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Character Animation Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Character Animation information

See Houston, TX salary details

$9

$18

$36

How much do character animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for character animation in Houston, TX is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.84 and $23.17 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 Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,875 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Adjunct Professor Digital Media

Houston Christian University

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 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

14th of 619 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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