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Contract Game Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Work with the Animation team to guarantee cohesive execution of the established animation direction across the game, providing constructive feedback as necessary. * Communicate effectively with other ...

Work with the Animation team to guarantee cohesive execution of the established animation direction across the game, providing constructive feedback as necessary. * Communicate effectively with other ...

Animator II

Reno, NV · Hybrid

$110K - $135K/yr

... games. * Bachelor Degree in relevant field (e.g., Computer Graphics, Animation) and strong ... Permanent employment contract and a competitive salary. * Private health insurance for you and your ...

NY · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Significant experience as a Lighting Artist in video games or high-end animation (Senior to Upper ... Contract & Equipment * Status: This is a 1099 Contract position. * Hardware: Artists are ...

Animator II

Reno, NV · Hybrid

$110K - $135K/yr

... games. * Bachelor Degree in relevant field (e.g., Computer Graphics, Animation) and strong ... Permanent employment contract and a competitive salary. * Private health insurance for you and your ...

Do you spend your time thinking about how different game mechanics can come together to create ... effects, and animation to clearly communicate gameplay affordances to players REQUIRED SKILLS ...

Do you spend your time thinking about how different game mechanics can come together to create ... and animation to clearly communicate gameplay affordances to players REQUIRED SKILLS • ...

Senior Facial Character TD (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$98K/yr

Insomniac Games is looking for a new Senior Facial Character TD. In this role, the Senior Facial ... Collaborates with animation, character art, and engineering teams to produce high quality face rigs

New

... and Gaming. Our technology enables creatives to render photo realistically in real-time ... Craft an engaging story that leverages stylized animation to convey important adult themes

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Contract Game Animation information

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$47K

$156K

How much do contract game animation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract game animation in the United States is $149,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Game Animation vs Contract 3D Modeler?

AspectContract Game AnimationContract 3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation software, storytelling, riggingModeling software, sculpting, texturing
Work EnvironmentGame studios, freelance projectsGame studios, freelance projects
Industry UsageHigh in game development, animation studiosHigh in asset creation, game development

Contract Game Animators focus on creating animated sequences, character movements, and rigging for games, emphasizing storytelling and motion. Contract 3D Modelers specialize in building detailed 3D assets, characters, and environments. While both roles often work within the same industry and environment, their core skills and deliverables differ, with animation centered on movement and modeling on asset creation.

Are game animators in demand?

Game animators are in demand due to the growing gaming industry and the need for high-quality visual content. Skills in software like Maya, Blender, or Spine, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects as studios seek talented professionals to create engaging animations for various platforms.

How much do game animators get paid?

Game animators typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level animators may start lower, while experienced professionals with skills in tools like Maya or Blender can earn higher salaries, especially in larger studios or competitive markets.

Is 30 too late to become a contract game animator?

Contract game animation is accessible to individuals of various ages, and starting at 30 is not too late. Success depends on developing relevant skills such as proficiency in animation software like Maya or Blender, building a strong portfolio, and gaining industry experience, which can be achieved at any age with dedication.
More about Contract Game Animation jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Game Animation jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Game Animation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Animation jobs?

The most popular types of Game Animation jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Game Animation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Game Animation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contract Game Animation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,118 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

Insomniac Games

OR • On-site, Remote

$105K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

Insomniac Games is looking for a new Senior Gameplay Animator. The Senior Gameplay Animator is responsible for creating gameplay animation at the highest quality level set by Lead Animators and Animation Directors. They collaborate closely with other disciplines to ensure that animations are integrated into the game, supporting the creative, narrative vision, and technical requirements. The Senior Animator works independently requiring minimal supervision. 

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:  

  • Develop high-quality animations for gameplay characters, ensuring alignment with artistic direction and technical standards. 
  • Collaborate with Designers and Programmers to implement animations in engine using expert skills in Maya and proprietary engine tools.
  • Independently troubleshoot and resolve issues that arise.
  • Ability to utilize motion capture data and hand key animation to create believable characters.
  • Gameplay responsibilities can include hero traversal, combat, boss, gameplay camera cinematography, mission and open world animations at the highest level using advanced skills in game engine tools.
  • Work with the Animation team to guarantee cohesive execution of the established animation direction across the game, providing constructive feedback as necessary.
  • Communicate effectively with other disciplines, including Designers, Programmers, Writers, Project Managers, Art, Audio, Character and Rigging teams, to resolve issues and achieve project goals.
  • Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. 

Computer Skills: Advanced knowledge of Maya, Insomniac proprietary tools (preferred), and a knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. MotionBuilder and Adobe Premiere a plus. Knowledge of common state machine flow in any game engine required.