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Character Animation Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Jobgether

Collaborate closely with animators, gameplay programmers, and design teams to prototype and implement combat features. * Take character concepts through the full production cycle, from early ideation ...

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Character Animation information

See Missouri salary details

$9

$17

$35

How much do character animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for character animation in Missouri is $17.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will AI replace animators?

AI can automate certain repetitive tasks in character animation, such as in-betweening and motion capture processing, but it is unlikely to fully replace animators. Skilled animators are needed to create creative, expressive, and nuanced performances that AI tools currently cannot replicate entirely. The role of character animators will evolve to incorporate AI as a tool to enhance productivity and creativity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Character Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Character Animator, you need a strong understanding of animation principles, storytelling, and anatomy, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects, as well as familiarity with rigging and motion capture, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help animators bring characters to life and work effectively within production teams. These skills and qualities are essential for creating engaging, believable animations that meet both artistic vision and production deadlines.

What art-related jobs are about $80,000 a year?

In the field of character animation, senior roles such as Lead Animator or Animation Director often earn around $80,000 or more annually, especially with experience and in larger studios. These positions typically require strong skills in software like Maya or Blender, a solid portfolio, and often involve overseeing projects or teams. Salaries can vary based on location, company size, and individual experience.

Does Disney hire animators?

Yes, Disney hires character animators to work on their animated films and projects. These roles typically require strong drawing skills, proficiency in animation software like Maya or Toon Boom, and a portfolio demonstrating animation ability. Disney often looks for candidates with relevant education and experience in animation or related fields.

How do character animators typically collaborate with other departments during a production?

Character animators frequently work closely with modelers, riggers, storyboard artists, and directors to ensure that animated characters move and emote consistently with the project’s vision. Regular meetings and feedback sessions are common, allowing animators to address notes from the creative team and make necessary adjustments. This collaborative environment helps maintain continuity and quality, and also provides opportunities for animators to learn from other disciplines and contribute creatively to the storytelling process.

What is the difference between Character Animation vs 3D Modeler?

AspectCharacter Animation3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating movement and performance for charactersDesigning and building 3D models, including characters
Skills NeededAnimation principles, timing, riggingModeling, topology, texturing
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game companies, film productionVFX studios, game development, animation studios
Common CertificationsAnimation courses, rigging and character setup3D modeling certifications, software proficiency

While both roles involve working with 3D assets, Character Animation focuses on bringing characters to life through movement, whereas 3D Modelers create the detailed models that serve as the foundation for animation. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or skill development focus.

What does a Character Animator do?

A Character Animator creates and brings to life digital characters through movement, facial expressions, and gestures using animation software such as Maya or Adobe Animate. They work closely with storyboards, voice actors, and directors to ensure characters convey the intended emotions and actions, often working within tight deadlines in a collaborative environment.

What is character animation?

Character animation is the process of bringing animated characters to life using movement and expression. Animators use digital tools or traditional techniques to create believable motions, gestures, and facial expressions that convey a character’s personality and emotions. This field is essential in industries such as film, television, video games, and advertising. Character animators collaborate closely with other artists and directors to ensure characters fit seamlessly into the story and environment. The work requires creativity, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of human and animal movement.
What are popular job titles related to Character Animation jobs in Missouri? For Character Animation jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Character Animation jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Character Animation jobs in Missouri are:
Character Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Animation job openings in Missouri as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 68% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,220 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Character Designer

Jobgether

On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Character Designer based in Netherlands.

This role offers the opportunity to shape memorable, gameplay-driven characters at the core of a highly ambitious video game project. You will be responsible for designing characters that are not only visually compelling but also deeply integrated into combat mechanics, abilities, and player experience. Working in a highly collaborative game development environment, you will partner closely with animators, gameplay programmers, and designers to bring characters from early concept through full production and release. Your work will directly influence how players interact with and experience combat systems, making character design a central pillar of gameplay innovation. The environment is creative, iterative, and highly hands-on, with a strong focus on prototyping, player feedback, and continuous refinement. This is a role for a designer who thrives on blending artistic vision with gameplay functionality in modern game development.

Accountabilities
  • Design and develop gameplay-driven characters, ensuring they integrate meaningfully into combat systems and player experience.
  • Identify opportunities to introduce engaging gameplay hooks through character design, abilities, and mechanics.
  • Collaborate closely with animators, gameplay programmers, and design teams to prototype and implement combat features.
  • Take character concepts through the full production cycle, from early ideation to final in-game implementation.
  • Design and refine combat mechanics, weapons, abilities, and character-specific systems with a focus on balance and player engagement.
  • Use player feedback, analytics, and gameplay metrics to iterate and improve character designs.
  • Support hands-on prototyping in collaboration with engineering and design teams, including working with Unreal Engine workflows.
  • Ensure clear documentation and communication of character design intent, mechanics, and iteration updates.
  • Contribute to maintaining consistency in character identity, gameplay clarity, and overall game experience.
  • Continuously refine designs based on testing, balancing, and live or playtest feedback.
Requirements
  • At least 2 years of experience as a Character Designer or similar role on shipped game titles.
  • Proven experience taking character designs from concept through to full production and release.
  • Strong passion for third-person action and combat-focused gameplay systems.
  • Deep understanding of character design principles including strengths, weaknesses, counterplay, and gameplay balance.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating original, thematic, and gameplay-integrated character designs.
  • Experience working in iterative, prototype-driven development environments.
  • Familiarity with Unreal Engine 5, including Blueprint-based workflows for ability or gameplay prototyping.
  • Strong collaboration skills with animators, engineers, and cross-functional game development teams.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly articulate design intent.
  • Strong interest in gameplay systems and how character design influences player experience and engagement.
  • Ability to respond to feedback and iterate quickly in a fast-paced creative environment.
Benefits
  • Fully remote working model with flexibility to work from almost anywhere.
  • Generous paid time off allowance.
  • Additional studio-wide closures during summer and winter holidays (separate from PTO).
  • Private medical and dental healthcare coverage.
  • Private mental health support scheme.
  • Annual health and wellbeing allowance.
  • Discretionary performance-based studio bonus.
  • High-quality equipment provided for home workspace setup.
  • Flexible, trust-based culture focused on outcomes over hours worked.
  • Strong emphasis on autonomy, creativity, and ownership of work.
  • Inclusive and collaborative environment centered on continuous improvement and craft excellence.
How Jobgether works:
We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.
We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!
 Why Apply Through Jobgether? 
 
Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.
 
 
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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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