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Entry Level 3D Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valicy

3D Animator

Greenville, NC

We make games. We also make the machines they run on. What we're building matters. How we treat ... The 3D Animator will work across all aspects of a game's life cycle, owning the responsibility of ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate animations into the game. * Problem-solve ... Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate animations into the game. * Problem-solve ... Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate animations into the game. * Problem-solve ... Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate animations into the game. * Problem-solve ... Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience ...

Valicy

3D Artist

Wilmington, NC

... game engine (importing assets, animation editor, shuriken particle system) Preferred Requirements: - Art degree (Associates or Bachelors) - Experience in casino or mobile gaming industry ...

ZeniMax Media

Animator (First-Person)

Rockville, MD · On-site

$70K - $155K/yr

You have a college education or have had guided training focused on 3D animation. * You are competent in Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender. * You have a passion for gaming and making GREAT games. * You have ...

ARTHREX

3D Artist II

Naples, FL

Requisition ID: 66669 Title: 3D Artist II Arthrex, Inc. is a global medical device company and a ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Game Design/Computer Animation/Visual Effects or similar is ...

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All JobsEntry Level 3D Game Animator Jobs

Entry Level 3D Game Animator information

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$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

How much do entry level 3d game animator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 3d game 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 are some common challenges faced by entry level 3D game animators in a collaborative development environment?

Entry level 3D game animators often face challenges such as adapting to diverse animation pipelines, learning proprietary software or game engines, and meeting tight production deadlines. Collaboration is key, as animators regularly work with designers, programmers, and artists to ensure animations align with gameplay and artistic vision. Communicating feedback, iterating on animations based on team input, and balancing creativity with technical constraints are essential skills to develop in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level 3D Game Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level 3D Game Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, basic 3D modeling, and a relevant degree or portfolio demonstrating your abilities. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating in a team and bringing characters to life. These skills and qualities ensure that animations are technically sound, visually engaging, and consistent with the overall game vision.

What does an entry level 3D game animator do?

An entry level 3D game animator creates basic animations for characters, objects, and environments in video games. They work closely with senior animators and other team members to bring game assets to life, often using software like Maya or Blender. Typical tasks include rigging models, animating movements, and making sure animations meet technical and artistic requirements. Entry level animators may also assist with troubleshooting and optimizing animations for better game performance.

What is the difference between Entry Level 3D Game Animator vs Entry Level 3D Character Modeler?

AspectEntry Level 3D Game AnimatorEntry Level 3D Character Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation, rigging, storytellingModeling, texturing, topology
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation teamsGame studios, character design teams
Common CertificationsPortfolio, basic animation coursesPortfolio, 3D modeling certifications
Industry UsageCreating character movements and animationsDesigning and building character models

While both roles require 3D skills and work in game development, Entry Level 3D Game Animators focus on bringing characters to life through movement, whereas Entry Level 3D Character Modelers specialize in creating the visual models. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles in the gaming industry.

More about Entry Level 3D Game Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level 3D Game Animator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level 3D Game Animator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Game Animator jobs? The most popular types of 3D Game Animator jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level 3D Game Animator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level 3D Game Animator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level 3D Game Animator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level 3D Game Animator jobs are:
Entry Level 3D Game Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level 3D Game Animator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 74% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

3D Animator

Valicy

Greenville, NC

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title: 3D Animator
Department: NC Art
Location: Greenville, NC
Reports To: Art Lead
Status: Exempt
Online portfolio (Required at the time of application) - This can be work-related or personal projects outside of work-related activities
WHO WE ARE:

We are Valicy.

We make games. We also make the machines they run on.
What we're building matters. How we treat people matters more.
OUR MISSION
We exist to create excellent gaming experiences, treat our customers the way we want to be treated, and positively impact people's lives through a culture of care.
Seven values guide how we work. We call it our FIGHTER mindset:
Fun: Enjoy the journey together
Innovative: Consistently pushing new boundaries through creativity
Growth: Committed to growing personally and professionally
Humble amp; Passionate: It’s important to be both
Teamwork: Built on trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, and results
Excellence: Pursuing high standards in everything we do
Relational: Building trust and relationships with customers and teammates


If this is the kind of place you've been looking for, let's talk.


SUMMARY: The ideal candidate has experience with animating characters and assets in a fun, stylized approach. A solid grasp of animation principles demonstrated through character, VFX, and motion graphics animation is essential. The 3D Animator will work across all aspects of a game’s life cycle, owning the responsibility of animation through pre-production to the final milestone. Blending artistic expertise and technical ability, the 3D Animator will bring visually stimulating content to life that will enhance game play-ability and showcase original experiences to a wide player audience.
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Understand company Mission, Vision, and Values and be an ambassador of MVV.
- Collaborate effectively with artists and programmers to create high quality, stylized 3d character animations for games produced by the team
- Rigging and weight painting the prepared 3d characters for animation
- Animate real time popups/motion graphics in 3d space to be used in Unity3D
- Assist in creating entertaining Unity3D transitions to and from game features
- Create high quality animations of characters or key art assets specifically for marketing promotions and sizzle reel videos
- Work with the art team to create dynamic and engaging particle systems in Unity’s Shuriken Particle Editor
REQUIREMENTS:
- A strong portfolio demonstrating understanding of animation principles as they apply to a variety of stylized 3D characters
- Art degree preferred or equivalent work experience
- 1-2 years prior experience in a related position
- Experience developing motion graphics elements for any type of media
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
- Experience in using the Unity3D engine (importing assets, animation editor, shuriken particle system)
- Competency in both Photoshop and After Effects
- Work experience in mobile or casino gaming industries
- Familiarity with VFX pipelines in games
- Knowledge of Unity 3D particle systems
Online portfolio (Required at the time of application) - This can be work-related or personal projects outside of work-related activities
This Job Description is to be used as a guide for accomplishing Company objectives. The description incorporates the most typical duties performed and covers only the primary functions and responsibilities of the position. It is recognized that other related duties not specifically mentioned may also be performed. The inclusion of those duties would not alter the overall evaluation of this position.
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