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Entry Level 3D Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thatgamecompany

Technical Game Designer

$80K - $140K/yr

Any interactive system applies - procedural animation, cloth simulation, player controls, AI ... Maya or 3D game engines * Portfolio of your work * Ok to take a test as part of our process Nice to ...

Kensoft Inc.

3D Artist

New York, NY · Remote

$55/hr

About the Role We are looking for a talented and creative 3D Artist to join our team. The ... Experience with animation, game development, product visualization, or VFX is an advantage.

thatgamecompany

Technical Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$80K - $140K/yr

Any interactive system applies -- procedural animation, cloth simulation, player controls, AI ... Maya or 3D game engines * Portfolio of your work * Ok to take a test as part of our process Nice to ...

Leland

Animation & CGI Coach

$108K - $123K/yr

This role includes helping students develop core animation techniques and 3D modeling skills, along ... film animation, game animation, and virtual reality design. Additional support includes skill ...

SAIC

3D Environmental Artist

Orlando, FL · On-site

Game Art * Digital Media * Animation * Visual Effects (VFX) * Environmental Design * Architecture ... Modern 3D modeling software such as Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, or equivalent * Creation of ...

Cinnamon

Audio Implementer / Sound Designer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$65 - $90/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 ...

SAIC

3D Environmental Artist

Orlando, FL

Game Art * Digital Media * Animation * Visual Effects (VFX) * Environmental Design * Architecture ... Modern 3D modeling software such as Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, or equivalent * Creation of ...

Keywords Studios Plc

$55 - $90/hr

Design and animate high-quality 2D and 3D motion graphics. * Core Design Execution: Apply strong ... Gaming Culture: A personal passion for and deep familiarity with video games is strongly preferred ...

New

Keywords Studios Plc

NY · On-site

$55 - $90/hr

Design and animate high-quality 2D and 3D motion graphics. * Core Design Execution: Apply strong ... Gaming Culture: A personal passion for and deep familiarity with video games is strongly preferred ...

New

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All Jobs3D Game Animator 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 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.

Technical Game Designer

Thatgamecompany

Remote

$80K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Technical Game Designer
Remote - US and Canada only
We are a small studio dedicated to crafting unique and high-quality interactive experiences, and we are looking for a talented designer-programmer hybrid who will collaborate with both the engineering and design teams. The goal in this role is to drive the creation and improvement of core gameplay and technical systems and tools highly tuned for the level of rich feedback and player immersion that helped define our games.
An example week for this person might be: Attend a design meeting and discover the need for a new camera feature to support a new content release. Program the camera feature and jump into the level editor to test and refine its implementation. Then, improve the level editor's toolset to enable the rest of the design team to make full use of your new feature in future levels. Of course, the role isn't limited to just camera features. Any interactive system applies - procedural animation, cloth simulation, player controls, AI creatures, NPC interactions - use your imagination!
What you'll do here:
  • Crafting technical systems that enable gameplay (either alone or with a small team)
  • Create fluid user interactions with rich feedback and polished game feel
  • Enjoys enabling team members by improving the creative pipeline
  • Is comfortable with cross-disciplinary work and collaboration

Must haves:
  • Proficient in C++ (preferred), C, C# for quickly prototyping 3D gameplay
  • Visual scripting
  • Multiplayer game development
  • Online operation of a live game
  • Maya or 3D game engines
  • Portfolio of your work
  • Ok to take a test as part of our process

Nice to haves:
  • Seek adventure and uncertainty in exploring experimental and risky game concepts
  • Believe in the practice of rapid prototyping and relentless iteration
  • Have a desire to create meaningful, enriching experiences that touch and inspire players

Perks:
  • Paid Time Off, Holidays and Two Weeks Winter Break
  • Employees and their dependents get medical, dental, and vision coverage, regardless of their level, tenure, or position within the company. Moreover, these benefits start on the first day of the job-there's no waiting period before they kick in.
  • Pet Insurance for those who need it too.
  • Compassionate leave for employees who needs to take care of their family members
  • Pre-tax wellness stipend
  • Pre-tax work from home stipend
  • Access our savings plan (401K program) with company match
  • Mental health resources including Headspace membership and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Discount portal for everyday goods and services
  • Employee inclusive and diversity initiatives such as Grow Together
  • Support for personal professional development

We look forward to meeting you!
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
The salary range for this position is $80,000 USD to $140,000 USD annually, with the
opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. This salary range is an estimate, and
the actual salary may vary based on the Company's compensation practices.
Employees in this position are eligible to participate in the Company's standard
employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision,
401k, and paid time off.
Our base pay is benchmarked against regional market and industry data and is adjusted to reflect the cost of living in your specific geographic area.
#LI-Remote

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