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Character Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Side

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

$123K - $130K/yr

About Side Side is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and ... As a 3D Character Artist , you will play a key role in crafting high-quality characters that bring ...

United Parks and Resorts

Costume Character

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Busch Gardens Character Performer Must attend an in-person audition on: Saturday June 28 - check in ... Be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development ...

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Costume Character

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$15.15/hr

What you'll bring to the team Costume Character - Legoland Discovery Center Arizona Got the magic ... Growth and Development: Learn, grow, and take your career to new heights with endless opportunities ...

SeaWorld

Costume Character

Busch, AR · On-site

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as ... Be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development ...

Seaworldentertainment

Costume Character

Busch, AR

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as ... Be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development ...

Merlin Entertainments

Costume Character

Tempe, AZ

$15.15/hr

Costume Character - Legoland Discovery Center Arizona Got the magic to create unforgettable, joy ... Growth and Development: Learn, grow, and take your career to new heights with endless opportunities ...

United Parks & Resorts

Costume Character

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as ... Be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development ...

Absurd Ventures

Lead Character Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Contribute in planning, organization and prioritization of tasks with Production for internal, OS, and co dev partners. * Create and maintain character pipeline documentation for training and ...

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Character Development information

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$29K

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How much do character development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for character development in the United States is $53,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is character design a good career?

Character development as a career involves creating and designing characters for entertainment media such as video games, animation, and comics. It requires artistic skills, knowledge of design software, and an understanding of storytelling. The field offers opportunities in various industries but can be competitive and often requires a strong portfolio and continuous skill development.

What jobs involve character design?

Jobs that involve character design include character artist, concept artist, and animation designer, primarily in industries like video games, film, and animation. These roles require skills in drawing, digital illustration, and familiarity with design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Professionals in this field often work closely with storyboards, character models, and story development teams.

What is character development in storytelling?

Character development refers to the process of creating and evolving characters in a story, making them complex, relatable, and dynamic. It involves establishing a character’s background, personality, motivations, and growth over the course of the narrative. Strong character development helps readers or viewers connect with the story, as characters face challenges and change in meaningful ways. Writers use character arcs, dialogue, and actions to reveal these changes and deepen the audience’s understanding of each character.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in character development within the entertainment industry?

Professionals in character development often face the challenge of balancing creative vision with audience expectations and project constraints. They must collaborate closely with writers, directors, and artists to ensure that characters are compelling, consistent, and evolve naturally within the story. Tight deadlines and frequent revisions are typical, requiring strong communication and adaptability skills. Additionally, staying attuned to cultural trends and sensitivities is crucial to creating relatable and impactful characters.

What does a character developer do?

A character developer creates and refines the personalities, backgrounds, and traits of fictional characters for media such as video games, animation, or film. They collaborate with writers, designers, and artists to ensure characters are consistent and compelling, often using storytelling and design tools. Strong creativity, understanding of narrative, and knowledge of character development techniques are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Character Development Specialist, you need expertise in psychology, education, and behavior management, often supported by a degree in education, counseling, or a related field. Familiarity with assessment tools, curriculum development software, and behavioral intervention systems is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to motivate and mentor others are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure effective guidance and positive growth in individuals, contributing to their overall personal and academic success.

What is the difference between Character Development vs Scriptwriter?

AspectCharacter DevelopmentScriptwriter
Primary FocusCreating and refining characters' personalities, backgrounds, and arcsWriting scripts, dialogues, and storylines for productions
Required SkillsCreativity, understanding of psychology, storytellingWriting, storytelling, script formatting
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, video games, theaterFilm, TV, theater, digital media
Common UsagePart of the pre-production process, often collaborating with writers and directorsLeading the writing process for scripts and screenplays

While both roles involve storytelling, Character Development focuses on creating compelling characters, whereas Scriptwriters craft the entire script and dialogue. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths in the entertainment industry.

How to get a career in character design?

To pursue a career in character design, develop strong drawing skills and a portfolio showcasing original character concepts. Gaining proficiency in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and understanding anatomy, storytelling, and visual style are essential. Many professionals also pursue degrees in art, animation, or related fields and seek internships or freelance opportunities to build experience.
More about Character Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Character Development jobs? Cities with the most Character Development job openings:
What states have the most Character Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Character Development jobs include:
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Character Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,418 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
West Valley - Secondary Character Development Coordinator - 26-27 School Year

West Valley - Secondary Character Development Coordinator - 26-27 School Year

American Preparatory Schools

West Valley City, UT • On-site

$45K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
American Preparatory Academy is seeking a part-time Character Development Coordinator to work with Elementary and Secondary (K-12th grade) students. Under the direction and supervision of the Administrative Director and Secondary Director, the Character Development Coordinator will be responsible for the administration and supervision of the character development program for 5th- 12th grade students.
American Preparatory Academy is an academically rigorous charter school that focuses on a liberal arts education. At American Prep, students are expected to do homework and learn concepts to mastery. We have a wonderful culture at our schools where teachers work collaboratively to help students achieve their full potential. If you want a career where you can work in a positive, supportive, collaborative environment to help students learn, please send us your resume.
Duties/Responsibilities:
The position includes but is not limited to the following list of representative duties:
  • Set the tone of the character development program and act as the point person for all character development activities
  • Participate in event planning and implementation
  • Coordinate various after-hour events throughout the school year
  • Manage facilities and character development resources
  • Perform important administrative and clerical duties related to the character development program
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with nonprofit organizations to provide service opportunities to students
  • Work as a trainer and presenter in order to educate staff members, parents, and students on important character development skills and expectations
  • Mentor staff members who have character development assignments such as council mentors and station instructors
  • Cultivate a team of staff members and parent volunteers who understand and champion the character development program
  • Adapt curriculum designed by Character Development and administrative team to meet state standards
  • Follow predetermined activities and events according to the academic guide outlined in the 180 day plan
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Commitment to the Ambassador mission statement principles and the ability to inspire that same commitment in others
  • Genuine affinity for students and the ability to interact positively with them
  • Willingness and ability to be a self-starter and independent worker; ownership of events and projects
  • Strong work ethic and optimistic attitude
  • Organizational and time-management skills
  • Ability to manage stressful situations and juggle many details and projects at once
  • Understanding and acceptance of the flexible scheduling this job requires including after-hour and weekend commitments
  • Commitment to persevere in the face of resistance or setbacks; a good problem solver
  • Ability to collaborate with others, as well as take direction from superiors
  • Use of diplomacy and tact to diffuse tense situations and build constructive work relationships
  • Strong communication, teaching, and presenting skills
  • Professionalism in dress, grooming, behavior and interactions with others
  • Ability to represent the program in both school and community settings
  • Willingness to participate in ongoing staff training and development
  • Physically and legally able to drive work vehicles, lift up to 30 pounds, and perform physical tasks such as setting up tables and chairs.
Experience/Education:
  • Be energetic, enthusiastic and committed to student success
  • Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Experience working in an educational setting preferred
  • Experience in Social Dance preferred
  • Be able to work well in a teamwork environment, including participation in a coaching model for teaching
Job Benefits:
American Prep offers medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans.
The current salary for this position is $45,000.00.

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