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Full Time Maya Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

... Maya. * Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly, while responding effectively to ... 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

... Maya. * Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly, while responding effectively to ... 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

... Maya. * Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly, while responding effectively to ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera ... Proficiency with industry-standard 3D software such as Cinema 4D, Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max.

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera ... Proficiency with industry-standard 3D software such as Cinema 4D, Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max.

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera ... Proficiency with industry-standard 3D software such as Cinema 4D, Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max.

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Animation * Editing Requirements: * 3-5 years in 3D design and animation * Proficiencies in: * Maya ... The 3D Artist position is a full-time role, with competitive salary, full employee medical benefits ...

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Animation * Editing Requirements: * 3-5 years in 3D design and animation * Proficiencies in: * Maya ... The 3D Artist position is a full-time role, with competitive salary, full employee medical benefits ...

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Artist

$130K - $155K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description Join the Fun at Arrow International! Arrow International is the ... animation principles. Usage of Spine is considered a plus * Experience with 3D Software (Maya ...

The Pennsylvania State University

... 3D Animation. This is a full-time, 36-week, nine-month, non-tenure track appointment. The ... Considerable experience working with Autodesk Maya and Motion Builder * Experience with related ...

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Full Time Maya Animator information

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How much do full time maya animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time maya 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 the difference between Full Time Maya Animator vs 3D Modeler?

AspectFull Time Maya Animator3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation, rigging, character movementModeling, texturing, sculpting
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, gaming, filmDesign studios, gaming, film
ToolsAutodesk Maya, MotionBuilderAutodesk Maya, ZBrush, Blender
Industry UsageHigh in animation and gamingHigh in gaming, film, product design

Full Time Maya Animators focus on creating movement and bringing characters to life using animation techniques, primarily working within Maya. In contrast, 3D Modelers concentrate on building detailed models and assets, often using Maya alongside other tools like ZBrush or Blender. Both roles are essential in the 3D production pipeline but serve different functions, with animators emphasizing motion and modelers emphasizing shape and structure.

More about Full Time Maya Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Maya Animator jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Maya Animator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Maya Animator jobs? The most popular types of Maya Animator jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Maya Animator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Maya Animator jobs are:
Full Time Maya Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Maya Animator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Locum Tenens, 72% As Needed, 1% Full Time, 18% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Principal Gameplay Animator

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

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.

Join our talented team and play a crucial role in bringing our characters and creatures to life. Together, we will create animations that captivate players and enhance the overall gameplay experience. Apply now and lead our animation team as the Principal Animator with Absurd Ventures.
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 paid time off, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.
About Absurd Ventures
Absurd Ventures is a media company creating new IP across all platforms and for all formats. Absurd Ventures is building narrative worlds, creating characters, and writing stories for a variety of genres, without regard to medium, to be produced for live-action and animation; video games and other interactive content; books, graphic novels, and scripted podcasts.

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