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Full Time Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

What We Need: We're looking for an Expert Animator who can bridge the gap between compelling ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

2K

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

What We Need: We're looking for an Expert Animator who can bridge the gap between compelling ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

loyalkaspar

Senior Designer / Animator

New York, NY

$116K - $132K/yr

Loyalkaspar is on the lookout for a Senior Designer / Animator to help across teams and projects ... Full time Start date: ASAP, 2016 Salary with full benefits Please email cover letter, resume, and ...

ZAGG, Inc.

Senior 3D Animator

Midvale, UT · On-site

$100K - $114K/yr

Senior 3D Animator Location ... Midvale, UT, 84047 Employment Type: Full-Time | On-site Department: Creative/Marketing About Us At ...

loyalkaspar

Senior Designer / Animator

New York, NY · On-site

$116K - $132K/yr

Loyalkaspar is on the lookout for a Senior Designer / Animator to help across teams and projects ... Full time • Start date: ASAP, 2016 • Salary with full benefits Please email cover letter ...

ZAGG Inc

Senior 3D Animator

Midvale, UT

$100K - $114K/yr

Senior 3D Animator Location ... Midvale, UT, 84047 Employment Type: Full-Time | On-site Department: Creative/Marketing About Us At ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

What We Need: We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

The Walt Disney Company

Manager, Animation

Bristol, CT · On-site

$126K - $170K/yr

Manager, Animation Req ID: 10150084 The Manager, Animation helps lead the ESPN Creative Studio ... Graphic Design & Motion Graphics Design - Sports Employment Type: Full time Primary City, State ...

Salt Lake Community College

Adjunct, Animation

UT · On-site

Job Summary The Animation adjunct faculty member will work with full-time faculty, under general supervision of the Associate Dean, in program and class-related duties such as classroom (including ...

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Full Time Animator information

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How much do full time animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time 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 jobs will be gone in the next 5 years?

Full-time animators may see reduced demand for traditional 2D animation roles as automation and AI tools increasingly handle routine tasks. However, roles requiring creative storytelling, complex character design, and advanced software skills are expected to remain in demand, with adaptation to new technologies being important for job security.

What are some common challenges full-time animators face when working on large projects, and how can they be managed?

Full-time animators working on large projects often face challenges such as tight deadlines, frequent revisions, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Managing these challenges requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and efficient time management. Animators can benefit from using project management tools, regularly syncing with teammates, and staying open to feedback to ensure their contributions align with the project's vision and timelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Animator, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of animation principles, and often a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, or Autodesk Maya is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help animators bring stories to life and work effectively within production teams. These skills are essential for producing high-quality animations that meet client or project goals and stand out in a competitive industry.

What does a full time animator do?

A full time animator creates moving images and visual effects for various media, such as films, television, video games, and online content. They use specialized software to bring characters, objects, and scenes to life by designing sequences of images that simulate movement. Animators often collaborate with directors, designers, and other artists throughout the production process to ensure the final product meets creative vision and project requirements.

Is it possible to make a living as an animator?

Full-time animators can make a living by working for studios, media companies, or as freelancers, often requiring strong skills in software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom. Income varies based on experience, location, and project type, with many earning a stable salary or project-based payments. Building a diverse portfolio and networking are important for sustained employment and income growth.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A full-time animator can potentially earn $10,000 a month through freelance work, high-profile projects, or working for large studios, especially with advanced skills in animation software like Adobe After Effects or Toon Boom. Success often depends on experience, portfolio quality, and networking, as many animation roles do not require a formal degree but do demand strong technical skills and a professional portfolio.

What is the difference between Full Time Animator vs Part Time Animator?

AspectFull Time AnimatorPart Time Animator
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekLess than 20 hours per week
Employment StatusFull-time employment with benefitsPart-time, often without benefits
CredentialsUsually requires a portfolio, relevant degree, and experienceSimilar credentials but may require less experience
Work EnvironmentFull-time studio or office settingFlexible, remote, or freelance settings

Full Time Animators work regular hours with benefits and are employed by companies, while Part Time Animators have flexible schedules, often freelance or remote, with fewer benefits. Both roles require similar skills and credentials, but the employment structure differs significantly.

Is there a high demand for animators?

The demand for full-time animators remains strong, especially in industries like entertainment, advertising, and gaming, where high-quality animation is essential. Employers seek skilled animators proficient in tools like Adobe After Effects and Maya, and a strong portfolio can improve job prospects in this competitive field.
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Full Time Animator jobs near you
Lead Animator

Lead Animator

2K

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Who We are:
We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.
What We Need:
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback, mentoring team members, and contributing to the overall quality and success of the team's output. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences to life.
What You'll Do:
  • Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay.
  • Implement animations directly in Unreal using the project's animation system and Blueprints.
  • Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal.
  • Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning.
  • Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or animatic sequences.
  • Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality bar by creating clear examples, documenting standards, and sharing best practices with the team.
  • Provide regular feedback in partnership with the Animation Director, mentoring animators, onboarding and developing team members, and serving as a trusted resource for creative guidance and support.
  • Interpret and translate direction from directors and creative leads into clear, actionable animation goals.
  • Help to organize and assign sub-team tasks based on individual strengths and project deadlines, assisting the Director in creating realistic timelines that balance delivery with team growth.
  • Partner with Technical Animation to explore and refine locomotion and overall character motion, ensuring the smoothest and most polished player experience possible.
  • Collaborate closely with Production on roadmap planning, task estimation, and risk assessment, while balancing competing priorities and adjusting workflows to accommodate evolving project requirements.
  • Escalate issues to the Animation Director when artistic decisions or direction are needed.
What Will Make You a Great Fit:
  • 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role.
  • 2-4+ years of experience in a leadership role and/or mentoring experience.
  • Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations, with advanced knowledge of Maya.
  • Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly, while responding effectively to creative redirection.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills within and across fields, with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
  • An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation.
  • Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments.
Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience leveraging Google Sheets/Excel to organize asset inventories, monitor production status, and facilitate coordination and visibility across departments.
  • Experience creating cinematic sequences, character performances, and story-driven animation that enhances narrative and emotional impact.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $123,200 and $182,360 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.
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