This position focuses on creating high-quality, stylized character animation with emphasis on creative expression, performance, and facial animation to push the limits of the next generation of ...
This position focuses on creating high-quality, stylized character animation with emphasis on creative expression, performance, and facial animation to push the limits of the next generation of ...
This position focuses on creating high-quality, stylized character animation with emphasis on creative expression, performance, and facial animation to push the limits of the next generation of ...
This position focuses on creating high-quality, stylized character animation with emphasis on creative expression, performance, and facial animation to push the limits of the next generation of ...
Expression of Interest - Animator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1
Show exceptional understanding of facial animation, acting, appeal, entertainment, weight, locomotion, anatomy, and dialogue. * Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation. * Develop the timing ...
Expression of Interest - Animator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1
Show exceptional understanding of facial animation, acting, appeal, entertainment, weight, locomotion, anatomy, and dialogue. * Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation. * Develop the timing ...
Show exceptional understanding of facial animation, acting, appeal, entertainment, weight, locomotion, anatomy, and dialogue. * Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation. * Develop the timing ...
Show exceptional understanding of facial animation, acting, appeal, entertainment, weight, locomotion, anatomy, and dialogue. * Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation. * Develop the timing ...
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 ...
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 ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
$124K - $142K/yr
Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
$124K - $142K/yr
Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA · On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA · On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
$124K - $142K/yr
Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
$124K - $142K/yr
Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA · On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA · On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...
Senior Cinematic Animator (Contract)
Burbank, CA · On-site
$113K - $129K/yr
Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes. * Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting ...
Senior Cinematic Animator (Contract)
Burbank, CA · On-site
$113K - $129K/yr
Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes. * Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting ...
Senior Cinematic Animator (Contract)
Burbank, CA · On-site
$113K - $129K/yr
Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes. * Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting ...
Senior Cinematic Animator (Contract)
Burbank, CA · On-site
$113K - $129K/yr
Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes. * Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting ...
Senior Gaming Animator
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$129K - $148K/yr
Excellent hand-keyed facial animation * Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience * First-person animations experience * strong design eye * Strong knowledge of cinematography, editing, and story ...
Senior Gaming Animator
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$129K - $148K/yr
Excellent hand-keyed facial animation * Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience * First-person animations experience * strong design eye * Strong knowledge of cinematography, editing, and story ...
Senior Gaming Animator
$129K - $148K/yr
Excellent hand-keyed facial animation * Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience * First-person animations experience * strong design eye * Strong knowledge of cinematography, editing, and story ...
Senior Gaming Animator
$129K - $148K/yr
Excellent hand-keyed facial animation * Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience * First-person animations experience * strong design eye * Strong knowledge of cinematography, editing, and story ...
3D Animator (Short Term)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$9.1K - $11K/mo
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 ...
3D Animator (Short Term)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$9.1K - $11K/mo
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 ...
Senior Cinematic Animator (Contract)
Burbank, CA · On-site
$76.92 - $86.06/hr
Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes. * Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting ...
Senior Cinematic Animator (Contract)
Burbank, CA · On-site
$76.92 - $86.06/hr
Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes. * Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting ...
Our characters need to feel compelling when viewed up close through facial expressions, acting ... You'll own animation from rigging and implementation through final polish. Most of your time will ...
Our characters need to feel compelling when viewed up close through facial expressions, acting ... You'll own animation from rigging and implementation through final polish. Most of your time will ...
Senior Cinematic Animator (Contract)
Burbank, CA · On-site
$76.92 - $86.06/hr
Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes. * Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting ...
Senior Cinematic Animator (Contract)
Burbank, CA · On-site
$76.92 - $86.06/hr
Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes. * Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting ...
Senior Cinematic Animator (Contract)
Burbank, CA · On-site
$76.92 - $86.06/hr
Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes. * Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting ...
Senior Cinematic Animator (Contract)
Burbank, CA · On-site
$76.92 - $86.06/hr
Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes. * Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting ...
Senior Cinematic Animator (Contract)
Burbank, CA · On-site
$76.92 - $86.06/hr
Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes. * Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting ...
Senior Cinematic Animator (Contract)
Burbank, CA · On-site
$76.92 - $86.06/hr
Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes. * Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting ...
Senior Technical Animator - Anim Systems (Apex Legends)
Madison, WI · On-site
$143K - $217K/yr
Experience contributing to a FACS based facial animation pipeline is a plus. * Experience on 1 or more shipped titles, ideally in the FPS genre. If this opportunity sounds like a great fit for you ...
