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Entry Level 3D Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Roblox

3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

We're seeking a talented Senior 3D Animator to join our team at Roblox for a 6-month engagement ... Strong experience in character animation , with a focus on creating believable, game-ready ...

Cinnamon

Technical Animator / Rigger

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

... across animation, comics, games, and more. We believe great stories come from giving talented ... Come in on the ground floor, we're hiring to bring our 3D game development and asset production in ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

2K Games

Senior Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe stylized 3D animation. Exceptional knowledge of how to create and maintain gameplay and AI systems in game engines as they pertain to video game animation. Excellent ...

2K Games

Senior Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe stylized 3D animation. Exceptional knowledge of how to create and maintain gameplay and AI systems in game engines as they pertain to video game animation. Excellent ...

Cinnamon

Technical Artist (VFX / Shaders)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

... animation, and external partnersMore QualificationsStrong 3D graphics skills, including shader creation, materials, and real-time rendering techniques.Experience with game development workflows and ...

Design Works Gaming

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art ... Experience with 3D software a plus * Preferably Blender/Cinema 4D/Maya * Spine Animation software a ...

Design Works Studios LLC

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · Hybrid

Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art ... Experience with 3D software a plus * Preferably Blender/Cinema 4D/Maya * Spine Animation software a ...

Design Works Studios LLC

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · Hybrid

Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art ... Experience with 3D software a plus * Preferably Blender/Cinema 4D/Maya * Spine Animation software a ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level 3D game animator?

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 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 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.

How to start a career in 3D animation?

To start a career as an entry-level 3D game animator, develop skills in 3D modeling and animation software such as Maya or Blender, and build a portfolio showcasing your work. Gaining knowledge of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine and understanding animation principles are also important. Internships or entry-level positions can provide practical experience and industry exposure.

Is there a demand for entry level 3D game animators?

The demand for entry-level 3D game animators is growing due to the expanding gaming industry and increased use of advanced animation tools like Maya and Blender. Employers seek candidates with strong portfolios, basic knowledge of animation principles, and familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine. Entry-level roles often require a relevant degree or certification and offer opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
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Entry Level 3D Game Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level 3D Game 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 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

3D Animator (Short Term)

Roblox

San Mateo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

We're seeking a talented Senior 3D Animator to join our team at Roblox for a 6-month engagement. You'll focus on creating high-quality, foundational character animations for the Roblox platform-specifically basic ability and locomotion sets that bring avatars to life with polish and personality.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to core Roblox avatar experiences used by millions of players worldwide.

You Will:
  • Create and refine a suite of standard locomotion and ability animations, including:
    • Idle poses (variations for personality/stance)
    • Walk, run, sprint cycles
    • Jump, land, fall animations
    • Other basic movement/ability actions as needed
  • Deliver clean, weighty, and expressive animations optimized for Roblox's avatar system (R15 preferred)
  • Iterate quickly based on feedback from animation leads, designers, and engineers
  • Export animations properly for Roblox Studio integration (using compatible formats and best practices)
  • Use SyncSketch (or similar) for review and approval workflows
You Have:
  • Strong experience in character animation, with a focus on creating believable, game-ready locomotion and action animations
  • Excellent acting skills through motion-conveying emotion, weight, timing, and personality in movement
  • Proficiency in FACS-based facial animation (Facial Action Coding System) or equivalent high-quality facial rigging/expression work
  • Expert-level skills in Autodesk Maya for animation production and Tools
  • Familiarity with SyncSketch (or comparable online review/approval tools)
  • Proven track record creating animations for video games (mobile, PC, or console experience a plus)
  • Strong sense of timing, weight, anticipation, follow-through, and polish in game animation principles

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