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Animator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.75 - $19.50/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

New

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.25 - $19/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

New

Childhood Cancer Society

$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

New

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender. Guides students through box modeling, sculpting organic forms, unwrapping UVs, building shader node ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender. Guides students through box modeling, sculpting organic forms, unwrapping UVs, building shader node ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Life Time, Inc.

Pickleball Pro

Urbandale, IA · On-site

Position Summary Teach private pickleball lessons and group programming. Coordinate pickleball leagues and mixers. Embrace and execute student centered learning and rally based teaching. Grow your ...

Life Time

Pickleball Pro

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Position Summary Teach private pickleball lessons and group programming. Coordinate pickleball leagues and mixers. Embrace and execute student centered learning and rally based teaching. Grow your ...

Life Time

Pickleball Pro

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Position Summary Teach private pickleball lessons and group programming. Coordinate pickleball leagues and mixers. Embrace and execute student centered learning and rally based teaching. Grow your ...

Life Time, Inc.

Pickleball Pro

Urbandale, IA · On-site

Position Summary Teach private pickleball lessons and group programming. Coordinate pickleball leagues and mixers. Embrace and execute student centered learning and rally based teaching. Grow your ...

QA Graphics

Be Seen First

Vector/SVG Production Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Our team creates system graphics, floor plan graphics, 3D graphics, equipment graphics, animations, and related visual solutions used by contractors, engineers, facility teams, and building owners.

New

People Inc.

Digital Designer II

Des Moines, IA · Remote

Create digital production art including ad designs, social media assets, email assets, and animations. * Concept and produce custom designs as directed for various digital brand channels including ...

Symmetry

$14.75 - $19.50/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 ...

New

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All JobsAnimator JobsAnimator Jobs in Iowa

Animator information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$37

$65

How much do animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator in Iowa is $37.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.53 and $60.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can animators get?

Animators can work in various fields such as film, television, video game development, advertising, and web design. They create animated content using tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and often collaborate with directors, designers, and clients to produce visual storytelling. Many animators also pursue roles in character design, storyboarding, and visual effects production.

Are animators still in demand?

Animator roles continue to be in demand in industries such as entertainment, advertising, and gaming, especially for those skilled in digital tools like Adobe Animate or Maya. The job market favors candidates with strong portfolios, technical proficiency, and adaptability to new animation technologies.

Is animator a well paying job?

Animator salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but generally, the median annual wage is above the national average for all occupations. Skilled animators with proficiency in industry-standard tools like Maya or Adobe After Effects and a strong portfolio tend to earn higher salaries, especially in entertainment, advertising, or gaming sectors.

What does an animator do?

An animator is a creative professional who designs and creates moving images for films, television, video games, and other forms of media. They use computer software or traditional hand-drawn techniques to bring characters, objects, and scenes to life. Animators often work closely with other artists, directors, and writers to ensure their animations fit the vision of a project. Their work involves storyboarding, character design, and creating sequences that convey emotion and action. Attention to detail and a strong understanding of movement are essential skills for animators.

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 jobs are there for animators?

Animators can work in various fields including film and television production, video game development, advertising, and web design. They create visual effects, character animations, and storyboards using tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender, often working in studios or freelance settings. Many roles require a strong portfolio and proficiency in animation software.

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 Do Animators 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.
More about Animator jobs
What job categories do people searching Animator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Animator jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Animator jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Animator job openings:
Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animator job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 60% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,995 per year, or $37 per hour.

Adventure Ted Creative Board Intern Creative Internship (Graphic Design, Apparel, Animation)

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Internship

Posted yesterday

Job description

About Childhood Cancer Society

Childhood Cancer Society (CCS) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting families battling pediatric cancer, providing financial assistance, emotional support, and unforgettable wish grant experiences.

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character behind our brand. Adventure Ted represents courage, kindness, and resilience, and serves as the face of our storytelling, campaigns, and creative identity across all initiatives.

We are currently preparing for major initiatives including a high-level charity golf outing and a fundraising dinner event with the Mayor of Saddle River, NJ.

Role Overview

We are assembling a select group of creatives to join the Adventure Ted Creative Board, a performance-driven team responsible for shaping and executing the visual identity of CCS across campaigns, events, and media.

Members will work directly with the Founder and Chief Media Officer, contributing to real-world creative tied to high-visibility initiatives. This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ownership, quality, and creative impact.

Creative Tracks

Applicants may focus on one primary area:

  • Graphic Design & Branding

    Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency

  • Apparel Design

    Merchandise concepts, wearable branding, and product design

  • 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

  • Contribute to the visual evolution of the Adventure Ted brand

  • Collaborate with Communications & Partnerships on campaigns and events

  • Work with manufacturing partners to help design items such as clothing, toys, and other products used in fundraising initiatives

  • Participate in structured execution sessions with fast turnaround timelines

  • Maintain high creative standards across all work

What Makes This Different

  • Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership

  • Ownership of real-world creative tied to live events and campaigns

  • Portfolio-building work with real visibility and real-world application

  • A selective, performance-based creative environment

Growth & Advancement Opportunities

  • Top-performing interns may be invited to continue beyond the initial term as Associates within the organization.

  • Advancement is based on execution, consistency, and demonstrated creative ability.

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school’s requirements.

Ideal Candidate

  • Strong design or creative foundation

  • High attention to detail and visual taste

  • Ability to execute quickly without sacrificing quality

  • Self-starter with strong ownership mentality

  • Passionate about meaningful, mission-driven work

Apply