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Game Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

teamLFG

OR · On-site

We are looking for someone that is excited about the creative art of animation and the technical challenge of turning that animation into world class action gameplay. As a Staff Technical Animator on ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

... animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features.

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

... animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features.

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

... animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features.

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

... animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features.

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Technical Designer in Animation (TDiA) to join our team ... working across various animation systems. As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops. * Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops. * Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand ...

Leland

Animation & CGI Coach

$108K - $123K/yr

Coaches also guide students through CGI production and post-production workflows, animation software proficiency, and animation direction, while helping them explore paths in film animation, game ...

Posted today

Roblox

Senior 3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA

$120K - $137K/yr

Strong experience in character animation , with a focus on creating believable, game-ready locomotion and action animations * Excellent acting skills through motion-conveying emotion, weight, timing ...

New

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

... game project and relevant animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine ...

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How much do game animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for game animation in the United States is $149,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the salary of a game animator?

The average salary of a game animator in the industry typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced animators with specialized skills or working at major studios can earn higher salaries. Knowledge of animation software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Game Animation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Game Animation, you need a strong understanding of animation principles, character rigging, and a solid portfolio demonstrating your artistic and technical abilities. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is typically required. Soft skills like creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are highly valued for collaborating with designers and developers. These skills are crucial for bringing characters and worlds to life, ensuring animations meet the visual and interactive needs of modern video games.

How to become a game animator?

To become a game animator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field, along with strong skills in animation software such as Maya or Blender. Building a portfolio of animated work and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions are important steps in establishing a career in game animation.

Are game animators in demand?

Game animators are in demand due to the growing popularity of video games and the need for high-quality visual content. Skills in animation software like Maya or Blender, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects in this competitive field.

What is a Game Animation job?

A Game Animation job involves creating the movement and behavior of characters, creatures, and objects in video games. Animators use software like Maya, Blender, or Unity to bring life to models through keyframe animation or motion capture techniques. They work closely with designers, artists, and programmers to ensure animations are smooth, realistic, and enhance gameplay. Strong knowledge of timing, weight, and fluid motion is essential for making animations feel natural and immersive.

How much does a game animator make?

The average salary for a game animator varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level animators may earn around $40,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $100,000. Proficiency in animation software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in Game Animation?

A typical day for a Game Animator involves creating and refining character and object animations, collaborating with game designers and programmers to ensure animations integrate smoothly into the game engine, and reviewing feedback to make necessary adjustments. Animators often attend team meetings to discuss project goals, sync up with other departments, and troubleshoot animation issues as they arise. Depending on the studio, you may also be involved in motion capture sessions or prototyping new animation systems. This role requires a balance of technical skill and creative input, making teamwork and adaptability especially important in fast-paced development cycles.

More about Game Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Animation jobs? Cities with the most Game Animation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Animation jobs? The most popular types of Game Animation jobs are:
What states have the most Game Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Game Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game Animation jobs are:
Game Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Animation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 2% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,118 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

PlayStation Global

Santa Monica, CA

$119K - $135K/yr

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

This is a hybrid / onsite position.  

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I and Part II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we're busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us!

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

What you will do:

  • Create high quality animation content supporting the newly developed behaviors and systems and implement it in engine
  • Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality bar of the in-game animation
  • Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges
  • Take ownership of challenging projects and provide innovative solutions, including mentoring team members and creating documentation
  • Contribute to the strategic development of internal technologies and artistic processes
  • Facilitate the creation and implementation of tools and techniques that allow the building of complex and high-quality animation systems
  • Innovate and streamline animation pipeline processes and workflows

What skills you will use: 

  • 5+ years of industry experience in gameplay animation for games
  • Proven track record of creating visually stunning animations for diverse game genres
  • Full understanding of in-game animation tools like state machines, blend trees, IK solvers, etc.
  • Expertise with mocap and keyframe based digital content creation pipelines built on Maya or Motionbuilder
  • Proficiency in Python, C#, C++ or other programming languages is required
  • Proactively contributes to the progress of the team and the project

As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete an animation test. 

#LI-SP3

The estimated USA base pay range for this zone (Los Angeles area) is listed below. This role may be eligible for additional compensation packages that includes annual bonus and other incentive plans.

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