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Apprentice 3D Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. BIM Modeler

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$60K - $123K/yr

Apprenticeship Program, Leadership Training, Skill Building Classes and much more! General Summary ... Creates 3D modeling from sketches and proposals. * Serves as a liaison with clients and other ...

Apprenticeship Program, Leadership Training, Skill Building Classes and much more! General Summary ... Creates 3D modeling from sketches and proposals. * Serves as a liaison with clients and other ...

Apprenticeship Program, Leadership Training, Skill Building Classes and much more! General Summary ... Creates 3D modeling from sketches and proposals. * Serves as a liaison with clients and other ...

Apprenticeship Program, Leadership Training, Skill Building Classes and much more! General Summary ... Creates 3D modeling from sketches and proposals. * Serves as a liaison with clients and other ...

Apprentice 3D Animator information

See salary details

$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

How much do apprentice 3d animator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for apprentice 3d animator in the United States is $63,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice 3D Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice 3D Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, basic modeling, and a relevant qualification or portfolio demonstrating artistic ability. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max is essential, and knowledge of rendering engines or motion capture tools is a plus. Creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure high-quality animations, effective collaboration with creative teams, and the successful realization of project visions.

What types of projects and tasks can an Apprentice 3D Animator expect to work on during the early stages of their role?

As an Apprentice 3D Animator, you can expect to be involved in supporting larger animation projects by creating basic character movements, assisting with scene assembly, and handling animation clean-up tasks. You will often work closely with senior animators and modelers, learning industry-standard software and adapting to the team’s workflow. Early on, you'll likely focus on refining your technical skills and attention to detail, while gradually taking on more complex animations as your proficiency grows. Collaboration and feedback are key, as you'll regularly participate in team reviews and revisions to improve your work.

What is the difference between Apprentice 3D Animator vs Junior 3D Modeler?

AspectApprentice 3D AnimatorJunior 3D Modeler
Required SkillsBasic animation principles, software familiarityModeling, texturing, software skills
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game development, filmModeling studios, game design, visual effects
CertificationsNone mandatory, often entry-levelNone mandatory, entry-level roles
Common TasksAssist in creating animations, learn softwareCreate 3D models, refine textures

The Apprentice 3D Animator focuses on learning animation techniques and assisting in animation projects, while the Junior 3D Modeler specializes in creating and refining 3D models. Both roles are entry-level, often requiring similar foundational skills, but they serve different functions within the 3D production pipeline.

What are apprentice 3D animators?

Apprentice 3D animators are entry-level professionals who are learning the skills needed to create three-dimensional animations for film, television, video games, or other digital media. They work under the guidance of experienced animators, assisting with basic tasks such as modeling, rigging, and animating characters or objects. This role allows them to gain hands-on experience with animation software and industry workflows while building a portfolio and developing their technical and creative skills.
More about Apprentice 3D Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Apprentice 3D Animator jobs? Cities with the most Apprentice 3D Animator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Animator jobs? The most popular types of 3D Animator jobs are:
What states have the most Apprentice 3D Animator jobs? States with the most job openings for Apprentice 3D Animator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Apprentice 3D Animator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.
Adjunct Professor Digital Media

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Houston Christian University rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Adjunct Professor Digital Media
(Graphic Design / Video Game Design / Animation)

Reports to: Dean, College of Arts and Humanities

Job Status: Exempt

Introducing Houston Christian University

At Houston Christian University, our Christian liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs have equipped students to lead, collaborate, and discover out of a deep sense of purpose for more than 60 years. We are driven forward by our central confession, Jesus Christ is Lord, and defined by our Ten Pillars core convictions. From this foundation we guide students confidently into discerning discovery, preparing them to think biblically, critically, and holistically about how to engage the world. We aspire to care for every student by meeting their academic, spiritual, and social needs with mentorship and support. At HCU, we are cultivating a culture of excellence that will mold a new generation of leaders in their communities, standard-setters in their professions, and fruitful disciples in their churches.

HCU is set in the heart of one of the most diverse and fastest-growing cities in the nationand our growth and diversity match the dynamism of the city we call home. We continue to enroll strong freshmen classes, our graduate programs have more than doubled in the past decade, and we are significantly expanding our online programs as well.

The College of Arts & Humanities

The Mission of the College of Arts & Humanities is to provide for all university students robust, cross-disciplinary curricula that cultivate intellectual, moral, and aesthetic virtues within a Christian community.

The Department of Narrative Arts

HCUs Department of Narrative Arts is dedicated to training the next generation of storytellers working in film and animation, video games, fiction and poetry, graphic design, and emerging mediums. We provide a challenging, personalized creative environment for each student to develop their artistic abilities and instincts. Unified by the transformative power of narrative across these artistic mediums, our graduates are equipped to flourish with a wide range of creative, technical, and professional skills.

At the heart of the Narrative Arts departments success is the School of Fine Arts commitment to mentor and educate students towards excellence in artistic creation for the glory of God. We prioritize hands-on field experience, apprenticeship and mentorship, strong understanding of tradition and theory, a clear focus on emerging opportunities, and an essential spiritual foundation for every student.

Position Summary

Houston Christian University seeks an Adjunct Professor to join the Department of Narrative Arts with expertise in Digital Mediaspecifically in Graphic Design, Video Game Design, Animation, or related fields. Adjunct needs change from semester to semester.

Job Responsibilities

  • Teach undergraduate courses in appropriate field(s) within the Department of Narrative Arts Digital Media programs.
  • In relation to applicants relevant fields, course assignments may include: Art Foundations for Digital Artists, 2D Digital Art & Design, 3D Digital Art & Design, Principles of Animation, Animation Production, Intro to Video Game Design, Principles of Game Theory, Gameplay Implementation, Advanced Graphic Design, and Special Topics.
  • Perform related duties as needed.

Qualifications:

  • Applicants should have a terminal degree in a relevant digital media field or substantial professional experience.
  • Applicants must also be able to clearly express how their Christian faith enriches, guides, and undergirds their understanding of creative art and storytelling.
  • Finally, applicants should be able to articulate a vision for the role of his or her discipline at HCU that is supportive of the Ten Pillars Core Convictions; the Ten Pillars Core Convictions may be found at https://hc.edu/about-hcu/ten-pillars/.

Additional Information

Direct questions about this position to Prof. Sarah Robbins, Associate Director of Digital Media Programs (smartin@hc.edu).

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, as adjunct needs change from semester to semester. Interested candidates should complete the online application, which includes three letters of recommendation, a letter of interest, and curriculum vita. Additional materials may be requested at a later date.

Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian liberal arts university dedicated to the development of moral character, the enrichment of spiritual lives, and perpetuation of growth in Christian ideals. HCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University, Scripture and a Christian Worldview, and the Ten Pillars Core Convictions of HCUset forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify as an essential function of their employment at the University. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.

As one of the most diverse universities in the nation, Houston Christian University also strives to build a faculty and staff team that provides role models who embody biblical orthodoxy and ethics for all our students, whatever their background or life experience.

As with all open positions at the University, a contract or employment offer will only be extended when the budget for the position has been confirmed.


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