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Full Time Video Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay. * Implement ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay. * Implement ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

Design Works Gaming

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Scottsdale, AZ Job Type: Full Time No C2C or Third Parties. Must be local to U.S. Sponsorship for ... Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art ...

Design Works Studios LLC

Animator

Scottsdale, AZ · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Scottsdale, AZ Job Type: Full Time No C2C or Third Parties. Must be local to U.S. Sponsorship for ... Design Works Gaming is looking for an experienced and determined Animator to join our Art ...

QDStaff

HTML5 Mobile Game Developer

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

QDStaff is a leading talent source for award-winning video game companies, and they are seeking an ... animation systems and tune game event timing. • Implement and verify the functionality of ...

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Full Time Video Game Animator information

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How much do full time video game animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time video game 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 does a full time video game animator do?

A full time video game animator creates the movement and behavior of characters, creatures, and objects in video games. They use specialized animation software to bring digital assets to life, ensuring smooth and realistic motion that enhances gameplay and storytelling. Animators collaborate closely with game designers, programmers, and artists to achieve the desired visual effects and maintain consistency with the game's style. Their work is crucial in making games immersive and engaging for players.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time video game animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Video Game Animator, you need strong skills in character animation, knowledge of animation principles, and a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities ensure the creation of compelling, lifelike animations that enhance gameplay and provide engaging player experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by full time video game animators, and how can they be addressed?

Full-time video game animators often face challenges such as meeting tight production deadlines, adapting to evolving project requirements, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Balancing creativity with technical constraints, such as polygon counts or frame rate limitations, can also be demanding. To address these challenges, animators benefit from strong communication skills, effective time management, and a willingness to learn new software or techniques as technology evolves. Regular feedback sessions and close collaboration with designers, programmers, and artists help ensure animations fit seamlessly into the game's vision and mechanics.

What is the difference between Full Time Video Game Animator vs 3D Character Modeler?

AspectFull Time Video Game Animator3D Character Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation principles, rigging, motion captureModeling, texturing, topology
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation departmentsModeling studios, game development teams
Common CertificationsAnimation software certifications (Maya, Blender)3D modeling software certifications (3ds Max, ZBrush)
Industry UsageCreating character movements and effectsBuilding character models for games

The main difference between a Full Time Video Game Animator and a 3D Character Modeler lies in their focus: animators bring characters to life through movement, while modelers create the visual models. Both roles often collaborate within game development teams and require similar software skills, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

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Full Time Video Game Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Video Game Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Lead Animator

2K

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 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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