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Game Animator Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

Daybreak Games

Principal Animator

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $180K/yr

Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000 per year. Position Title: Principal Animator Department : Art ... You'll collaborate directly with game designers, technical artists, programmers, and directors to ...

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 ...

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 ...

Aquent

Sr. UI Animator / Motion Designer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$81 - $91/hr

Temporary Salary: $81-91 Hourly UI Animator / Motion Designer Location: Cupertino area (Hybrid ... game HUDs) will not be considered. * Software Expertise: Expert in After Effects; fluent in ...

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Game Animator Salary information

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How much do game animator salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 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 animators make 6 figures?

Game animators typically do not earn six-figure salaries, especially early in their careers. Experienced senior animators or those in high-paying companies may reach or exceed six figures, but this is less common and often requires specialized skills, extensive experience, and working in competitive markets.

Is animator a high paying job?

Game animator salaries vary based on experience, location, and skill level, but they generally offer competitive pay within the entertainment and tech industries. Entry-level positions tend to have lower salaries, while experienced animators with specialized skills in tools like Maya or Blender can earn higher wages, especially in larger studios or high-demand markets.

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.

What is a Disney animator's salary?

A Disney animator's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, skill level, and location. Entry-level animators may earn less, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn higher salaries, often with benefits and opportunities for bonuses.

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 are important for higher earning potential.

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.
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Game Animator Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Animator Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Locum Tenens, 20% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 21% Nights, and 11% Summer. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Senior Gameplay Animator

Senior Gameplay Animator

Ember Lab

Orange, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary: $88K-$120K

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. Were 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, its probably not legitfeel free to ignore it or give us a heads-up at contact@emberlab.com.


Weve got your back when it comes to keeping the process safe and secure!