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Game Animator Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We ... The base salary range for locations outside of the U.S. will be adjusted according to location. At ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

Salary: $88K-$120K At Ember Lab, our goal is to create powerful, transformative experiences that ... Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning.

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We ... The base salary range for locations outside of the U.S. will be adjusted according to location. At ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We ... The base salary range for locations outside of the U.S. will be adjusted according to location. At ...

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 ... Competitive Salary with Stock Options * An open/unlimited Paid Time Off and Vacation Policy * Great ...

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 ... Competitive Salary with Stock Options * An open/unlimited Paid Time Off and Vacation Policy * Great ...

Thatgamecompany

Animator (Mid-Senior)

$78K - $127K/yr

Hand keying in-game animation assets for humanoid and quadrupeds in Autodesk Maya and exporting ... This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the Company ...

thatgamecompany

Animator (Mid-Senior)

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$78K - $127K/yr

Hand keying in-game animation assets for humanoid and quadrupeds in Autodesk Maya and exporting ... This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the Company ...

Roblox

3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$9.1K - $11K/mo

Strong experience in character animation , with a focus on creating believable, game-ready ... Monthly Salary Range $9,103-$11,152 USD Roles that are based in an office are onsite Tuesday ...

Leland

Animation & CGI Coach

$108K - $123K/yr

... film animation, game animation, and virtual reality design. Additional support includes skill ... guidance on salary negotiation and freelancing for students pursuing independent work. Ideal ...

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Game Animator Salary information

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$39

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How much do game animator salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for game animator salary 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.

Do game animators make good money?

Game animators typically earn a median salary that varies by experience, location, and employer, with entry-level positions starting around $40,000 annually and experienced professionals earning over $70,000. Skilled animators proficient in tools like Maya or Blender and with a strong portfolio tend to have higher earning potential. Salaries can also increase with specialization in areas such as character or environment animation.

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

To thrive as a Game Animator, you need strong artistic abilities in character movement, a solid understanding of animation principles, and often a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent collaboration skills help animators produce engaging visuals and work effectively within a development team. These skills are crucial to create lifelike, compelling animations that enhance the gameplay experience and meet production deadlines.

What are some common challenges game animators face when collaborating with game designers and developers?

Game Animators often work closely with designers and developers to bring characters and environments to life, which can present challenges such as aligning creative vision, meeting technical limitations, and adapting animations to evolving gameplay mechanics. Effective communication and flexibility are crucial, as animation work may need to be revised based on feedback or changes in the game's direction. Balancing artistic quality with real-time performance requirements is another frequent challenge, especially when optimizing for different platforms.

Are game animators in demand?

Game animators are in demand due to the growing gaming industry and the need for high-quality visual content. Skills in animation software like Maya or Blender and understanding of game engines such as Unity or Unreal are valuable for employment opportunities in this field.

What is the average salary of a game animator?

The average salary of a Game Animator varies depending on experience, location, and the studio. In the United States, entry-level game animators typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 per year, while experienced professionals can make upwards of $90,000 or more annually. Major game studios and locations with a high cost of living, such as California or New York, often offer higher salaries. Freelance and contract rates may also vary. Benefits and bonuses can further impact total compensation.
More about Game Animator Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Animator Salary jobs? Cities with the most Game Animator Salary job openings:
What states have the most Game Animator Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Animator Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Game Animator Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game Animator Salary jobs are:
Game Animator Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Animator Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Animator

Ember Lab

Orange, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

At Ember Lab, our goal is to create powerful, transformative experiences that impact people for a lifetime. Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We're looking for collaborative team members who share our passion for storytelling and are eager to help us shape the future of Ember Lab.


We believe a strong, collaborative environment is critical to creating memorable experiences. As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life!


Description

  • Create, test, and iterate on gameplay animations related to combat and interactive events
  • Integrate animations into 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 animations based on feedback from team members and playtesting.
  • Attend to bugs related to tasks and maintain relevant animation features
  • Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of animations.


Requirements

  • 5+ years of gameplay animation experience
  • Strong skills in animating body mechanics and action
  • Excellent Maya animation skills
  • Proficient with animation systems in UE5
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
  • Shipped 1+ title
  • Unreal Engine 4 or 5 experience


Location

  • In Office


To Apply

  • Please include a portfolio


Compensation Range

The standard annual base salary range for this role in the U.S. is $88,000 - $120,000 USD. Actual pay will vary depending on experience, qualifications, performance and location. The base salary range for locations outside of the U.S. will be adjusted according to location.


At Ember Lab, we like to keep things professional and straightforward when it comes to hiring. All of our recruitment happens through official channels like an Ember Lab email, our recruitment platform BambooHR, or LinkedIn.


If you ever get a message from someone claiming to be us through an unexpected or suspicious platform, it's probably not legit-feel free to ignore it or give us a heads-up at contact@emberlab.com.


We've got your back when it comes to keeping the process safe and secure!


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