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Character Animation Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Motion Graphics Designer, Creative X

New York, NY

$122K/yr

Background in 3D animation, character animation, or generative motion techniques applied to product or brand contexts About Meta: Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities ...

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All JobsCharacter Animation JobsCharacter Animation Jobs in New York

Character Animation information

See New York salary details

$11

$20

$41

How much do character animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for character animation in New York is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $26.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

How do you become a character animator?

To become a character animator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field, along with strong skills in drawing, storytelling, and computer software such as Maya or Blender. Building a portfolio with animated reels and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions are important steps. Proficiency in timing, anatomy, and character development is essential for success in this role.
Character Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Animation job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,411 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Character Animation Expert - AI Focus

Mercor

New York, NY

$60 - $90/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Character and Facial Animation Consultant
Type: Contract
Compensation: $60–$90/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Establish evaluation standards. Define criteria for capturing performance in emotional resonance and physical fidelity. Identify where current evaluations fall short.
  • Curate benchmarks. Identify examples of performances that are easy and hard to capture. Ensure the model has meaningful tests.
  • Shape the evaluation pool. Define the profile, expertise mix, and rubric for human reviewers assessing outputs at scale.
  • Collaborate with other experts. Work with fellow subject-matter experts to maintain consistent and accurate evaluations.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • 4+ years as a hands-on character animator with human or character performance as your core craft.
  • Verifiable credits on 2 or more feature films, animated features, or AAA game cinematics.
  • Experience with facial animation and/or performance capture.
  • Meticulous eye for micro-expressions and emotional beats.
  • AI proficiency with tools and workflows.
  • Ability to translate complex visual details into clear language.
  • Able to work on-site in Playa Vista (Los Angeles), CA or New York, NY once or twice a month.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.