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Animator Jobs in Hawaii (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

$15 - $20/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

$15.50 - $20.75/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 - $20/hr

Experience with motion graphics or animation * Understanding of design principles and current visual trends * Ability to translate technical information into visually compelling content * Strong ...

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Experience with motion graphics or animation * Understanding of design principles and current visual trends * Ability to translate technical information into visually compelling content * Strong ...

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Experience with motion graphics or animation * Understanding of design principles and current visual trends * Ability to translate technical information into visually compelling content * Strong ...

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Experience with motion graphics or animation * Understanding of design principles and current visual trends * Ability to translate technical information into visually compelling content * Strong ...

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Showing results 1-20

Animator information

See Hawaii salary details

$10

$40

$72

How much do animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator in Hawaii is $40.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.74 and $66.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Are animators still in demand?

Animator roles remain in demand in industries such as entertainment, gaming, and advertising, especially for those skilled in digital tools like Adobe Animate or Maya. The job market values creativity, technical skills, and the ability to adapt to new animation technologies, with opportunities available for both freelance and full-time positions.

How do I get a job as an animator?

To get a job as an animator, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your work, gain proficiency in animation software such as Adobe After Effects or Maya, and obtain relevant education or training in animation or related fields. Internships and entry-level positions can provide experience and industry connections, while networking and continuous skill development improve job prospects.

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 specialize in 2D or 3D animation, character design, or visual effects. Job roles include character animator, storyboard artist, motion graphics artist, and visual effects artist.

What are popular job titles related to Animator jobs in Hawaii?

For Animator jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animator jobs in Hawaii look for?

The top searched job categories for Animator jobs in Hawaii are:

What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Animator jobs?

Cities in Hawaii with the most Animator job openings:

Infographic showing various Animator job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,167 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Assistant Professor (3D Animation) (0070059)

University of Hawaii

Honolulu, HI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


University Of Hawaii System rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : UH Manoa, Honolulu, HI
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2026-01806
Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - CALL - School of Cinematic Arts
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Position Number:: 0070059
Description
Title: Assistant Professor (3D Animation)
Position Number: 0070059
Hiring Unit: College of Arts, Languages & Letters, School of Cinematic Arts
Location: Manoa
Date Posted: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: Continuous - application review begins 10/15/2026
Salary Information: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Monthly Type: 9 Month
Tenure Track: Tenure
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Other Conditions: Full-time, tenure track position in 3D Animation to begin Fall 2027, pending position clearance and availability of funds.
As Hawai'i's Film School, School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is at the forefront of cinematic arts education in the Pacific. Located in Honolulu at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, SCA is dedicated to academic and creative excellence through its bachelor of arts degree designed to encourage innovation and collaboration with an emphasis on Hawaii, Pacific, and Asia. Focused in the heart of a state with a robust film and television industry, SCA encourages professional development, mentorship and community engagement through a variety of programs, including internships, master classes, and industry screenings. SCA nurtures and empowers students to develop their own unique voice as storytellers. Exploring cinematic arts forms rooted in personal experience and place-based learning through animation, cinema studies, digital cinema production, and screenwriting.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Teach beginning to advanced courses in 3D animation;
  2. Assist in the development, support, and teaching of a curricular program in animation, stressing multiple theoretical, critical, historical, and technical approaches in the study, design, application, and distribution of animation;
  3. Development of creative works or scholarship in your field of specialization, leading to public screenings and presentations;
  4. Involvement in and presentations at nationally recognized professional organizations/conferences in your field;
  5. Work towards the development of internship opportunities for students;
  6. Supervise animation labs;
  7. Involvement in service to the department, university, and community;
  8. Advise student majors in the animation track; and
  9. Other duties as assigned by the Chair.

Minimum Qualifications:
  1. Terminal degree (i.e., M.F.A. or equivalent) in Animation, Digital Arts, Film/Media Arts,or closely related field from a college or university of recognized standing (degree must be completed by August 2027);
  2. Professional industry experience and accomplishment in 3D animation as demonstrated through the creation, direction, and collaboration of projects that include 3D animation;
  3. Experience teaching college level animation classes;
  4. Demonstrated knowledge and experience across the 3D animation production pipeline, including pre-visualization, modeling, texturing, rigging, character animation, visual effects (VFX), lighting, and rendering, with advanced expertise in one or more of these areas.
  5. Proficiency in industry-standard software suites and specialized applications, including:
    • Unreal Engine, Maya and Adobe Creative Suite
    • ZBrush, Substance Painter, Maxon Cinema 4D or comparable software
  6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially with students, faculty, staff, and administration.

Desirable Qualifications:
  1. Proficiency in and knowledge of 2D animation as demonstrated through creative or professional work.
  2. Advanced and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:
    • 2D animation software including but not limited to ToonBoom Harmony, Storyboard Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable software.
    • Animation history.
  3. Experience in community engagement.

To Apply:
Click on the "Apply" button at the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents:
  1. Letter of application that addresses abilities to meet duties and how minimum and desirable qualifications are met. Applicants should further discuss their suitability, collegiality and enthusiasm for creating and participating in programs across disciplines in a highly collaborative curriculum.
  2. Statement of teaching philosophy;
  3. Curriculum vitae;
  4. Transcript(s) showing highest degree received; copies of transcripts acceptable at time of application, original transcript required at time of hire;
  5. URL link(s) to portfolio, samples, or professional or scholarly work;
  6. List of at least five references and contact information.

Inquiries: Search Committee Chair: Laura Margulies, lmarguli@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/

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About University of Hawaii

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Hawaii, located in Honolulu, HI, US, is an internationally recognized institution of higher learning. Spanning across ten campuses, including one online university, it represents the public system of higher education in the state of Hawaii. Established in 1907, the university operates in the educational services industry, its mission rooted in quality and affordable education for all. It offers over 600 different study programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Some of its unrivaled specialties encompass tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, oceanography, astronomy, electrical engineering, volcanology, and Pacific Islands and Asian area studies.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Honolulu, HI, US

Year founded

1907