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Animator Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Explico

Senior Artist

Detroit, MI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR The ideal candidate will be familiar with handling all aspects of the 3D workflow from modeling, lighting, texturing, animation, and rendering. We are looking for the type of ...

KORTX

Rich Media Designer

Berkley, MI · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Contribute new rich media concepts, interaction patterns, animation treatments, and reusable creative templates that can strengthen KORTX's go‑to‑market offering. * Stay current on digital ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Detroit, MI · 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

Ann Arbor, MI · 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 ...

Jobsbridge

iOS Developer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$47.50 - $65.50/hr

Qualifications Core Data, Core Animation, Core Graphics,Core Text,APIs Additional Information Only GC/Citizen/OPT/EAD

General Motors

Advanced UX Insight Designer

Warren, MI · On-site

In this role, you will frame and communicate visions of the future and propose new vehicle experience opportunities for GM through conceptual visualization, animation, prototyping, and 2D/3D design.

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Ann Arbor, MI · 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

Detroit, MI · 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 ...

V2Soft

Frontend Developer

Birmingham, MI

$99K - $115K/yr

Basic animation, video and design knowledge. Beginner level knowledge of code repository systems (I.e SVN / Git) Creative toolset knowledge and expertise (e.g. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.

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All JobsAnimator JobsAnimator Jobs in Detroit, MI

Animator information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$10

$39

$69

How much do animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator in Detroit, MI is $39.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $63.32 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.
More about Animator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animator jobs in Detroit, MI?

The most popular types of Animator jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What are popular job titles related to Animator jobs in Detroit, MI?

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

What job categories do people searching Animator jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Animator jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Animator jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Animator job openings:

Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animator job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 58% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,151 per year, or $39 per hour.

Senior Artist

Explico

Detroit, MI • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Work with engineers to create visualizations that assist in analysis and presentation of cases.

  • Develop and manage 3D models, lighting, texturing, animation, and rendering workflows using Blender.

  • Produce visual content depicting accidents, injuries, and fatalities for forensic analysis and courtroom presentation.

Job description

Explico is seeking senior level visualization professionals for our Detroit or Denver office.

WHO WE ARE

Explico is an employee-owned forensic engineering firm dedicated to uncovering the truth through scientific rigor and objective analysis. In an industry increasingly shaped by financial interests, we remain focused on the integrity of our work, the people who do it, and the long-term impact we leave behind. Our multidisciplinary team- spanning accident reconstruction, biomechanics, human factors, and more- comes together around a shared commitment to the craft of investigation, not just the business of it.

We are proud to lead the development of the next generation of experts.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Explico is looking for a talented Senior Artist in our Detroit or Denver offices. We are a forensic engineering firm and often create visualizations to both assist in our analysis as well as present to jurors in trial. We are looking for someone who can work with our engineers to effectively perform and communicate our analyses in a visually pleasing manner.

Please be aware that this position involves imagery and visualizations depicting accidents, injuries, and/or fatalities. Candidates should be comfortable working with this content.

This is a hybrid position, requiring work at the office at least three days per week. Explico believes that in-person interaction is critical to our teamwork-centric culture.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The ideal candidate will be familiar with handling all aspects of the 3D workflow from modeling, lighting, texturing, animation, and rendering. We are looking for the type of person that has a strong attention to detail and is capable of effectively managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS
  • Experience and/or formal education in 3D computer graphics as a technical artist
  • Blender experience (Other software can be used for asset creation, but the final scene will be in and rendered from Blender.)
  • 3D animation experience (largely mechanical animation, for example an explainer video on how bicycle brakes work)
  • Environment creation (hard surface modeling required, no kit bashing)
  • Ablility to take a project from start to finish
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
  • Camera tracking experience a plus (PFTrack, Syntheyes or manual tracking)
  • Unreal/Unity experience a plus
  • Additional technical education in math and science would be helpful
WHAT WE OFFER
  • Competitive compensation and benefits with quarterly and annual bonus opportunities
  • Training in advanced simulation tools and techniques
  • Paid time off (10 holidays, 15 vacation days, 10 sick days)
  • 401(k) match up to 6%
  • Full healthcare coverage (medical, vision, and dental)
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Educational assistance program
  • Work on nationally visible, high-impact cases

Explico is an equal opportunity employer, including disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristic.

To request disability accommodations during the application process, please call Explico's main line at 248-731-5197 and ask to speak with Human Resources.

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