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Contract Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Mundelein, IL · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Hayward, CA · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

San Jose, CA · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Alameda, CA · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Sonoma, CA · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Fremont, CA · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform ...

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All JobsContract Animation Jobs

Contract Animation information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do contract animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract animation 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 are contract animators?

Contract animators are professionals who create animations for clients or companies on a contractual basis, rather than as full-time employees. They may work independently as freelancers or through agencies, producing animations for films, video games, advertisements, websites, or other media. Their responsibilities typically include developing storyboards, designing characters, and using animation software to bring visual concepts to life. Contract animators often have flexible schedules and may work remotely or on-site, depending on the project's needs. Their contracts can range from short-term assignments to longer projects, depending on the scope and complexity of the work.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract animators when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Contract animators often juggle projects for several clients at once, which can lead to challenges in managing deadlines, adapting to different animation styles, and communicating effectively with diverse teams. Balancing varying expectations and feedback cycles requires strong organizational and time-management skills. Staying adaptable and maintaining clear communication with each client helps ensure project success and fosters positive professional relationships.

What is the difference between Contract Animation vs Freelance Animator?

AspectContract AnimationFreelance Animator
CredentialsTypically requires a portfolio, relevant animation software skills, and sometimes a degree in animation or related fieldSimilar credentials; portfolio and software proficiency are essential
Work EnvironmentUsually employed by a company or agency for a fixed term or projectOperates independently, often from home or personal studio
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in media, advertising, and entertainment industries for short-term projectsUsed across various industries, including advertising, gaming, and independent projects

Contract Animation involves working for a company or agency on specific projects for a set period, often with structured contracts. Freelance Animators operate independently, managing their own clients and schedules. Both roles require strong animation skills and portfolios, but Contract Animators typically work within a team environment, while Freelance Animators have more flexibility and autonomy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Animator, you need strong artistic ability, proficiency in animation principles, and experience with industry-standard tools, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Expertise in software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, Maya, or Blender is typically required, along with familiarity with project management and file-sharing systems. Creativity, time management, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with clients and meeting deadlines. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality animations that align with client expectations and project timelines in a competitive freelance environment.
What cities are hiring for Contract Animation jobs? Cities with the most Contract Animation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs? The most popular types of Animation jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Animation jobs include:
Contract Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Animation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Animator

Half Mermaid Productions

Brooklyn, NY • On-site, Remote

$80K - $100K/yr

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Work With Us on Project D████
Job Description
We are looking for an experienced and talented Senior Gameplay Animator to join the development effort on our exciting new game "Project D."
The project is a third person horror game with experimental narrative, a return to the genre that our director, Sam Barlow, previously explored with Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. Candidates with experience of shipping a third person Unreal title on console are preferred. We're combining AAA experience with indie agility to deliver a big, ambitious game and are assembling a small team to make it happen.
This is a long term contract position on a remote team. Candidates in European timezones are preferred. Our studio is based in Brooklyn, NY and occasional travel to New York City may be required.
Applicants from traditionally marginalized identities within the game industry are highly encouraged to apply. Half Mermaid Productions does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
To apply, please use our Job Application form. Do not email your application, it will not be reviewed if it is not submitted using the Job Application form.
If you have any questions or encounter any issues using our job application form, please email jobs@halfmermaid.co.
Responsibilities
  • Create animations for both grounded, real world human characters and inhuman characters alike
  • Take animations from design spec through key pose to finished animation, creating responsive but authentic motion
  • Collaborate with other departments to implement animations in engine

Skills
Required Skills:
  • Have shipped a character-based game on console
  • High level understanding of combat and grapple animations
  • Fluency in Maya and Unreal Engine 5
  • Strong communication skills, contributing to the productivity and success of working in a remote team environment
  • An appreciation for narrative and psychological horror

Nice-to-Have Skills:
  • Experience working with MGear
  • Proficiency in body and facial rigging
  • Experience with motion capture pipelines and interest in cutting edge technologies to reduce cost and effort for performance capture

Apply