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Gaming Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

31st Union

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 ...

31st Union

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 ...

De Circle

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

Austin, TX · On-site +1

Empty Vessel is an emerging game development studio focusing on immersive gaming experiences. With ... We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join ...

Nintendo

Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX · On-site

You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other aspects of our projects such as gameplay and story. * We will count on you to help us identify needs and ...

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for an experienced Animation Systems Programmer for our ... Special Projects team. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in driving future ...

PUBG Madglory

Mid-Level/Senior Animator

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$106K - $121K/yr

Build gameplay animation workflows for combat, locomotion, and interaction. * Collaborate with Design, Programming, and TA to ensure animations function correctly within game systems. * Review ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

WE ARE GAME MAKERS Who We Are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art ... What We Need: We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for ...

Duelit

Animation Designer

Our app allows people to compete with each other playing simple games like replicas of Candy Crush ... We are looking for an animation designer who can turn static assets into animated assets. This ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

WE ARE GAME MAKERS Who We Are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art ... What We Need: We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for ...

Duelit

Animation Designer

Our app allows people to compete with each other playing simple games like replicas of Candy Crush ... We are looking for an animation designer who can turn static assets into animated assets. This ...

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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.

Lead Animator

31st Union

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay.

  • Implement animations and related systems in Unreal using the project's animation system and Blueprints.

  • Provide regular feedback, mentor animators, and help organize and assign sub-team tasks.

Job description

Who We are:
We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.
What We Need:
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback, mentoring team members, and contributing to the overall quality and success of the team's output. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences to life.
What You'll Do:
  • Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay.
  • Implement animations directly in Unreal using the project's animation system and Blueprints.
  • Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal.
  • Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning.
  • 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 bar by creating clear examples, documenting standards, and sharing best practices with the team.
  • Provide regular feedback in partnership with the Animation Director, mentoring animators, onboarding and developing team members, and serving as a trusted resource for creative guidance and support.
  • Interpret and translate direction from directors and creative leads into clear, actionable animation goals.
  • Help to organize and assign sub-team tasks based on individual strengths and project deadlines, assisting the Director in creating realistic timelines that balance delivery with team growth.
  • Partner with Technical Animation to explore and refine locomotion and overall character motion, ensuring the smoothest and most polished player experience possible.
  • Collaborate closely with Production on roadmap planning, task estimation, and risk assessment, while balancing competing priorities and adjusting workflows to accommodate evolving project requirements.
  • Escalate issues to the Animation Director when artistic decisions or direction are needed.
What Will Make You a Great Fit:
  • 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role.
  • 2-4+ years of experience in a leadership role and/or mentoring experience.
  • Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations, with advanced knowledge of Maya.
  • Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly, while responding effectively to creative redirection.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills within and across fields, with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
  • An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation.
  • Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments.
Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience leveraging Google Sheets/Excel to organize asset inventories, monitor production status, and facilitate coordination and visibility across departments.
  • Experience creating cinematic sequences, character performances, and story-driven animation that enhances narrative and emotional impact.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $123,200 and $182,360 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.
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