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Game Animation Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Game Animation information

See Alberta salary details

$8

$35

$77

How much do game animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for game animation in Alberta is $35.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $49.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game animation?

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.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in game animation, 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.

Are game animators in demand?

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

How much do game animators make?

Game animators typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level animators may start around $40,000, while senior roles or those with specialized skills in tools like Maya or Blender can earn over $100,000. Salaries can also vary based on whether they work for large studios or indie developers.

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 entering the industry.

What does a game animator do?

A game animator creates and manipulates visual movements of characters, objects, and environments in video games. They use animation software and work closely with designers and programmers to ensure smooth, realistic motion that enhances gameplay and storytelling.

What are popular job titles related to Game Animation jobs in Alberta?

For Game Animation jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Animation jobs in Alberta look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Animation jobs in Alberta are:

Infographic showing various Game Animation job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,375 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Interactive Media Developer - Information Technology Services

Edmonton, AB • On-site

City of Edmonton
Government Relations and Lobbying Services • 10K+ employees

CA$43.41 - CA$55.41/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Are you enthusiastic about interactive media, real-time game engines, and AI-assisted creative production? Do you have experience with 3D modelling, animation, and interactive interfaces, and an appetite for applying AI across the creative workflow? Do you want your work to be visible in the daily experience of a city's worth of library customers? If so, EPL is the place for you.

As the Interactive Media Developer, you will conceptualize, design, animate, program, test, and deliver interactive digital experiences that engage customers through motion, storytelling, and immersive environments. You will combine 2D and 3D animation with real-time game engine development, including visual scripting and programming, to produce interactive exhibits, simulations, and visual narratives for EPL's Digital Wall, immersive spaces, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs. You will apply AI approaches at every stage of the workflow, from ideation through asset creation to code generation and animation, and you will critically evaluate AI output for quality, factual accuracy, and cultural sensitivity.

Reporting to the Manager, Infrastructure and Applications, you will work with other developers and external content partners to research and integrate emerging digital visualization, interactive media, and AI content generation technology into EPL public spaces. You will be a major contributor to EPL's Digital Wall at the Stanley A. Milner Library, a giant, touch interactive digital display. To see some of the work of the Interactive Media Developers, check out www.epl.ca/digital-exhibits/

As the ideal candidate, you are customer service focused and thrive on creative, technically challenging projects. Using your passion for technology, storytelling, and continuous learning, you will develop training and resources that support customer experiences and staff capability in modelling, animation, real-time development, and AI-assisted production. We offer strong work-life balance, professional development, and a downtown location with excellent access to public transportation.
 

  • A related degree or diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution, with 3D Animation, Game Design, Computer Science, and Interactive Media given as examples, or relevant industry experience.
  • Minimum five years of related experience developing and delivering interactive or animated media, including real-time game engine development and scripting, with Unreal Engine and Blueprints given as examples.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of sound software programming practices.
  • Proficiency with C and experience in object-oriented design and implementation.
  • Demonstrated understanding of UX and UI design principles and interaction design in immersive environments.
  • Experience applying AI-assisted tools across creative production workflows, including ideation, asset creation, code generation, and animation, is preferred.
  • Experience with 3D animation, rigging, lighting, and rendering using one or more packages such as 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, or Blender is preferred. Experience developing applications that incorporate multi-touch input, augmented reality, or virtual reality, and proficiency in one or more additional programming languages such as C#, Python, or JavaScript, are also preferred. Project management experience is an asset.

Note: Suitable candidates who do not meet the education and/or experience qualifications may be considered on a developmental basis.

What do you need to bring to this position?

  • Customer service orientation.
  • Technology skills to develop interactive media and digital visualization services and experiences.
  • Effective problem solving and analytical abilities.
  • Strong organizational, time and project management skills.
  • Ability to create training and resources for staff and customers.
  • Strong research, problem solving and analytical abilities.
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
  • The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
  • A commitment to uphold the Canadian Federation of Library Associations position statements on Intellectual Freedom and Diversity and Inclusion.
    Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to present and discuss a short portfolio of previous work. 

Who we are:
The secret ingredient for making EPL a magical place is no secret at all; in fact, it's very simple: We share. We share stories, ideas and experiences. We share with our customers, our communities, and ourselves. We are Edmonton's largest lender of all manner of information and entertainment.
Pay Band:
$43.41 - $55.41 per hour* 
*Approximately $79,326 - $101,241 per annum based on a 35 hour work week.