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Character Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar:

Strong experience in character animation , with a focus on creating believable, game-ready locomotion and action animations * Excellent acting skills through motion-conveying emotion, weight, timing ...

Mid-Level/Senior Animator

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$106K - $121K/yr

Able to communicate a character's emotions, weight, and intent through movement. * Defines animation direction and execution even in ambiguous situations. * Organizes direction and drives results ...

$14 - $18.75/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

New

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

New

$15 - $20/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

New

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

New

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

New

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

New

$13 - $17.50/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

New

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

New

$14 - $18.75/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

New

$14.25 - $19/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

New

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

New

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Character Animation information

See salary details

$10

$19

$37

How much do character animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for character animation in the United States is $19.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.
More about Character Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Character Animation jobs? Cities with the most Character Animation job openings:
What states have the most Character Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Character Animation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Character Animation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 63% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Visual Effects Animation Artist

Visual Effects Animation Artist

Anatomage, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 hours ago


Job description

Who is Anatomage?

Founded in 2004, Anatomage is a world-leading health care technology company. Anatomage offers 3D software for anatomy and physiology education including a life-sized virtual dissection platform.

About the Role:

As a VFX and Animation Artist at Anatomage, you will be the driving creative force

behind our real-time simulations and visual effects. While this role requires a

well-rounded 3D generalist skillset including modeling, texturing, and lighting, your

primary focus will be crafting stunning visual effects and lifelike animations.

What You'll Do:

You will utilize your 3D generalist skills - spanning modeling, texturing, and lighting - to

create a variety of digital environments. Your main emphasis will be bringing these

environments to life by executing workflows across both real-time simulation and

character animation within Unreal Engine. You will utilize the Niagara system and

Houdini to create scientifically accurate special effects. You will also handle character

rigging and animation for MetaHumans. While you may have a stronger background or

personal specialization in one of these areas, you will be expected to actively deliver

results across both disciplines, ensuring all assets are technically optimized for our

interactive platforms.

Requirements

Skills and Abilities Required:

Candidates should have a strong 3D generalist foundation in industry-standard software such as Maya, Blender, or Substance Painter for modeling, texturing, and lighting environments. Alongside these generalist skills, candidates must possess deep, hands-on experience in either real-time VFX such as Niagara, Blueprints, Houdini simulation pipelines or advanced character rigging and animation fundamentals including experience with MetaHumans or a strong combination of both. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong organizational skills, artistic talent, and exceptional attention to detail.

* Resume and Portfolio required in order to be considered*

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

Formal education in Art, Digital Arts, 3D Modeling, Animation, Medical Illustration, or a related discipline is preferred. Equivalent professional experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills will also be considered. Minimum 3 years of professional realtime VFX or Animation experience.

Benefits

What We Offer

  • Health, Dental, and Vision care for you and your family
  • 401K savings plan with employer matching
  • Generous PTO leave and paid holidays
  • Casual work culture
  • Commuter benefits
  • On site gym facility
  • Team bonding activities, catered lunches, and free snacks in the office!

About Anatomage

Anatomage has been financially robust and growing for 20 consecutive years.

Anatomage offers the world's first and only life-sized virtual dissection table. Students can learn anatomy and physiology using highly interactive and accurate real human-based digital data. Institutions can offer high quality education without worrying about chemicals, facility costs, and regulatory issues. Hundreds of schools have adopted the Anatomage Table as the main teaching tool for students.

At Anatomage, there is an opportunity to work alongside the best in the field. With a diverse group of people from various technical, clinical, and artistic backgrounds, Anatomage provides a culture where distinguished individuals can work and collaborate in an organic manner. Our team members all bring unique strengths and talents to their group and embrace each other's diverse perspectives. Anatomage offers a distinct work experience with an exceptional opportunity to develop careers. Our philosophy is to foster a dynamic work environment, and we are proud to let our employees' knowledge and responsibilities grow with the company.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $80,000.00- $120,000.00 Annually. This base pay range is for the U.S. and is not applicable to locations outside of the U.S.. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance and location. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

Anatomage is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not offer H1B Sponsorship at this time. Local candidates preferred.