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Game Animator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Apex Systems

CINEMATICS CUTSCENE ANIMATOR

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Experience: 2+ years of relevant animation experience in gaming. * Technical Skills: Strong portfolio demonstrating skills in performance animation, both body and face. * Proficiency in lip sync ...

Microsoft

Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$133K - $219K/yr

The Immersion Systems team is looking for a Software Engineer to help us enhance the animation system for the world's best-selling video game. You will join a team of engineers in Redmond responsible ...

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All JobsGame Animator JobsGame Animator Jobs in Seattle, WA

Game Animator information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$44

$79

How much do game animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for game animator in Seattle, WA is $44.88, 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 $93,341 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

CINEMATICS CUTSCENE ANIMATOR

Apex Systems

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Work with a cinematic layout artist to deliver high-quality performances for cinematic cutscenes.

  • Animate using both hand-key techniques and motion capture data.

  • Set up and implement animation files using Unreal, Unreal Sequencer, Autodesk Maya, and the Metahuman Performance Asset auto lip sync tool.

Job description

CINEMATICS ANIMATOR - CutscenesRole Overview

Location: United States (Remote)

Work Type: Contract

We are seeking a Cinematics Animator for a contract role focused on delivering high-quality character and creature acting in cinematic cutscenes. The ideal candidate will work with a cinematic layout artist to create compelling performances through both hand-key animation and motion capture data enhancement.

Key Responsibilities
  • Work with a cinematic layout artist partner to deliver high-quality performances for cinematic cutscenes.
  • Animate using both hand-key techniques and motion capture data.
  • Collaborate with Tech Art, Character, and Creature teams to test rigs.
  • Set up and implement animation files using Unreal, Unreal Sequencer, Autodesk Maya, and the Metahuman Performance Asset auto lip sync tool.
  • Utilize a proprietary Round Trip Tool to assist the layout artist with animation-related issues.
  • Implement feedback from Cinematics management and the Cinematics Animation supervisor.
  • Post captured work for review and contribute input during team meetings.
Required Qualifications
  • Experience: 2+ years of relevant animation experience in gaming.
  • Technical Skills: Strong portfolio demonstrating skills in performance animation, both body and face.
  • Proficiency in lip sync animation.
  • Ability to hand-key animate and enhance motion capture data.
  • Strong skills in Maya.
  • Experience with an auto lip sync tool.
  • Experience in Unreal.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate and take direction from stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of other cinematic-related skills, such as editing, storyboarding, layout, camera, lighting, and audio collaboration.
  • A passion for games, animation, and storytelling.
About Us

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Benefits Overview
  • Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection.
  • We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure.
  • Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts.
  • In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA.
  • Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach.
Disability Accommodations

If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at accommodations@apexsystems.com or 804-523-8228. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

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