We are looking for a great Character Animator to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This ...
We are looking for a great Character Animator to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This ...
Character Animator - Generative AI Experiences SW
$150K - $277K/yr
We are looking for a great Character Animator to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This ...
Character Animator - Generative AI Experiences SW
$150K - $277K/yr
We are looking for a great Character Animator to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This ...
Selected animators will help establish professional evaluation standards, curate challenging benchmark examples, and define how AI-generated character performances should be assessed.Key ...
Selected animators will help establish professional evaluation standards, curate challenging benchmark examples, and define how AI-generated character performances should be assessed.Key ...
Selected animators will help establish professional evaluation standards, curate challenging benchmark examples, and define how AI-generated character performances should be assessed.Key ...
Selected animators will help establish professional evaluation standards, curate challenging benchmark examples, and define how AI-generated character performances should be assessed.Key ...
Character and Facial Animation Consultant
$60 - $90/hr
... animator, with character and human performance as a primary area of expertise. * Verifiable credits on two or more feature films, animated productions, or AAA game cinematics produced by recognized ...
Character and Facial Animation Consultant
$60 - $90/hr
... animator, with character and human performance as a primary area of expertise. * Verifiable credits on two or more feature films, animated productions, or AAA game cinematics produced by recognized ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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 ...
Posted today
Quick apply
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 ...
Posted today
Staff Gameplay Animator
OR · On-site +1
Do you think a lot about how well-crafted animations create satisfying feedback for players, or how to achieve quality character animation within real time constraints? Come join us at teamLFG! We ...
Staff Gameplay Animator
OR · On-site +1
Do you think a lot about how well-crafted animations create satisfying feedback for players, or how to achieve quality character animation within real time constraints? Come join us at teamLFG! We ...
Define production guidelines and animation standards for facial performances, dialogue scenes, and character acting, driving scalable and efficient content creation workflows while continuously ...
Define production guidelines and animation standards for facial performances, dialogue scenes, and character acting, driving scalable and efficient content creation workflows while continuously ...
Staff Gameplay Animator
Cheyenne, WY · On-site +1
$144K - $217K/yr
Assume primary ownership of broad character animation deliverables, including locomotion, abilities, interactions, and emotes * Mentor other animators about animation style and implementation
Staff Gameplay Animator
Cheyenne, WY · On-site +1
$144K - $217K/yr
Assume primary ownership of broad character animation deliverables, including locomotion, abilities, interactions, and emotes * Mentor other animators about animation style and implementation
Staff Gameplay Animator
$144K - $217K/yr
Assume primary ownership of broad character animation deliverables, including locomotion, abilities, interactions, and emotes * Mentor other animators about animation style and implementation
Staff Gameplay Animator
$144K - $217K/yr
Assume primary ownership of broad character animation deliverables, including locomotion, abilities, interactions, and emotes * Mentor other animators about animation style and implementation
Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation. * Develop the timing and pace of the movement of characters or objects during the sequence of images. * Manage shot/sequence responsibilities within ...
Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation. * Develop the timing and pace of the movement of characters or objects during the sequence of images. * Manage shot/sequence responsibilities within ...
Expression of Interest - Animator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1
Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation. * Develop the timing and pace of the movement of characters or objects during the sequence of images. * Manage shot/sequence responsibilities within ...
Expression of Interest - Animator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1
Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation. * Develop the timing and pace of the movement of characters or objects during the sequence of images. * Manage shot/sequence responsibilities within ...
You'll focus on creating high-quality, foundational character animations for the Roblox platform-specifically basic ability and locomotion sets that bring avatars to life with polish and personality.
You'll focus on creating high-quality, foundational character animations for the Roblox platform-specifically basic ability and locomotion sets that bring avatars to life with polish and personality.
Character Animation Lead
Cary, NC · On-site
What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Character Animation Director to join our Special Projects team to help drive the vision and execution of character animation across experimental and ...
Character Animation Lead
Cary, NC · On-site
What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Character Animation Director to join our Special Projects team to help drive the vision and execution of character animation across experimental and ...
Expert knowledge in key frame creature & character animation of Max/Maya using FK and IK in a variety of styles * Expertise in knowledge of creature anatomy, motion, weight, acting and timing applied ...
Expert knowledge in key frame creature & character animation of Max/Maya using FK and IK in a variety of styles * Expertise in knowledge of creature anatomy, motion, weight, acting and timing applied ...
Lead 3D Animator - Virtual Reality
Irvine, CA · On-site +1
Expert knowledge in key frame creature & character animation of Max/Maya using FK and IK in a variety of styles * Expertise in knowledge of creature anatomy, motion, weight, acting and timing applied ...
Lead 3D Animator - Virtual Reality
Irvine, CA · On-site +1
Expert knowledge in key frame creature & character animation of Max/Maya using FK and IK in a variety of styles * Expertise in knowledge of creature anatomy, motion, weight, acting and timing applied ...
