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Associate Animator Jobs in Lanham, MD (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Artist 3 (GA3)

Hanover, MD ยท On-site

$126K - $151K/yr

Produce advanced graphics and animations (e.g., complex technical sequences, layered motion ... OR * Associate's degree (or 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in a related field ...

Graphic Artist 3 (GA3)

Hanover, MD ยท On-site

$126K - $151K/yr

Produce advanced graphics and animations (e.g., complex technical sequences, layered motion ... OR * Associate's degree (or 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in a related field ...

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Associate Animator information

See Lanham, MD salary details

$10

$39

$70

How much do associate animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate animator in Lanham, MD is $39.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate animator?

An Associate Animator is an entry-level role in animation, responsible for creating and refining animations for games, films, or other media. They work under senior animators to develop character movements, environment animations, and special effects. Their tasks may include keyframing, rigging, and refining motion to ensure smooth and realistic animations. Strong proficiency in animation software like Maya, Blender, or After Effects is typically required. This role serves as a foundation for advancing to higher-level animation positions.

What does an associate animator do?

A typical day for an Associate Animator involves collaborating closely with senior animators, designers, and project managers to create and refine animation assets according to project requirements. You may spend time blocking out animation sequences, participating in team reviews, and revising your work based on feedback. Daily tasks often include working in software like Maya or After Effects, attending team meetings to discuss progress, and tracking deliverables to meet production deadlines. This role provides a valuable opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and gradually take on more complex animation assignments as your skills grow.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an associate animator?

To thrive as an Associate Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, artistic design, and a relevant degree or certification in animation, graphic design, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, or Blender is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and open communication skills make candidates stand out in collaborative production environments. These skills are vital for meeting project goals, delivering high-quality animations, and contributing effectively to creative teams.

Is 30 too late to become an associate animator?

Age is not a strict barrier to becoming an associate animator, as many professionals enter the field later in life. Success depends on developing relevant skills such as drawing, animation software proficiency, and building a strong portfolio, regardless of age.

What can you do with an associate animator's degree in animation?

An associate animator's degree prepares individuals for entry-level animation roles such as 2D or 3D animator, character animator, or motion graphics artist. Graduates can work in entertainment, advertising, or gaming industries, often using tools like Adobe Animate, Maya, or Blender, and may need a strong portfolio to secure employment.

What job categories do people searching Associate Animator jobs in Lanham, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Animator jobs in Lanham, MD are:

What cities near Lanham, MD are hiring for Associate Animator jobs?

Cities near Lanham, MD with the most Associate Animator job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Animator job openings in Lanham, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,042 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Associate, Graphics Animation

Milken Institute

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Life, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Senior Associate, Graphics Animation

Full-time Regular Washington, DC, US

Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually

About the Milken Institute

The Milken Institute is a globally minded, publicly supported, non-partisan, and nonprofit think tank headquartered in Santa Monica, with offices in Washington, DC, New York, London, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. For the past three decades, the Milken Institute has served as a catalyst for practical, scalable solutions to global challenges by connecting human, financial, and educational resources to those who need them. Guided by a conviction that the best ideas, underโ€‘resourced, cannot succeed, we conduct research and analysis and convene top experts, innovators, and influencers from different backgrounds and competing viewpoints. We leverage this expertise and insight to construct programs and policy initiatives. These activities are designed to help people build meaningful lives, in which they can experience health and wellโ€‘being, pursue effective education and gainful employment, and access the resources required to create everโ€‘expanding opportunities for themselves and their broader communities.

The Milken Instituteโ€™s events and programmatic activities, involve the exchange of ideas with leaders from around the world. The Institute hosts more than 200 events each year, with our annual flagship event, Global Conference, bringing together 4,500+ participants from around the world, featuring more than 900+ speakers throughout 200+ sessions over the course of the event.

About the Position

The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is looking for a talented Senior Motion Designer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for creating engaging and visually captivating animations and motion graphics for various projects. This role requires a strong understanding of motion design principles and a passion for storytelling through visual media.

Responsibilities

  • Develop creative concepts and storyboards for various projects
  • Create high-quality animations and motion graphics using Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D
  • Collaborate with the creative team to deliver compelling visual content
  • Edit video content and apply color correction and sound design
  • Implement VFX elements to enhance video projects
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
  • Provide constructive feedback and mentorship to junior designers
  • Stay updated on industry trends and motion design best practices
  • Assist in pitching ideas to clients and stakeholders
  • Ensure all content aligns with the brand's vision and objectives
  • Duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in graphic design, Motion Design, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in motion design or a related role
  • Proficiency in Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Illustrator, and composting software (Cinema 4D, Blender, etc.)
  • Experience designing for immersive multiโ€‘LED environments and largeโ€‘scale LED surfaces of varying aspect ratios
  • Strong portfolio showcasing motion design and animation skills
  • Excellent problemโ€‘solving and organizational skills
  • Effective communication and collaboration abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to manage time and meet deadlines
  • Experience with motion AI, videography, video production, and photography is a plus

Working Conditions & Travel Requirements

This position will work in a professional office environment five days a week, with flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for event execution. Please understand, this schedule is subject to change at the Instituteโ€™s sole discretion.

Note

The statements herein are intended to describe the overall nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.

Our Culture

The Milken Institute is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

Every person at the Milken Institute is treated with respect, supported with resources and training, and exposed to a broad range of experiences. We foster a space for growth with opportunities to share knowledge and passion with both clients and colleagues. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our leadership is actively involved in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture that creates opportunities for everyone.

  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Personal, Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity & Paternity)
  • Fertility Support
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSAs)
  • Pet Insurance Discount
  • Training & Development:
  • LinkedIn Learning โ€“over 15,000 selfโ€‘guided classes offered
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