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Game Animation Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Bowie, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Laurel, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

College Park, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Washington, DC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Washington, DC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

College Park, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Laurel, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Bowie, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

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All JobsGame Animation JobsGame Animation Jobs in Washington, DC

Game Animation information

See Washington, DC salary details

$53K

$176K

How much do game animation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for game animation in Washington, DC is $168,256.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $174,900.00 and $174,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Game Animation jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Game Animation jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Animation jobs in Washington, DC? For Game Animation jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Animation jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Game Animation jobs in Washington, DC are:
Game Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Animation job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,256 per year, or $80.9 per hour.

Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts
Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty
Job Category: Instructional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: N/A - I/R Faculty
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
1. Offers undergraduate game design courses leading to a BFA in Computer Game Design;
2. Provides mentorship and guidance in game production to students pursuing majors and minors in Computer Game Design; and
3. Supports a cohesive faculty and staff to carry out objectives 1 and 2.
About the Position:
Teaches undergraduate Game Design, 3D Modeling, and Animation courses and helps develop this future track in the Computer Game Design Program. Pursues research (traditional or applied) and/or creative endeavors to contribute significantly to the field.
Responsibilities:
  • Teaches undergraduate Game Design, 3D Modeling, and Animation courses;
  • Helps develop this future track in the Computer Game Design Program; and
  • Pursues research (traditional or applied) and/or creative endeavors to contribute significantly to the field.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in related field;
  • 5+ years experience in Game Design or related industry, or Master's degree in related field;
  • Experienced in all facets of 3D Modeling and Animation for game design and development, including technical, managerial and artistic advances; current research (traditional and applied); and industry developments;
  • Extensive experience working with all primary game design, production, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware;
  • Applicable experience (minimum of five years is desired) in the industry; and expertise using current professional game engines, editors and project management software;
  • Knowledgeable about all facets of 3D Modeling and Animation for game design and development, including technical, managerial and artistic advances; current research (traditional and applied); and industry developments;
  • Extensive knowledge working with all primary game design, game programming, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware;
  • Knowledge of 3D Modeling and animation software utilized in the industry;
  • Knowledge of workflow in multi-platform game production and publication;
  • Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills;
  • Proven critical thinking, problem-solving, and judgment skills;
  • Ability to successfully interact with the industry business and governmental communities;
  • Has a demonstrated commitment and ability to work collaboratively within a complex work environment; and
  • Possesses an approach that fosters a respectful, nonthreatening workplace environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in related field;
  • 5+ years experience in the Game Design industry and publication of major entertainment or serious games, or Terminal degree in Game related discipline; and
  • Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Instructor or Assistant Professor of Game Design at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.
Posting Open Date: August 29, 2025
For Full Consideration, Apply by: September 12, 2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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