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Animator Pay Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Senior Technical Animator

Cary, NC · On-site

$98.20K - $112.10K/yr

What You'll Do Epic Games is searching for a Senior Technical Animator with a passion for ... We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108.90K - $161.16K/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

$108.90K - $161.16K/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

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

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

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 ...

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Animator Pay information

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How much do animator pay jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Senior Gameplay Animator (Combat Specialist)

LightSpeed Studios

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$106.10K - $199.30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Business UnitWhat the Role Entails
  • Collaborate with game designers and programmers to craft high-quality animations that look and feel exceptional.
  • Own the full animation pipeline, from previz and mocap planning through clean-up, keyframing, implementation, and playtesting; iterating until the result meets the highest standard.
  • Proactively communicate with programmers, designers, artists, and writers to ensure animations align with gameplay intentions, mission objectives, art direction, and narrative.
  • Embrace iteration and feedback, with a willingness to explore new ideas and both give and receive constructive critique.
  • Contribute to a collaborative, supportive, and creatively driven team environment.
Who We Look For
  • 7+ years of animation experience in video game development.
  • Expert knowledge of range and/or melee combat animation in AAA games.
  • Proficiency in editing and animating motion capture data in Maya.
  • Highly skilled in hand-key animation, with deep understanding of animation principles and strong aesthetic judgment; capable of accurately controlling the rhythm, impact, and silhouette appeal of character animation.
  • Demonstrates exceptional creativity and is capable of independently delivering high-quality combat action design.
  • Strong understanding of realistic body mechanics and performance.
  • Ability to learn and adapt to new tools and animation implementation techniques.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a drive to raise the quality bar.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • At least one shipped AAA title.
  • Project experience using Unreal Engine.
  • Experience with motion-matching, and pose-matching techniques.

Location State(s)

US-California-Los AngelesThe expected base pay range for this position in the location(s) listed above is $106,100.00 to $199,300.00 per year. Actual pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Employees hired for this position may be eligible for a sign on payment, relocation package, and restricted stock units, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Subject to the terms and conditions of the plans in effect, hired applicants are also eligible for medical, dental, vision, life and disability benefits, and participation in the Company's 401(k) plan. The Employee is also eligible for up to 15 to 25 days of vacation per year (depending on the employee's tenure), up to 13 days of holidays throughout the calendar year, and up to 10 days of paid sick leave per year. Your benefits may be adjusted to reflect your location, employment status, duration of employment with the company, and position level. Benefits may also be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.Equal Employment Opportunity at Tencent

As an equal opportunity employer, we firmly believe that diverse voices fuel our innovation and allow us to better serve our users and the community. We foster an environment where every employee of Tencent feels supported and inspired to achieve individual and common goals.

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