ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Gaming Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or cinematic sequences. * Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$118K - $217K/yr

Developing gameplay mechanics related to locomotion and animation. * working daily in close collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues, including other engineers, designers, and animators.

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or cinematic sequences. * Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality ...

2K

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or cinematic sequences. * Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality ...

teamLFG

Staff Technical Animator

$143K - $214K/yr

We are looking for someone that is excited about the creative art of animation and the technical challenge of turning that animation into world class action gameplay. As a Staff Technical Animator on ...

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or cinematic sequences. * Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

You'll shape the look, feel, and energy of our games-owning animation from concept to final polish while collaborating with a passionate, cross-disciplinary team. What You'll Do * Create high-impact ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or animatic sequences. * Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or animatic sequences. * Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGaming Animation Jobs

Gaming Animation information

See salary details

$10

$39

$70

How much do gaming animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for gaming animation 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.

How does a gaming animator typically collaborate with game designers and developers during the production process?

Gaming animators work closely with game designers and developers to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and narrative goals. Regular meetings and feedback sessions are common, where animators present their work, discuss technical constraints, and incorporate suggestions from designers and programmers. This collaborative environment helps maintain consistency across visual elements and ensures animations enhance the overall player experience. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as priorities can shift based on testing and player feedback.

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

To thrive as a Gaming Animator, you need strong artistic skills in character movement, a solid understanding of animation principles, and typically a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, as well as experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for bringing characters and worlds to life and working within multidisciplinary teams. These skills are important because they ensure immersive, high-quality animations that enhance gameplay and player experience.

How do you become a game animator?

To become a game animator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field, along with strong skills in animation software such as Maya or Blender. Building a portfolio of animated work and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions are important steps in establishing a career in game animation.

What is the salary of a game animator?

The salary of a game animator typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level animators may earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or working in high-demand markets can earn higher salaries. Proficiency in animation software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What is the difference between Gaming Animation vs 3D Character Artist?

AspectGaming Animation3D Character Artist
Required SkillsAnimation techniques, rigging, motion designModeling, texturing, character design
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation departmentsGame studios, concept art teams
Common CertificationsAnimation software certifications (Maya, Blender)3D modeling certifications (ZBrush, Maya)
Industry UsageCreating animated characters and scenes in gamesDesigning detailed character models for games

Gaming Animation focuses on bringing characters and environments to life through movement and rigging, while 3D Character Artists specialize in creating detailed character models and textures. Both roles are essential in game development but serve different stages of character creation.

Will AI replace animators?

AI is increasingly used in gaming animation to assist with tasks like automating repetitive processes and generating assets, but it is unlikely to fully replace human animators. Skilled animators are needed to create creative, nuanced, and high-quality animations that require artistic judgment and storytelling. AI tools serve as supplements that enhance productivity rather than substitutes for professional expertise in gaming animation.

What is gaming animation?

Gaming animation refers to the process of creating and designing animated movements and actions for characters, objects, and environments in video games. Animators in this field use specialized software to bring digital assets to life, ensuring smooth and realistic motion that enhances the gaming experience. This role often involves collaborating with game designers, artists, and programmers to ensure animations fit the game's style and technical requirements. Gaming animators may work on everything from character walks and attacks to cinematic cutscenes and environmental effects.

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 around $40,000, while experienced professionals or those working on AAA titles can earn over $100,000. Proficiency in animation software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence salary levels.
More about Gaming Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Gaming Animation jobs? Cities with the most Gaming Animation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Gaming Animation jobs? The most popular types of Gaming Animation jobs are:
What states have the most Gaming Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Gaming Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Gaming Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Gaming Animation jobs are:
Gaming Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gaming Animation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 68% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 55% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 44% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$126K - $227K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Facilitate the creation and implementation of tools and techniques that allow the building of complex and high-quality animation systems.

  • Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges.

  • Create high quality animation content supporting newly developed behaviors and systems and implement it in engine.

Job description

This is a hybrid / onsite position.
For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I and Part II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we're busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us!
Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.
Please note: This is not a rigging position. We are looking for an animator that is capable of being the bridge between art and technical teams by designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex runtime animation systems and character behaviors.
What you will do:
• Facilitate the creation and implementation of tools and techniques that allow the building of complex and high-quality animation systems
• Innovate and streamline animation pipeline processes and workflows
• Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges
• Create high quality animation content supporting the newly developed behaviors and systems and implement it in engine
• Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality bar of the in-game animation
• Take ownership of challenging projects and provide innovative solutions, including mentoring team members and creating documentation
• Contribute to the strategic development of internal technologies and artistic processes
What skills you will use:
• 5+ years of industry experience in technical animation for games
• Proficiency in Python, C#, C++ or other programming languages is required
• Full understanding of in-game animation tools like state machines, blend trees, IK solvers, etc.
• Expertise with mocap and keyframe based digital content creation pipelines built on Maya or Motionbuilder
• Proven track record of creating visually stunning animations for diverse game genres
• Proactively contributes to the progress of the team and the project
As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete an animation test.
#LI-SP3
The estimated USA base pay range for this zone (Los Angeles area) is listed below. This role may be eligible for additional compensation packages that includes annual bonus and other incentive plans.
At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.
Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
In addition, this role is eligible for SIE's top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.
The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.
$126,400-$227,500 USD
Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.
Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.

Apply