Senior Technical Animator - Anim Systems (Apex Legends)
Madison, WI · On-site
$143K - $217K/yr
Experience contributing to a FACS based facial animation pipeline is a plus. * Experience on 1 or more shipped titles, ideally in the FPS genre. If this opportunity sounds like a great fit for you ...
Facial Animator information
See salary details
$15.67 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$10.58 - $16
27% of jobs
$16 - $21.42
0% of jobs
$21.42 - $26.84
19% of jobs
The median wage is $28.50 / hr.
$26.84 - $32.26
14% of jobs
$32.26 - $37.67
4% of jobs
$37.67 - $43.09
0% of jobs
$43.09 - $48.51
0% of jobs
$48.51 - $53.93
0% of jobs
$59.11 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$53.93 - $59.35
12% of jobs
$59.35 - $64.77
6% of jobs
$64.77 - $70.19
18% of jobs
$10
$39
$70
How much do facial animator jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for facial 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.
What is a Facial Animator job?
A Facial Animator is responsible for creating expressive and realistic facial movements for characters in animation, film, television, and video games. They use specialized software to animate subtle emotions, speech, and reactions that enhance the believability of characters. These animators work closely with character artists, riggers, and directors to ensure facial animations align with the overall vision. Strong knowledge of anatomy, motion principles, and lip-syncing techniques is essential for success in this role.
What does a typical workday look like for a Facial Animator in a studio setting?
A typical day for a Facial Animator often begins with team meetings to review assignments and discuss project progress with animation supervisors and other team members. You’ll spend a significant portion of your day working in specialized animation software, refining facial expressions, syncing lip movements to dialogue, and troubleshooting any technical issues that arise. Collaboration is key, as you often review your work with art directors, character modelers, and other animators to ensure consistency and meet creative goals. Balancing creative challenges with tight deadlines is common, but this fast-paced environment provides valuable opportunities to develop your skills and contribute to high-profile projects.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Facial Animator position, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Facial Animator, you need strong artistic skills in human anatomy and expression, a background in animation or visual effects, and often a relevant degree such as in animation, fine arts, or computer graphics. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Maya, Blender, and facial motion capture systems is essential, and certifications or formal training in these platforms are highly valued. Attention to detail, collaboration, and effective communication skills set exceptional facial animators apart. These skills ensure the creation of realistic, emotionally resonant characters and seamless teamwork within dynamic production environments.
More about Facial Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Facial Animator jobs? Cities with the most Facial Animator job openings:
What states have the most Facial Animator jobs? States with the most job openings for Facial Animator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Facial Animator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Facial Animator jobs are:
Full-time
Re-posted 14 days ago
Apple rating
8.1
Based on 670 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
5th of 30 rated technology retailers
Job description
At Apple, we strive to make great products that empower people and improve their lives. We are looking for a great Character Animator to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This position focuses on creating high-quality, stylized character animation with emphasis on creative expression, performance, and facial animation to push the limits of the next generation of interactive computing.
Description
This role requires a deep understanding of animation artistry, technical proficiency in Maya, and the ability to work within real-time constraints while maintaining high creative standards.
Minimum Qualifications
Solid grasp on the traditional principles of animation
Experience in expressive facial animation
Expert level of knowledge of Autodesk Maya
Understanding of technical constraints in real-time environments
Great at providing and receiving feedback
Ensure animations run efficiently across target platforms and use cases, both real time with frame rate budgets and non-real time
Preferred Qualifications
USD format and workflow familiarity
Experience with procedural animation techniques
Motion capture cleanup and performance enhancement experience
Experience with real-time game engines (Unity, Unreal, or proprietary engines)
Experience with non-linear animation systems, animation statemachines and/or motion matching techniques.
Skilled in modeling and rigging is a plus
Description
This role requires a deep understanding of animation artistry, technical proficiency in Maya, and the ability to work within real-time constraints while maintaining high creative standards.
Minimum Qualifications
Solid grasp on the traditional principles of animation
Experience in expressive facial animation
Expert level of knowledge of Autodesk Maya
Understanding of technical constraints in real-time environments
Great at providing and receiving feedback
Ensure animations run efficiently across target platforms and use cases, both real time with frame rate budgets and non-real time
Preferred Qualifications
USD format and workflow familiarity
Experience with procedural animation techniques
Motion capture cleanup and performance enhancement experience
Experience with real-time game engines (Unity, Unreal, or proprietary engines)
Experience with non-linear animation systems, animation statemachines and/or motion matching techniques.
Skilled in modeling and rigging is a plus
About Apple
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Cupertino, CA, US
Year founded
1976