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Freelance 3D Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to ... stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award ...

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 ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

Minimum 3-5 years game development experience required * Strong portfolio/reel showcasing animation, timing, and visual storytelling * Expertise in 2D/3D tools (After Effects, Spine, Maya, Blender ...

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 ...

IGT

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

Minimum 3-5 years game development experience required * Strong portfolio/reel showcasing animation, timing, and visual storytelling * Expertise in 2D/3D tools (After Effects, Spine, Maya, Blender ...

US AI

Contract Animator

Rockville, MD · On-site

Contract / Freelance Duration: [e.g., 1-3 months, with potential extension] Hours: [e.g., 20-40 ... Key Responsibilities * Create 2D and/or 3D animations for marketing, product, and brand ...

Prisms VR

3D Artist (Remote)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

As a 3D Artist, you will craft characters, environments, and educational 3D motion graphic ... game engines and mobile VR platforms. * Experience in creating Motion Graphic Animation in After ...

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 ...

TBN

FREELANCE MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Freelance position based in TBN's Ft. Worth, TX, Studio Location Reports to: Director of Program ... Utilize 3D animation software such as Blender, Cinema 4D, or Unreal Engine to create compelling 3D ...

Aristocrat

Junior Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$55K - $103K/yr

Builds original 2D and/or 3D animations and graphics. * Knowledge in character animation is a plus. * Understands storyboards and builds Animatics for Game workflow What We're Looking for:

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Freelance 3D Game Animator information

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

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance 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 is a freelance 3D game animator?

A Freelance 3D Game Animator is a self-employed professional who creates 3D animations for video games on a project-by-project basis. They design and animate characters, objects, and environments to bring game worlds to life, collaborating with game developers and art directors. Freelance animators often work remotely, managing their own schedules and clients, and may specialize in specific animation styles or software. Their work is crucial for creating realistic movement and immersive experiences in games.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance 3D game animator?

To thrive as a Freelance 3D Game Animator, you need strong skills in 3D animation principles, character rigging, and a solid portfolio demonstrating your work, typically supported by a degree or coursework in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine is essential. Outstanding time management, creativity, and communication skills set freelancers apart by helping them collaborate remotely and deliver high-quality work to clients. These abilities ensure the animator can meet client expectations, adhere to deadlines, and contribute compelling, interactive content for games.

What are some common challenges freelance 3D game animators face when working with remote development teams?

Freelance 3D game animators often encounter challenges such as aligning with a remote team's creative vision, managing feedback cycles across different time zones, and ensuring their work integrates seamlessly with other assets. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are crucial to stay updated on project requirements and deadlines. Building a reliable workflow for sharing files and updates, as well as being proactive in clarifying expectations, can help overcome these challenges and lead to successful collaborations.

What is the difference between Freelance 3D Game Animator vs 3D Modeler?

AspectFreelance 3D Game Animator3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation, rigging, storytellingModeling, texturing, sculpting
Work EnvironmentFreelance, remote, project-basedFreelance or studio, often remote or on-site
Industry UsageVideo game development, entertainmentVideo games, film, visualization
Common Search IntentCompare animation roles, freelance opportunitiesModel creation, 3D design jobs

The main difference between a Freelance 3D Game Animator and a 3D Modeler lies in their core skills and responsibilities. The animator focuses on bringing characters and objects to life through movement, while the modeler specializes in creating the 3D assets themselves. Both roles often work in similar environments and industries, but their skill sets and project focuses differ significantly.

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What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Game Animator jobs?

The most popular types of 3D Game Animator jobs are:

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States with the most job openings for Freelance 3D Game Animator jobs include:

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The top searched job categories for Freelance 3D Game Animator jobs are:

Freelance 3D Game Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance 3D Game Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ART
What We Do
Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment, character and concept artists who strive to innovate and inspire.
What You'll Do
Epic Games is looking for a Senior Technical Designer in Animation (TDiA) to join our team working across various animation systems. As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to design and create gameplay animation systems that facilitate appealing, high-quality character motion. You will be the primary point of contact for animation implementation issues and any animation-related technical challenges, and you will work closely with Animation, Design, and Engineering colleagues to ensure the animation pipeline operates smoothly and efficiently. You will also help identify potential issues and deploy correct solutions, using your technical knowledge to help bridge and facilitate communication between the animation team and other departments.
In this role, you will
  • Create animation behavior tools/techniques/philosophies that allow the building of complex movement systems
  • Design and implement animation state machines/behaviors and runtime solutions
  • Work closely with the Animation, Design, and Engineering departments to analyze, troubleshoot, and solve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges
  • Closely collaborate with the animation leadership to maintain the style and quality bar for animations in the game
  • Look for opportunities to improve the animation pipeline/workflow and help provide solutions for technical animation problems, including performing training and creating documentation for the animation team
What we're looking for
  • A strong animation sense with a clear understanding of realistic and stylized character motion and how to achieve them with modern animation methods
  • Expertise with animation pipelines, including source content creation tools such as Maya, MotionBuilder, and the Unreal Engine, using our Control Rig toolset
  • Exceptional problem-solving ability with strong written communication and teamwork skills
  • Familiarity with gameplay animation tools and concepts, such as blend trees and state machines; experience with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints is a plus
  • Experience with AAA game development, preferably on a large team using an established game engine (internal or commercial); experience with Unreal Engine is a plus
  • Self-motivation, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently
  • Coding knowledge or experience with C++ is not required
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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