Technical Animator
$90K - $110K/yr
Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly apply animation principles to in-game animation: timing, acting, & body mechanics. * Experience with ...
New
Technical Animator
$90K - $110K/yr
Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly apply animation principles to in-game animation: timing, acting, & body mechanics. * Experience with ...
New
Technical Animator
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly apply animation principles to in-game animation: timing, acting, & body mechanics. * Experience with ...
New
Technical Animator
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly apply animation principles to in-game animation: timing, acting, & body mechanics. * Experience with ...
New
Technical Animator
$90K - $110K/yr
Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly apply animation principles to in-game animation: timing, acting, & body mechanics. * Experience with ...
New
Quick apply
Technical Animator
$90K - $110K/yr
Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly apply animation principles to in-game animation: timing, acting, & body mechanics. * Experience with ...
New
Character Animator information
See salary details
$15.67 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$10.58 - $16
27% of jobs
$16 - $21.42
0% of jobs
$21.42 - $26.84
19% of jobs
The median wage is $28.50 / hr.
$26.84 - $32.26
14% of jobs
$32.26 - $37.67
4% of jobs
$37.67 - $43.09
0% of jobs
$43.09 - $48.51
0% of jobs
$48.51 - $53.93
0% of jobs
$59.11 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$53.93 - $59.35
12% of jobs
$59.35 - $64.77
6% of jobs
$64.77 - $70.19
18% of jobs
$10
$39
$70
How much do character animator jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for character animator in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a character animator?
A Character Animator is a professional who creates animated characters for films, television, video games, and other media. They use specialized software to bring characters to life, designing their movements, expressions, and behaviors to convey emotions and tell stories. Character Animators collaborate with artists, directors, and other animators to ensure the animation fits the project's style and vision. Their work is essential in making characters appear believable and engaging to audiences.
What are some common challenges character animators face when working on collaborative animation projects?
Character Animators often work as part of multidisciplinary teams alongside modelers, riggers, and directors, which can present challenges in maintaining consistency and meeting creative visions. Communication is key, as animators must interpret feedback from multiple stakeholders and quickly adapt to changes in storyboards or character designs. Managing tight deadlines while ensuring smooth, believable character movement also requires strong organizational and time management skills. Collaboration tools and regular team check-ins help address these challenges and keep projects moving forward efficiently.
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 strong artistic abilities in drawing and movement, a solid understanding of animation principles, and often a relevant degree in animation or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, or Blender is typically required, and a strong portfolio is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for bringing characters to life convincingly and ensuring seamless integration into larger creative projects.
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 motion. Proficiency in animation software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, or Autodesk Maya is essential, and building a portfolio of animated work helps demonstrate your abilities to employers.
More about Character Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Character Animator jobs?
Cities with the most Character Animator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Animator jobs?
The most popular types of Character Animator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Character Animator jobs?
The top employers for Character Animator jobs are:
What states have the most Character Animator jobs?
States with the most job openings for Character Animator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Character Animator jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Character Animator jobs are:
Full-time
Re-posted 5 days ago
Apple rating
8.0
Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
7th of 30 rated technology retailers
Job description
At Apple, we strive to make great products that empower people and improve their lives. We are looking for a great Character Animator to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This position focuses on creating high-quality, stylized character animation with emphasis on creative expression, performance, and facial animation to push the limits of the next generation of interactive computing.
Description
This role requires a deep understanding of animation artistry, technical proficiency in Maya, and the ability to work within real-time constraints while maintaining high creative standards.
Minimum Qualifications
Solid grasp on the traditional principles of animation
Experience in expressive facial animation
Expert level of knowledge of Autodesk Maya
Understanding of technical constraints in real-time environments
Great at providing and receiving feedback
Ensure animations run efficiently across target platforms and use cases, both real time with frame rate budgets and non-real time
Preferred Qualifications
USD format and workflow familiarity
Experience with procedural animation techniques
Motion capture cleanup and performance enhancement experience
Experience with real-time game engines (Unity, Unreal, or proprietary engines)
Experience with non-linear animation systems, animation statemachines and/or motion matching techniques.
Skilled in modeling and rigging is a plus
Description
This role requires a deep understanding of animation artistry, technical proficiency in Maya, and the ability to work within real-time constraints while maintaining high creative standards.
Minimum Qualifications
Solid grasp on the traditional principles of animation
Experience in expressive facial animation
Expert level of knowledge of Autodesk Maya
Understanding of technical constraints in real-time environments
Great at providing and receiving feedback
Ensure animations run efficiently across target platforms and use cases, both real time with frame rate budgets and non-real time
Preferred Qualifications
USD format and workflow familiarity
Experience with procedural animation techniques
Motion capture cleanup and performance enhancement experience
Experience with real-time game engines (Unity, Unreal, or proprietary engines)
Experience with non-linear animation systems, animation statemachines and/or motion matching techniques.
Skilled in modeling and rigging is a plus
About Apple
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Cupertino, CA, US
Year founded
1976