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Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation, establishing the visual tone and quality standards for groundbreaking gaming experiences while ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape the character performance and movement systems of our project. In this role, you'll collaborate ...

teamLFG

Staff Gameplay Animator

$144K - $217K/yr

Do you think a lot about how well-crafted animations create satisfying feedback for players, or how to achieve quality character animation within real time constraints? Come join us at teamLFG! We ...

Jobgether

$100K - $131K/yr

Our partner is looking for a Senior Animator based in Netherlands. This is an opportunity for an experienced animator to contribute to the development of a major upcoming game project. You will ...

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA

They are looking for a FLASH1- Animator/Developer with Knowledge in ActionScript, CSV, XML, and HTML5. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you are available to talk and in the job market.

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA

As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation discipline grows. You'll set vision, mentor artists, evolve pipelines, and hold the quality bar high for a ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation, establishing the visual tone and quality standards for groundbreaking gaming experiences while ...

NetEase Games

Character Performance Animator

Lead the design and execution of performance animation for key story sequences and interactive cinematics, overseeing facial performances, dialogue scenes, and action-driven performances to ensure ...

Launch Focus

2d Animator

Rochester, NY

We are looking for a Lead 2d Animator. Main duties of the job are designing assets, sketching, creating large animations, maintaining style, making vector graphics, and more. Knowledge of Adobe ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator II

Reno, NV · Hybrid

$110K - $135K/yr

Hybrid in Reno, NV What You Will Do As Animator, you will create dynamic 2D animations for characters, environments, and special effects, bringing games to life with engaging visual storytelling. You ...

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA · On-site

They are looking for a FLASH1- Animator/Developer with Knowledge in ActionScript, CSV, XML, and HTML5. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you are available to talk and in the job market.

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation discipline grows. You'll set vision, mentor artists, evolve pipelines, and hold the quality bar high for a ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

The Animator is responsible for designing and creating the motion of computer graphics characters. This role will help lead the development of animation assets to support the execution of the overall ...

Spinplay Games

Senior Technical Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

$101K - $115K/yr

SpinPlay Games is looking for a Technical Animator who enjoys solving technical challenges just as much as creating exceptional animation. This role sits at the intersection of art, design, and ...

IGT

Animator II

Reno, NV · Hybrid

$110K - $135K/yr

Hybrid in Reno, NV What You Will Do As Animator, you will create dynamic 2D animations for characters, environments, and special effects, bringing games to life with engaging visual storytelling. You ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life! Description

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of animators who are tasked with breathing life into the world of BioShock. You will be responsible for ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life! Description

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Animator information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 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.
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Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 58% In-person, and 42% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Staff Gameplay Animator

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE)

Cheyenne, WY • On-site, Remote

$144K - $217K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Are you on a mission to create games that bond players together into deeply invested communities? Would you like to work on something comedic with lighthearted and whimsical characters? Do you think a lot about how well-crafted animations create satisfying feedback for players, or how to achieve quality character animation within real time constraints? Come join us at teamLFG!

We are looking for someone that is excited about the creative art of animation and the technical challenge of turning that animation into world class action gameplay. As a Staff Animator on teamLFG, you will be involved in all stages of gameplay animation from the initial concept of character movement to the creation of final animation. Most importantly, you will work with a fun, diverse, cross-discipline team devoted to building a new universe from scratch on a new franchise at PlayStation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Create high-quality animation content and implement it in a game engine with minimal oversight

  • Collaborate with Design to create compelling player experiences
  • Assume primary ownership of broad character animation deliverables, including locomotion, abilities, interactions, and emotes
  • Mentor other animators about animation style and implementation
  • Collaborate with production to cost out animation work and deliver animation on schedule
  • Collaborate with Art Direction and Animation Leadership to set Animation Style and Quality bars
  • Document animation workflows and best practices

REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Ability to keyframe stylized gameplay animation, as shown by examples of professional or personal work
  • Extensive experience with character animation in Maya
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment
  • Experience with animation systems in Unreal Engine
  • A strong command of animation principles and the ability to apply them within a player experience focused game
  • Ability to problem-solve and drive creative solutions when given ambiguous problems

NICE TO HAVE SKILLS

  • Fighting game animation experience
  • Experience animating to a MOBA style camera
  • Live Service game animation experience

At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.
Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
In addition, this role is eligible for SIE's top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.

This is a flexible role that can be remote, with varying pay ranges based on geographic location. For example, if you are based out of Seattle, the estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.
$144,000-$217,000 USD

Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.

Please refer to ourCandidate Privacy Noticefor more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.

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