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Animator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

J5 Consulting

Software Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Demonstrated experience with graphic design including animation and 3D animation. * Degree(s): Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Graphic Design, Multimedia Development ...

SANS Institute

Senior Multimedia Producer

Bethesda, MD · Remote

Editing, Animation, and Post-Production * Edit and deliver end-to-end video content across formats, balancing speed and quality * Create motion graphics and animation independently * Use tools such ...

SANS Institute

Senior Multimedia Producer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Editing, Animation, and Post-Production * Edit and deliver end-to-end video content across formats, balancing speed and quality * Create motion graphics and animation independently * Use tools such ...

SANS Institute

Senior Multimedia Producer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Editing, Animation, and Post-Production * Edit and deliver end-to-end video content across formats, balancing speed and quality * Create motion graphics and animation independently * Use tools such ...

Defender of Wildlife

Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$79K - $85K/yr

Create motion graphics and animations for specific projects and as visual storytelling support for organizational campaigns. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Provide art direction for ...

SANS Institute

Senior Multimedia Producer

Bethesda, MD · Remote

Editing, Animation, and Post-Production * Edit and deliver end-to-end video content across formats, balancing speed and quality * Create motion graphics and animation independently * Use tools such ...

Meso Scale Discovery

Industrial Designer

Rockville, MD

$88K - $134K/yr

This position develops high-quality 2D and 3D visual assets, animations, technical illustrations, and graphics for promotional, training, and instructional materials. Responsibilities also include ...

MSD

Industrial Designer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$88K - $134K/yr

This position develops high-quality 2D and 3D visual assets, animations, technical illustrations, and graphics for promotional, training, and instructional materials. Responsibilities also include ...

Schmidt Entities

Graphic Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$64K - $92K/yr

Design eye-catching graphics and animations for SCSP's social media channels, ensuring consistency with our brand guidelines and optimizing for each platform's specific requirements. Create digital ...

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All JobsAnimator JobsAnimator Jobs in Reston, VA

Animator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11

$41

$73

How much do animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator in Reston, VA is $41.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $66.63 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animator jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Animator jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Animator jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Animator jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Animator jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Animator job openings:
Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animator job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,439 per year, or $41.1 per hour.
Videographer / Motion Graphics Designer

Videographer / Motion Graphics Designer

Enterprise Technology Services (Etek)

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Salary:

Overview:
Enterprise Technology Services (ETEK) is seeking a talented and experienced Videographer / Motion Graphics Designer to support the Creative Services Branch within the Sales and Marketing Directorate at the U.S. Mint. This role involves developing compelling multimedia content that enhances the visibility of U.S. Mint programs and products across digital channels including usmint.gov, social media platforms, and public engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support videography and motion graphics development in alignment with U.S. Mint branding and communication strategies.
  • Plan, script, storyboard, film, and edit original digital video content including product reels, educational segments, and promotional materials.
  • Direct on-camera participants, including U.S. Mint employees and external partners, ensuring high-quality production standards.
  • Produce and deliver professional 3D animations of coins and numismatic products.
  • Edit and integrate background music (original or royalty-free), voiceovers, and visual effects.
  • Create short-form video content (e.g., social media reels, animated posts) optimized for web and mobile engagement.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders including project managers, graphic designers, and marketing personnel to ensure creative alignment.
  • Adhere to project timelines, file structure protocols, and the Mints Visual Identity Guide (VIG).
  • Maintain and operate video and audio equipment, lighting, and other production gear on-site.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelors degree in Digital Media, Multimedia Design, Film Production, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Demonstrated expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite including Premiere Pro, After Effects, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
  • Experience producing and editing content for federal or commercial branding initiatives.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
  • Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to direct and coach talent on camera with professionalism.
  • Experience with royalty-free music licensing, usage rights, and Section 508 accessibility compliance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in 3D animation production, preferably related to coinage, collectibles, or small-scale product marketing.
  • Familiarity with government marketing standards and branding protocols.
  • Working knowledge of sound editing software and video color correction.