ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animator Salary In Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site

Salary: Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing ... Set and manage team assignments in collaboration with the animation supervisor * Have a good ...

Salt Lake Community College

Adjunct, Animation

UT · On-site

Salary: $1,056.00 Hourly Location : Various SLCC locations, UT Job Type: Adjunct Contract Job ... Exempt Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. All employees are expected to ...

Canyons School District

$89.24/hr

Salary: $89.24 Hourly Location : Santa Clarita, CA Job Type: Part-Time Faculty Job Number ... Example of Duties College of the Canyons is seeking adjunct faculty members in Animation.

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsAnimator Salary In Jobs

Animator Salary In information

See salary details

$10

$39

$70

How much do animator salary in jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator salary in 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 animation job pays the most?

Senior roles such as Lead Animator, Animation Director, or VFX Supervisor tend to have the highest salaries in animation, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, advanced skills in software like Maya or Blender, and leadership responsibilities within production teams.

Do animators make good money?

Animator salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but the median annual wage in many regions is around $70,000. Skilled animators proficient in software like Adobe After Effects or Maya and with a strong portfolio tend to earn higher salaries, especially in entertainment or gaming sectors.

What is the difference between Animator Salary In vs Video Game Designer?

Job TitleAverage SalaryRequired CredentialsWork Environment
Animator$65,000Bachelor's in Animation or related fieldStudios, post-production houses, freelance
Video Game Designer$70,000Bachelor's in Game Design, Computer Science, or relatedGame studios, tech companies, freelance

While both roles often require similar credentials and work in creative environments, Video Game Designers typically earn slightly higher salaries due to their focus on game mechanics and story development. Animators primarily focus on creating visual content, whereas Video Game Designers develop gameplay concepts. Salary differences reflect the distinct skill sets and industry demands for each profession.

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, creativity, and proficiency in animation principles, often supported by a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Blender, and sometimes a professional portfolio, are typically required. Attention to detail, collaboration, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this position. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, high-quality animations that meet client or project specifications on time.

What is the average salary of an animator?

The average salary of an animator can vary based on experience, location, and the industry they work in. In the United States, as of 2024, animators typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at around $40,000 and experienced or senior animators earning upwards of $100,000. Salaries may be higher in large cities or in industries like film and video games. Freelance animators' earnings can differ widely depending on project volume and client base.

Do animators make 6 figures?

Most animators do not earn six-figure salaries; entry-level positions typically pay between $40,000 and $70,000 annually. Higher salaries are possible for experienced animators, especially those working in specialized fields, senior roles, or at major studios, where earnings can exceed $100,000. Skills in advanced software and a strong portfolio can help increase earning potential.

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

Animators often work as part of larger teams that include artists, writers, directors, and other animators. One common challenge is ensuring consistency in style and motion across different scenes, especially when multiple animators are contributing to the same project. Effective communication and regular feedback sessions are essential for aligning on creative vision and meeting tight production deadlines. Additionally, animators must be adaptable and receptive to revisions based on client or director feedback, which can require changes to completed work.

How much does a 2 minute animated video cost?

The cost of a 2-minute animated video varies based on complexity, style, and the animator's experience, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Professional animators or studios may charge higher rates, especially for high-quality, detailed animations requiring advanced skills and software tools.
More about Animator Salary In jobs
What cities are hiring for Animator Salary In jobs? Cities with the most Animator Salary In job openings:
What states have the most Animator Salary In jobs? States with the most job openings for Animator Salary In jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animator Salary In jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animator Salary In jobs are:
Animator Salary In jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animator Salary In job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

3D Animation Lead

Flying Bark Productions

Denver, NC • On-site

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Salary:

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series and Stranger Things animated series as well as upcoming feature film, Zac Power.


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. This role requires strong leadership skills, technical knowledge of animation tools (especially Maya), and the ability to solve creative and technical challenges while meeting deadlines. The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production needs to maintain high-quality animation output.


About the role:

  • Lead a team of animators on a show
  • Be the key contact for production and supervisor/s. Maintain clear communication, deal with creative challenges, provide solutions and adapt to changes in production & scheduling
  • Set and manage team assignments in collaboration with the animation supervisor
  • Have a good understanding of the animation tasks the team will be working on and the potential technical and creative challenges involved
  • Be prepared to deputise for the animation supervisor if necessary
  • Be aware of workflow templates, methodology and documentation; provide to the team where necessary
  • Work with technology teams to ensure that department tools are available for the team and properly set up for the show
  • Inform supervisors and Head of Department (HOD) of any advances made on a project for integration into other shows
  • May be required to work with HOD and supervisors on bids when requested
  • Effectively manage team to avoid potential conflict or disagreement
  • Maintain positive relationships with all other departments and address any issues promptly
  • Attend dailies and present the work of your team; guide artists on how to present their work
  • Coach, share knowledge and assume some responsibility for the progression of more junior members of the team
  • Provide regular feedback to the team to ensure that work is always delivered on time to the highest possible standard
  • Work with the technical animators to ensure that show wikis are kept up to date


About you:

  • Previous experience mentoring or leading a team
  • Thorough knowledge of Maya
  • An understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture and form
  • An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data between tools
  • The proven ability to work under pressure
  • Being open to direction and able to embrace change
  • Attention to detail
  • Reliable, with good time keeping and the ability to meet deadlines
  • Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills
  • A demonstrable commitment to creative collaboration within a team and with other departments
  • Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes and technical skills
  • Working knowledge of modelling, rigging and Mel/Python scripting
  • Knowledge of human and animal anatomy as well as life drawing skills


What do we do?

Flying Bark Productions is a renowned independent producer of family-focused animation entertainment. For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility hascreated award-winning feature films and TV series.


Why work with us?

  • We work on some pretty cool projects - check out our website: https://www.flyingbark.com.au/
  • We love dogs and you will often see some of our regular fluffy companions in the studio.
  • We have a hybrid approach to work. For this particular position, full remote could be an option.
  • Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever possible.
  • Our employees say our culture is the best they've ever experienced - everyone is welcome and celebrated!


Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.