create high quality animation content supporting the newly developed behaviors and systems and implement it in engine
  • Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality bar of the in-game animation
  • Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges
  • Take ownership of challenging projects and provide innovative solutions, including mentoring team members and creating documentation
  • Contribute to the strategic development of internal technologies and artistic processes
  • Facilitate the creation and implementation of tools and techniques that allow the building of complex and high-quality animation systems
  • Innovate and streamline animation pipeline processes and workflows

What skills you will use: 

  • 5+ years of industry experience in gameplay animation for games
  • Proven track record of creating visually stunning animations for diverse game genres
  • Full understanding of in-game animation tools like state machines, blend trees, IK solvers, etc.
  • Expertise with mocap and keyframe based digital content creation pipelines built on Maya or Motionbuilder
  • Proficiency in Python, C#, C++ or other programming languages is required
  • Proactively contributes to the progress of the team and the project

As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete an animation test. 

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The estimated USA base pay range for this zone (Los Angeles area) is listed below. This role may be eligible for additional compensation packages that includes annual bonus and other incentive plans.

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