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Animator Salary Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Lead, Creative Services

Rochester, NY · On-site +1

$100K - $186K/yr

Familiarity working from computer-aided design (CAD) data or engineering models as source material for animation. In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in ...

Lead, Creative Services

Rochester, NY · On-site +1

$100K - $186K/yr

Familiarity working from computer-aided design (CAD) data or engineering models as source material for animation. In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in ...

Animator Salary information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$38

$69

How much do animator salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator salary in Rochester, NY is $38.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $63.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of an animator?

The average salary of an animator varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. In the United States, entry-level animators can expect to earn around $50,000 per year, while experienced professionals may earn upwards of $75,000 or more. Salaries can be higher at major studios or in cities with a strong entertainment industry presence. Freelance animators may have variable earnings based on project volume and client rates.

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 movement and timing, and proficiency with animation principles, often supported by a degree in animation, graphic design, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Blender is typically required, and certifications in these tools can be advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that help animators collaborate and bring stories to life. These skills ensure high-quality, visually compelling animations that meet client or project requirements in a competitive industry.

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

Animators often work closely with artists, writers, and technical teams, which can present challenges such as aligning creative visions, meeting tight production deadlines, and adapting to feedback from multiple stakeholders. Effective communication and flexibility are key to ensuring that the animation fits seamlessly with other project elements. Additionally, animators may need to quickly learn new software or techniques to stay current with industry standards and project requirements.

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

AspectAnimator SalaryVideo Game Designer Salary
Required CredentialsPortfolio, Animation skills, sometimes a degree in animation or related fieldGame design degree, portfolio, programming skills
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, film, advertising, gamingGame studios, tech companies, freelance
Industry UsageUsed in entertainment, advertising, gamingPrimarily in gaming industry, also in interactive media

Animator salaries and video game designer salaries share similarities in required skills and work environments, especially within the gaming industry. However, animators focus on creating visual content, while game designers develop gameplay concepts and mechanics. Both roles are vital in game development and often overlap, but their salary differences reflect their distinct responsibilities and skill sets.

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 job categories do people searching Animator Salary jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Animator Salary jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Animator Salary jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Animator Salary job openings:

Infographic showing various Animator Salary job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,881 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Lead, Creative Services

Rochester, NY • On-site, Remote

$100K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Lead, Creative Services

Job Code: 39969

Job Location: Melbourne, FL; Rochester, NY; or Remote Opportunity

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

L3Harris is seeking a Senior 3D Animator for its in-house Creative Services team. The role creates 3D renders and animations and edits them into finished video for marketing, customer engagements, events, and internal communications. The animator works independently from creative brief through final delivery, translating engineering and technical subject matter into clear visual content that holds to company brand standards.

Essential Functions:

  • Conceive, model, light, and render professional three-dimensional (3D) animations that visualize products, systems, and capabilities for marketing, customer engagements, trade shows, and internal communications.
  • Edit and finish video, combining animation, live footage, motion graphics, audio, and titling into a polished piece that carries a clear narrative from open to close.
  • Translate technical and engineering subject matter into accurate, accessible visual stories, partnering with engineers and program teams to get the details right.
  • Apply artificial intelligence (AI) tools where they improve quality or speed, incorporating them into the animation and video workflow in line with company policy and security requirements.
  • Carry projects independently from creative brief through delivery, managing your own timelines, files, and revisions while keeping stakeholders informed at the right moments.
  • Apply brand standards consistently across every deliverable, keeping color, type, motion, and tone aligned with the company identity, so the work reads as one voice.
  • Collaborate with creative peers, marketing and communications stakeholders, and program leads, incorporating feedback while protecting the quality and intent of the work.
  • Maintain organized project files, render pipelines, and asset libraries so work is repeatable, reusable, and easy for the team to pick up.
  • Travel up to ten percent (10%) may be required to support events, shoots, and on-site production.
  • Mentor junior creative staff on 3D and video technique where the opportunity arises and contribute to a studio culture that takes pride in its craft.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience producing finished 3D renders and animations and editing them into completed video deliverables, demonstrated through a portfolio or reel.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a clearance.
  • Fluency in industry-standard 3D and animation software such as Cinema 4D, Unreal Engine 5, Blender, Autodesk Maya, or 3ds Max, along with rendering tools such as Redshift, Octane, or Arnold.
  • Extensive knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud for editing and finishing, particularly After Effects and Premiere Pro, with comfort moving assets between motion and edit.
  • Skilled in color grading, sound design, and compositing to finish a piece to broadcast quality.
  • Experience with motion graphics and 2D animation to complement 3D work.
  • Experience with virtual production pipelines.
  • Familiarity working from computer-aided design (CAD) data or engineering models as source material for animation.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $87,500-$162,500. The salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, and Vermont is $100,500-$186,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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