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Game Animator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Holospark

Gameplay Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Work directly with game designers, animators, and other engineers to deliver state-of-the-art gameplay features. * Integrate with first and third party services to give our players a seamless ...

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All JobsGame Animator JobsGame Animator Jobs in Seattle, WA

Game Animator information

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$12

$44

$79

How much do game animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for game animator in Seattle, WA is $44.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.90 and $72.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game animator?

Game animators are professionals who create the movement and behavior of characters, objects, and environments in video games. They use specialized software to design animations that bring digital worlds to life, ensuring that character actions and environmental effects look natural and engaging. Game animators work closely with game designers, artists, and programmers to integrate their animations seamlessly into gameplay. Their work helps enhance storytelling, visual appeal, and the overall player experience.

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 a strong background in animation principles, 3D modeling, and an understanding of character movement, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is crucial, and knowledge of scripting languages can be beneficial. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to take feedback are important soft skills that help animators bring characters and environments to life. These skills ensure that animations are visually engaging, technically flawless, and seamlessly integrated into the gameplay experience.

How do game animators typically collaborate with other departments during the development process?

Game Animators work closely with game designers, character artists, and programmers to ensure that animations integrate smoothly into the game engine and support gameplay objectives. They frequently participate in cross-functional meetings to review animation progress, receive feedback, and adjust their work to meet creative and technical requirements. Effective communication is essential, as animators must balance artistic vision with technical constraints and gameplay needs, often iterating on their animations based on feedback from multiple teams.

What is the difference between Game Animator vs Character Animator?

AspectGame AnimatorCharacter Animator
Required CredentialsAnimation degree or related certification, portfolioAnimation degree, portfolio, sometimes specialized in character animation
Work EnvironmentVideo game studios, interactive mediaFilm, TV, video game studios, often focused on character movement
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming industry, working on game assetsIn entertainment industry, focusing on character performance
Common Search & ComparisonGame Animator vs Character Animator

While both roles involve animation skills, a Game Animator specializes in creating animations for video games, including character, environment, and object movements. A Character Animator focuses specifically on bringing characters to life, often in film or TV, but also in games. The main difference lies in the scope and context of their work, with Game Animators working within interactive environments and Character Animators emphasizing performance and storytelling through character movement.

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 lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or working at major studios can earn higher salaries. Proficiency in animation software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

Is it hard to get hired as a game animator?

Getting hired as a game animator can be competitive, as it requires a strong portfolio demonstrating skills in animation, knowledge of industry-standard tools like Maya or Blender, and often a relevant degree or certification. Building a solid reel and gaining experience through internships or personal projects can improve employment prospects in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Game Animator jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Game Animator jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Animator jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Animator jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Game Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Animator job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,288 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Technical Animator - Unreal 4

Seattle, WA • On-site

8 Circuit Studios, Inc.
PC Games • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about 8 Circuit Studios, Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Do you love working with and empowering animators by providing them the tools necessary to bring characters to life? Are you passionate about working at the cutting edge of story telling mediums and working in a highly technical environment? Do you have experience working with motion capture teams? Are you comfortable collaborating with game developers in the Unreal pipeline? If so, we may have the role for you. 


We are looking to hire a Rigger and/or a Technical Animator to kickstart our gameplay animation team. You would work closely with Art and Production to produce in-game content and cinematics.


Responsibilities

  • Experience with Keyframe animation and motion capture data, with fundamental animation principles
  • Support and improve the integration of animation assets from Maya (or equivalent 3D tools) to Unreal Engine 4
  • Contribute to improving the animation pipeline
  • Own the skinning process for a variety of characters, weapons, garments and gear
  • Manage code and content delivery with Perforce
  • Document process

Requirements

  • Character rigging and skinning capabilities
  • Keyframe experience a big plus for placeholder sets
  • Facial rigging experience a plus
  • UE4 experience

Please include work examples with application.


About 8 Circuit Studios

With 8 Circuit Studios, you would be joining a team that has big aspirations. Our dream is to create games that make you think while becoming wildly successful in the enterprise. We are fired up to make our mark in the video game industry with our first PC, XBox, and PS4/5 title called Project Genesis.


We are currently self-funded and looking to accomplish the impossible: create live-service title that can compete with AAA games…but at a fraction of the cost in time, talent, and treasure. We expect a lot from each other, but we also have a passion for creating a supportive environment where you can learn as you go and level-up as much as you’d like.


We love to share knowledge and expertise.


In the not too distant future, we anticipate scaling our team up so now is the perfect time for you to consider applying as we prepare the team to go stratospheric.

Apply