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Effects Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aeologic Technologies

Animator

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Apply typography, transitions, visual effects, sound, and pacing to create polished final content. * Maintain consistent brand identity across all animation and video assets. * Take feedback from ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Create and lead the development of complex animations and dynamic visual effects for EGM (Electronic Gaming Machine) development, including both real-time and pre-rendered content. * Drive and ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

Create high-impact animations and visual effects for real-time and pre-rendered gameplay * Craft storyboards, animatics, and gameplay sequences that maximize excitement * Collaborate with designers ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Create and lead the development of complex animations and dynamic visual effects for EGM (Electronic Gaming Machine) development, including both real-time and pre-rendered content. * Drive and ...

IGT

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

Create high-impact animations and visual effects for real-time and pre-rendered gameplay * Craft storyboards, animatics, and gameplay sequences that maximize excitement * Collaborate with designers ...

Filmless

Freelance Animator & GFX Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

Specifically, you should be able to: • Conceptualize, visualize and design special effects, animation, or other visual images for our clients videos (explainer, promo and interview style) • ...

Design Works Studios LLC

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · Hybrid

After Effects * Photoshop * Illustrator * Red Giant Trapcode Suite (not required but recommended) * Experience with 3D software a plus * Preferably Blender/Cinema 4D/Maya * Spine Animation software a ...

LNW Gaming, Inc.(KAC)

Advanced Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Bring our games to life by creating eye-catching visual effects and animations for slot machines. Work with a group of exceptionally talented artists and animators creating animations that complement ...

Eclipse Gaming Systems, LLC

Core Animator

Duluth, GA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Experience with effects, compositing, creating fluid and natural character animations that demonstrate understanding of physical motion, weight, balance and form. * Experience with Unity.

The Mill

Designer/Animator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Company Description The Mill has been creating world-class visual effects built on creative ... The role of The Mill Designer/Animator is to work with his or her fellow Designers, Senior ...

Lnw

Advanced Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

Bring our games to life by creating eye-catching visual effects and animations for slot machines. Work with a group of exceptionally talented artists and animators creating animations that complement ...

Light and Wonder, Inc.

Advanced Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

Bring our games to life by creating eye-catching visual effects and animations for slot machines. Work with a group of exceptionally talented artists and animators creating animations that complement ...

Mydigicode

2D Animator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Strong experience with After Effects; * Passion for art and Gaming; * Relevant and consistent portfolio; * Gambling/slots animation experience. FUNCTIONS * Deliver high quality animations assets ...

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Effects Animator information

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How much do effects animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for effects 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.

How does an effects animator typically collaborate with other departments during a production?

Effects Animators work closely with departments such as lighting, compositing, and layout to ensure that their visual effects seamlessly integrate with the overall animation. They frequently attend dailies and team meetings to review shots, discuss feedback, and coordinate adjustments. Effective communication with directors and supervisors is essential to understand the creative vision and technical requirements. This collaborative process helps maintain consistency and achieve the desired impact in the final project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an effects animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Effects Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, visual effects, and computer graphics, often backed by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Houdini, and Adobe After Effects, as well as a strong portfolio, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication help Effects Animators collaborate with directors and other team members to achieve the desired visual impact. These skills and qualities are vital to producing high-quality, realistic effects that enhance storytelling and meet production goals.

What is the difference between Effects Animator vs Compositor?

AspectEffects AnimatorCompositor
Required CredentialsAnimation or VFX degree, proficiency in animation softwareVFX or post-production background, compositing software skills
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, film, TV, gamingPost-production houses, film, TV, advertising
Industry UsageCreating animated effects, simulations, particle effectsCombining visual elements, layering, and integrating effects

While Effects Animators focus on creating dynamic visual effects and animations, Compositors specialize in integrating these effects into final scenes by layering and blending multiple visual elements. Both roles require knowledge of visual effects software, but Effects Animators are more involved in the creation process, whereas Compositors handle the seamless integration of effects into the final shot.

Is visual effects a good career?

A career as an effects animator involves creating visual effects for films, games, or commercials, requiring skills in software like After Effects or Houdini. It can be a rewarding field for those with artistic talent and technical ability, but it often involves tight deadlines and competitive entry levels. Success typically depends on building a strong portfolio and staying updated with industry tools and techniques.

What cities are hiring for Effects Animator jobs?

Cities with the most Effects Animator job openings:

What states have the most Effects Animator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Effects Animator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Effects Animator jobs?

For Effects Animator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Effects Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Effects Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

2D Effects Artist (Temporary/Freelance)

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Skydance Media
See more jobs at Skydance Mediaexternal

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking a temporary freelance 2D Effects Animator to explore magical effects for an upcoming feature film. The effects created will help shape the film's visual tone and push its artistic language forward. While the focus will be primarily on magic, there will be additional work in water, fire, smoke, debris, and other elemental effects, all developed to align with the film's artistic aesthetic. You'll work closely with the Visual Development team and report to the Production Designer.

Demo reel or portfolio required, demonstrating a range of 2D effects work. Reels highlighting effects timing, physics, and integration with character performance are strongly preferred over technique reels alone.

Must be in one of the following locations: California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, United Kingdom, or Spain.

Responsibilities
  • Design 2D effects, both hand-drawn and digitally composited, that elevate character performance and enhance the emotional weight and cinematic quality of every scene
  • Collaborate with the Production Designer, show leadership, and Visual Development artists to iterate on and develop magical effects
  • Brainstorm, define, and help establish the visual language for varying styles of magic across the film
  • Maintain consistency and nuance in effects style and timing across sequences, factoring in weight, physics, and elemental performance within a narrative context
  • Apply core animation principles to ensure fluid, believable motion and clear, readable silhouettes
  • Troubleshoot and problem-solve technical and creative effects challenges within pipeline constraints
Requirements
  • 1+ year of experience in 2D animation or visual development, with a focus on effects
  • Traditional 2D animation background
  • Proficiency in relevant animation/effects software (e.g., Photoshop, Nuke, After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint, or similar)
  • Strong grasp of timing, weight, and physics as applied to effects animation
  • Ability to take direction and iterate quickly
  • Creative mindset with the ability to conceptualize ideas and bring them to life

The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA or the Tri-State Area (New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey) is $115,00-140,000 annually. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors. The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc.

This compensation range is not applicable to the United Kingdom and Spain.

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