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Contract 3D Character Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US AI

Contract Animator

Rockville, MD · On-site

Create 2D and/or 3D animations for marketing, product, and brand storytelling * Develop motion graphics for videos, product demos, social media, web, and presentations * Collaborate with marketing ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of character performance, form, gesture, and ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of character performance, form, gesture, and ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of character performance, form, gesture, and ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of character performance, form, gesture, and ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of character performance, form, gesture, and ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of character performance, form, gesture, and ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT

Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or gaming assets will not be considered. * Expert proficiency in industry-standard 3D software such as ...

Spellbrush

3D Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

You're good at 3D character animation Bonus if you have used mocap and understand the mocap workflow at a studio. Bonus for having your assets on the Unity store. You're excited about the potential ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site

... of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The ... The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as ...

POWERHOUSE ANIMATION STUDIOS I

2D Animator

Austin, TX · On-site

$34.13/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Contract Dates: August 24, 2026 - February 12, 2027 * Rate: $34.13 per hour * Project Hours: 40 ... Experienced 2D animator with a strong command of character acting and performance. * Proficiency in ...

Epic Games

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA

In regards to a contract job with one of our client in Torrance, CA. They are looking for a FLASH1 ... Qualified candidate must be competent in compiling 2D/3D illustration sequences, video, web and ...

Swaybox Studios

3D Tracking Artist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

The 3D Tracking / Matchmove Artist will focus on tracking environments and character features (such as: face, hands, legs, etc.) with a handoff to the layout, animation, and compositing teams. This ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT

Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or gaming assets will not be considered. * Expert proficiency in industry-standard 3D software such as ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or gaming assets will not be considered. * Expert proficiency in industry-standard 3D software such as ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract 3D Character Animator Jobs

Contract 3D Character Animator information

See salary details

$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

How much do contract 3d character animator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract 3d character animator in the United States is $63,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract 3D Character Animator vs 3D Modeler?

AspectContract 3D Character Animator3D Modeler
Primary FocusAnimating 3D characters and bringing them to lifeCreating and designing 3D models and assets
Skills RequiredAnimation techniques, storytelling, riggingModeling, texturing, topology
Work EnvironmentFilm, gaming, advertising projectsGame development, film, product visualization
Common CertificationsAnimation software proficiency (Maya, Blender)Modeling software proficiency (3ds Max, ZBrush)

While both roles require expertise in 3D software, Contract 3D Character Animators focus on bringing characters to life through movement and performance, whereas 3D Modelers concentrate on creating detailed models and assets. Both roles often collaborate in the same industry settings, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Contract 3D Character Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract 3D Character Animator jobs? Cities with the most Contract 3D Character Animator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Character Animator jobs? The most popular types of 3D Character Animator jobs are:
What states have the most Contract 3D Character Animator jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract 3D Character Animator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract 3D Character Animator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract 3D Character Animator jobs are:
Contract 3D Character Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract 3D Character Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Contract Animator

US AI

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development

WHO WE ARE

US AI stands as a forward-thinking digital transformation enterprise, dedicated to enabling individuals to achieve remarkable feats through cutting-edge technology. As a leader in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Self-Healing Infrastructure, we are actively seeking top-tier talent to spearhead the commercialization of groundbreaking products and propel our business to new heights.
If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital realm, then this is the place for you. Come work with us, and let’s redefine the future together.
Engagement Type: Contract / Freelance
Duration: [e.g., 1–3 months, with potential extension]
Hours: [e.g., 20–40 hours per week]
Role Overview
We are seeking a talented Contract Animator to bring ideas, products, and stories to life through compelling motion design and animation. This role will support marketing, brand, and product initiatives by creating high-quality animated content for digital channels, presentations, and events.
The ideal candidate blends strong visual storytelling with technical execution, works efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and can translate abstract concepts into clear, engaging visuals.
Key Responsibilities
  • Create 2D and/or 3D animations for marketing, product, and brand storytelling
  • Develop motion graphics for videos, product demos, social media, web, and presentations
  • Collaborate with marketing, product, and creative teams to interpret briefs and storyboards
  • Translate complex ideas (e.g., AI technology, data, workflows) into clear visual narratives
  • Apply animation principles, timing, and pacing to deliver polished, professional results
  • Iterate on feedback quickly while maintaining quality and consistency
  • Manage multiple animation projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
  • Prepare final assets in required formats for distribution across channels

Required Qualifications
  • Proven experience as an animator or motion designer (portfolio required)
  • Strong skills in animation fundamentals (timing, spacing, composition, storytelling)
  • Proficiency in tools such as After Effects, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, Photoshop, and/or Cinema 4D, Blender, or similar
  • Experience animating typography, icons, UI elements, and visual metaphors
  • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a contract environment
  • Strong communication skills and openness to feedback
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience creating animations for B2B, SaaS, or technology companies
  • Familiarity with product demos, explainer videos, or brand videos
  • Basic understanding of video editing, sound design, or compositing
  • Experience working from brand guidelines and design systems
  • Knowledge of Figma, Storyboard Pro, or similar collaboration tools
Deliverables May Include
  • Short-form animated videos (15–90 seconds)
  • Explainer or product overview animations
  • Motion graphics for presentations and events
  • Social media animations and digital ads
  • Looping animations for web or booth displays
Why Work With Us
  • Opportunity to shape high-visibility brand and product content
  • Potential for ongoing work beyond the initial contract
Please submit:
  • A link to your portfolio or reel
  • A brief note on your availability and contract rate
  • Any relevant examples of marketing, product, or explainer animations