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Full Time 3D Character Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Principal Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $175K/yr

Summary We are looking for a Principal Gameplay Animator to help define and deliver the animation ... immersive character performance. Description * Full-time job with benefits. * Role is on-site in ...

Swaybox Studios

3D Tracking Artist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

The 3D Tracking / Matchmove Artist will focus on tracking environments and character features (such as: face, hands, legs, etc.) with a handoff to the layout, animation, and compositing teams. This ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera ... Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera ... Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera ... Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Our 3D Artists create 3D product animation for incredible brands. As a 3D Artist at MarketScale we ... The 3D Artist position is a full-time role, with competitive salary, full employee medical benefits ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Our 3D Artists create 3D product animation for incredible brands. As a 3D Artist at MarketScale we ... The 3D Artist position is a full-time role, with competitive salary, full employee medical benefits ...

Human Computer Lab

Character Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$142K - $149K/yr

Are pursuing a degree in screen-writing, animation, character design, industrial design, or a ... Have a portfolio that shows character design or expressive design work, in 2D or 3D. * Document ...

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All Jobs3D Character Animator JobsFull Time 3D Character Animator Jobs

Full Time 3D Character Animator information

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$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

How much do full time 3d character animator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time 3d character 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 the difference between Full Time 3D Character Animator vs 3D Modeler?

AspectFull Time 3D Character Animator3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating animated characters and bringing them to life through movementDesigning and building 3D models of characters, objects, and environments
Skills & ToolsAnimation software (Maya, Blender), storytelling, riggingModeling software (3ds Max, ZBrush), texturing, topology
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, gaming, film, advertisingGame development, film, product visualization

While both roles involve 3D software and creative skills, Full Time 3D Character Animators focus on bringing characters to life through movement, whereas 3D Modelers specialize in creating detailed models. Both roles often collaborate in the same industry but serve different stages of the production process.

What cities are hiring for Full Time 3D Character Animator jobs? Cities with the most Full Time 3D Character Animator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Character Animator jobs? The most popular types of 3D Character Animator jobs are:
Full Time 3D Character Animator jobs near you

Principal Gameplay Animator

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site, Remote

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Summary  

We are looking for a Principal Gameplay Animator to help define and deliver the animation quality, style, and feel of our AAA open world action-adventure game. As a creative and technical contributor, you will create exceptional gameplay animations, establish animation standards, and partner closely with Design, Engineering, Art, and Narrative teams to ensure that our animations are fluid, realistic, and enhance the overall gameplay. 

This role combines hands-on animation development with leadership through craft. You will be expected to solve complex gameplay animation challenges, mentor other animators, influence animation pipelines and workflows, and help shape the overall player experience through world-class character performance and movement. 

Core Responsibilities  

  • Create high-quality gameplay animations that establish the visual and gameplay standard for all characters, creatures, and object animations.  
  • Drive the development of locomotion, traversal, combat, interaction, and systemic animation content; review animation content and help maintain consistent quality and artistic direction across all gameplay features. 
  • Collaborate with the Animation Director to define the animation style and direction.  
  • Partner with Design and Engineering teams to implement animation systems that enhance gameplay feel, responsiveness, and player immersion. 
  • Work closely with Technical Animation to improve pipelines, tools, and workflows. 
  • Help establish efficient workflows that balance visual quality, gameplay requirements, and technical constraints. 
  • Provide feedback and mentorship to other animators.  
  • Ensure animations meet performance and memory constraints for different platforms.  
  • Partner with outsource and co-development teams to review deliverables and ensure quality standards are met. 
  • Stay current with industry trends and techniques in animation.  

Core Qualifications  

  • 7+ years of experience in animation within the video game industry.  
  • Proficiency in Maya and other industry-standard animation tools.  
  • Multiple shipped AAA titles in a gameplay animation role. 
  • Strong understanding of Unreal Engine 5 animation systems, including Animation Blueprints, State Machines, Blend Spaces, Control Rig, and Motion Matching workflows. 
  • Strong understanding of anatomy, motion, and weight in animation.  
  • Experience with both keyframe animation and motion capture techniques.  
  • Proven track record of leading animation teams and delivering high-quality content.  
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively.  
  • Strong problem-solving abilities with a balance of artistic vision and technical execution. 
  • Self-motivated, organized, and able to drive complex initiatives with minimal oversight. 

Plus if...  

  • Experience developing animation systems AAA titles or games with a focus on realistic animation. 
  • Experience with creature animation and complex character rigs. 
  • Deep knowledge of traversal and combat animation. 
  • Experience with motion matching, procedural animation, and physics-driven systems. 
  • Experience building or improving animation pipelines and tools. 
  • Experience working with external vendors and co-development partners. 
  • Passion for open world gameplay, player expression, and immersive character performance. 

Description  

  • Full-time job with benefits.  
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.  
  • Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and freeways.  

The base pay range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity. 

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