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Animator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities * Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities * Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities * Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities * Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities * Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

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Showing results 1-20

Animator information

See Colorado salary details

$11

$41

$73

How much do animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator in Colorado is $41.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.98 and $67.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do animators get paid well?

Animator salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but generally, they earn a median annual wage that is competitive within creative fields. Skilled animators proficient in software like Adobe After Effects or Maya and with a strong portfolio tend to have higher earning potential. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced professionals working in film, gaming, or advertising can earn significantly more.

What kind of jobs can animators get?

Animators can work in various fields including film, television, video games, advertising, and web content. They create animated visuals using tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and may work as 2D or 3D artists, character designers, or motion graphics specialists. Many roles require a strong portfolio and proficiency in animation software.

What is the difference between Animator vs 3D Modeler?

AspectAnimator3D Modeler
Required CredentialsAnimation courses, portfolio3D modeling courses, portfolio
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game companiesDesign studios, game development
Industry UsageBrings characters to life through movementCreates 3D assets and models

While both roles work closely in the animation and gaming industries, an Animator focuses on bringing characters and objects to life through movement, whereas a 3D Modeler specializes in creating the detailed 3D models used in animations and games. Both require similar technical skills and often collaborate on projects, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

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

Animators often collaborate with teams of artists, directors, and sound designers, which can present challenges such as maintaining consistent visual style and meeting tight production deadlines. Communication is key, as feedback and revisions are frequent, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. Additionally, animators need to be proficient in various software and workflows to ensure their work integrates smoothly with other departments, such as modeling or lighting. Balancing creative vision with technical requirements is a common aspect of the role.

What does an animator do?

Animators create moving images for television, movies, video games, websites, multimedia platforms, and other forms of media. As an animator, your duties are to design illustrations to match characters and settings described in scripts. Sometimes an animator comes up with a new character before developing a script or role for it, while other times animators work closely with writers to collaborate on character development. After the creation stage, your responsibilities shift to rendering the image for whatever medium you work in, such as feature-length computer animated films or short graphic descriptions of news for an online magazine.

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 motion, timing, and storytelling, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency in animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Blender, and familiarity with digital drawing tablets are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help animators collaborate well and bring ideas to life. These skills are vital for producing high-quality, engaging animations that meet project goals and client expectations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animator jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Animator jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Animator jobs in Colorado? For Animator jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animator jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Animator jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Animator jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Animator job openings:
Infographic showing various Animator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,197 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Lakewood, CO • On-site

$2.4K/day

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)
Salary: $2,440 (lecture) - $3,340 (studio) per class, per term
Location: Lakewood, CO
Target Fill Date: June 1st, 2026
Rocky Mountain College of Art +Design is looking for an Adjunct Professor who has expertise in 2D Animation. The faculty member works with the Chair and Program Lead of the Animation program, working closely with students, faculty, and administrative staff to advance teaching, student clubs and activities, co-curricular experiences, and curriculum development. They will work closely with academic leadership with a focus on teaching, monitoring and improving student learning and success, and performing duties as assigned by the Chair and the Program Lead.
RMCAD's Digital Arts + Media Department offers degree programs rooted in industry-aligned practices, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in Animation workflows, with an emphasis on character motion studies, performance-based animation, and scene development using Toon Boom Harmony. This position supports the continued design, development, and delivery of dynamic, studio-centered curricula and the advancement of learning outcomes to prepare students for leadership in an evolving digital landscape.
Required Qualifications
  • A graduate degree (MA, MS, MFA, MDes, or equivalent) in Animation, Game Art, Game Design, relevant Motion Graphics, OR a bachelors degree with a sustained record of professional or studio-based work in these areas.
  • Proficiency using and teaching industry-leading 2D Animation software, including, but not limited to ToonBoom Harmony (required), Storyboard Pro (required), Adobe Photoshop (bonus) Adobe After Effects (bonus), etc
  • Examples of pedagogical approaches that align with the institution's mission and values, along with evidence of effective and inclusive teaching that values a diverse student body.

Preferred Qualifications
  • A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Art, Design, or a related discipline OR equivalent professional distinction recognized at a national or international level.
  • 2+ years of teaching experience in an accredited postsecondary institution with proven expertise in teaching Animation or related digital media.
  • A sustained record of professional or studio-based work in Animation or related digital media, demonstrated through published short/feature films, series work, studio credits, freelance projects, portfolio, and/or client-based productions.
  • Ongoing engagement with contemporary, emerging industry practices and pipelines with demonstrated expertise in 2D animation production workflows, including character animation, scene development, and rigging/puppetry in Toon Boom Harmony. Experience with storyboarding, motion graphics, or visual development pipelines is also valued.
  • Courses taught may include 2D Animation I-IV (motion studies through advanced scene work), Drawing + Acting for Animation, Storyboarding, and Motion Graphics.
  • Candidates should have experience with character animation, performance-based animation, and scene development using Toon Boom Harmony. Experience with puppetry and rigging workflows in Toon Boom Harmony is strongly encouraged.
  • Knowledge of Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop, and After Effects is preferred.

Working Conditions
This position involves teaching in a higher education environment and may include in-person and/or online instruction depending on course assignment. The role may require a flexible schedule, including daytime and evening hours. Work is typically performed in a classroom, studio, and/or computer-based environment and involves regular use of digital tools and software. The position requires interaction with students in both individual and group settings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer