ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animator Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 base salary for this role is between $88,000 - $94,000. The actual base pay offered is ...

Hearst

Senior Social Editor & Animator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$88K - $94K/yr

From AI-enhanced storytelling to scroll-stopping animations, this role is at the cutting edge of ... The base salary for this role is between $88,000 - $94,000. The actual base pay offered is ...

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 base salary for this role is between $88,000 - $94,000. The actual base pay offered is ...

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 base salary for this role is between $88,000 - $94,000. The actual base pay offered is ...

L3HHCM20

Senior Specialist, Creative Services

Melbourne, FL · On-site +1

$84K - $156K/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 ...

L3HHCM20

Senior Specialist, Creative Services

Rochester, NY · On-site +1

$84K - $156K/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 ...

Aquent

Sr. UI Animator / Motion Designer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$81 - $91/hr

Temporary Salary: $81-91 Hourly Aquent is partnering with a globally recognized leader in ... About the Role Are you a visionary UI Animator and Motion Designer ready to push the boundaries of ...

Madison College

PT Instructor Pool - Animation

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Salary Information: Salary depends upon workload. Department: School of BAA_Applied Arts Madison College is recruiting a pool of qualified part-time candidates to teach courses for the Animation ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsAnimator Salary Jobs

Animator Salary information

See salary details

$10

$39

$70

How much do animator salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator salary 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 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 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 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.

More about Animator Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Animator Salary jobs? Cities with the most Animator Salary job openings:
What states have the most Animator Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Animator Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animator Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animator Salary jobs are:
Animator Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animator Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% As Needed, 5% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 77% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Social Editor & Animator

Hearst Magazines

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$88K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 75 rated media

Job description


Be Part of What's Next
Are you obsessed with the intersection of creativity, motion design, and what's trending on TikTok? We're looking for a Senior Social Editor & Animator to help shape the future of how branded stories live and thrive across social platforms. From AI-enhanced storytelling to scroll-stopping animations, this role is at the cutting edge of editorial creativity and performance.
About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)
Hearst Magazines' portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S.-including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper's BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics - inspires, entertains, and builds new and bold experiences for an engaged and growing audience across digital, video, social and print, reaching nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. With sophisticated content creation, cutting-edge technology, and industry-leading data capabilities, we make media and products that move people across all platforms. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the world-and together, we are shaping what's next.
Key Responsibilities (What You're Doing)
  • Edit and design social-first branded content including Reels, Stories, Shorts, interactive assets, and vertical video variations.
  • Transform single content pieces into optimized assets for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and more.
  • Animate graphics with impact using kinetic typography, motion overlays, and dynamic treatments tailored to platform trends.
  • Convert still images into engaging motion content through AI tools, motion design, and inventive storytelling.
  • Repurpose long-form video into short-form, snackable content that performs across social channels.
  • Collaborate with producers, directors, and creatives to develop fresh visual narratives aligned with brand and client goals.
  • Experiment with stop-motion, mixed media, lo-fi effects, and emerging formats to keep content cutting-edge.
  • Integrate AI tools like Runway to enhance workflows and elevate creative output.
  • Deliver high-quality, polished assets under tight deadlines while maintaining creative excellence.

Qualifications (What We're Looking For)
  • 3-5 years of social-first editing and animation experience in a brand studio, publisher, agency, or digital-first content environment.
  • Strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator).
  • Proficiency with emerging creator-native tools such as CapCut, Edits, DaVinci Resolve, and Canva Pro.
  • Experience using AI-enhanced creative tools (e.g., RunwayML).
  • Bonus if familiar with 3D or advanced motion graphics platforms like Blender or Cinema4D.
  • Portfolio showcasing optimized content for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and platform-native design styles.
  • Demonstrated expertise in transforming still images into motion content using design and AI tools.
  • Strong collaborator, highly adaptable, and able to juggle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Based in NYC with a hybrid in-office schedule (4 days/week).

What We Offer
  • Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
  • Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
  • Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
  • Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
  • Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
  • Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

The base salary for this role is between $88,000 - $94,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
Hearst is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Hearst employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply