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Graduate Animator Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Graduate Animator information

See Ontario salary details

$21.5K

$58K

$120.5K

How much do graduate animator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate animator in Ontario is $57,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate animator?

A Graduate Animator is an entry-level role for recent graduates looking to start a career in animation. They typically assist in creating animations, storyboarding, and refining character movements under the guidance of senior animators. This role provides hands-on experience with industry-standard software and workflows while developing key skills in 2D or 3D animation. Graduate Animators often work in film, television, advertising, or gaming companies. It's a great opportunity to build a portfolio and gain industry exposure for future career growth.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a graduate animator expect in their first role?

As a Graduate Animator, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks, such as creating character animations, developing storyboards, refining motion graphics, or assisting with visual effects for TV shows, commercials, games, or online content. Entry-level roles often involve collaborating closely with senior animators, designers, and other creative professionals to support larger projects and learn best practices. You may also participate in team meetings, present your ideas, and revise your work based on constructive feedback. This hands-on experience helps build your professional portfolio and deepens your understanding of industry workflows, positioning you for future career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the graduate animator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation fundamentals, creative storytelling, and a relevant degree or diploma in animation or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, Blender, or Toon Boom is typically required, along with a strong portfolio demonstrating your work. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are key soft skills that help you excel in collaborative production environments. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality animations, meeting project deadlines, and integrating feedback from clients and team members.

Is 30 too late to become a graduate animator?

Age is not a barrier to becoming a graduate animator. Many individuals start or switch careers later in life, and success depends on acquiring relevant skills such as proficiency in animation software like Adobe After Effects or Maya, and building a strong portfolio. Employers value talent and experience, regardless of age, so pursuing animation at 30 is entirely feasible.

Is there a high demand for graduate animators?

The demand for graduate animators remains steady as the entertainment, advertising, and gaming industries continue to grow, requiring fresh talent with skills in animation software like Adobe After Effects and Maya. Entry-level positions are available, but competition can be strong, and building a strong portfolio and gaining relevant experience can improve job prospects.

What can I do with a degree in animation?

A degree in animation prepares graduates for roles such as animator, character designer, story artist, or visual effects artist in industries like film, television, gaming, and advertising. It provides skills in digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite and animation software such as Maya or Blender, often requiring a strong portfolio and knowledge of storytelling and design principles.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Animator jobs in Ontario?

For Graduate Animator jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Ontario are hiring for Graduate Animator jobs?

Cities in Ontario with the most Graduate Animator job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Animator job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,987 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

SCFP-CUPE - Fall 2026 - TA - CRM3324 A00

Uottawa

Ottawa, ON

CA$31.89 - CA$50.25/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Posting Reason:

New Position

Location where work is to be performed:

Main Campus

Session:

2026 Fall Semester | Trimestre d'automne

Faculty:

Faculte des sciences sociales / Faculty of Social Sciences

Unit:

Department of Criminology_ST

Job Classification:

Teaching Assistant/Demonstrator/Lab Monitor (CUPE)

Posting Type:

Cours precis / Specific course

Course Title:

Intervention Practice

Course Code:

CRM3324

Section:

A00

Supervisor name (if known):

Michel Doiron

Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD):

2026/08/14

Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD):

2026/08/28

Description of tasks (hours):

Unless specified below, specific allocation of hours to various tasks should be articulated in a description of work negotiated and signed by you and the supervising professor prior to the commencement of work.

Recherche / Research:0Preparation / Preparation:0Contact avec etudiants / Contact with Students:0Correction - Notation / Grading:0Surveillance / Proctoring:0Formation / Training:0Autre / Other:0

Number of positions:

1

Expected Enrolment:

74

Work Start Date:

September 07, 2026

Work End Date:

December 31, 2026

Total Work Hours:

78

Hourly Rate:

AE-RA-Tuteur / TA-RA-Tutor : $31.89 ou/or $50.25 (2024-2025)

The academic year starts on September 1 and ends on August 31.

Undergraduate students will be paid at the lower rate; while graduate students will be paid at the higher rate.

These rates do not included vacation pay nor statutory pay.

These rates will be applied until a new collective agreement is ratified. Retro will be paid after the ratification.

Language of Work:

Anglais | English

Requirements and Nature of Work:

Nature du travail | Nature of work :

Une combinaison de taches telle que l'animation de groupes de discussion, la correction de travaux et d'examens, consultation personnelle avec les etudiants, ainsi que la surveillance d'examens.
L'etudiant doit s'engager a respecter l'echeancier de travail suggere et etre disponible pour assister au cours a la demande du superviseur.

Various responsibilities such as discussion groups, marking of papers and exams, office hours to meet with students, and proctor at exams.
The student must meet the deadlines set by the supervisor and attend lectures if requested to do so.

Qualifications minimales | Minimum Qualifications :

Baccalaureat avec specialisation en criminologie ou son equivalent.
La priorite sera donnee aux candidat(e)s conformement aux articles 18.5 et 18.6.

BA Honours in Criminology or equivalent.

Priority will be given to candidates in accordance with articles 18.5 and 18.6.

Tous les employe(e)s de l'Universite d'Ottawa sont tenu(e)s par la loi provinciale de mener a bien les formations de base obligatoires offertes par l'Universite. La liste des formations requises peut etre modifiee par une loi provinciale. Si on vous invite a poursuivre les etapes du processus de selection, veuillez nous aviser de tout besoin necessitant des mesures d'adaptation particulieres. Nous pouvons consulter le secteur Sante et mieux-etre des Ressources Humaines, au besoin. Les renseignements communiques seront traites avec respect et confidentialite.

All University of Ottawa employees are required under provincial law to successfully complete all mandatory legislated training offered by the University. The list of training requirements may be modified by provincial law. If you are invited to continue the selection process, please notify us of any particular adaptive measures you might require. We may consult with the Health and Wellness sector of Human Resources, if needed. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

Notes :

Ce cours est en presentiel.
This course is in-person.

Additional Information and/or Comments:

All University of Ottawa employees are required under provincial law to successfully complete all mandatory legislated training offered by the University. The list of training requirements may be modified by provincial law. If you are invited to continue the selection process, please notify us of any particular adaptive measures you might require. We may consult with the Health and Wellness sector of Human Resources, if needed. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The hiring process will be governed by the current CUPE 2626 collective agreement; you can click here to find out more.

The University of Ottawa embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are passionate about our people and committed to employment equity. We foster a culture of respect, teamwork and inclusion, where collaboration, innovation, and creativity fuel our quest for research and teaching excellence. While all qualified persons are invited to apply, we welcome applications from qualified Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA2S+ persons. The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible, barrier-free work environment. The University is also committed to working with applicants with disabilities requesting accommodation during the recruitment, assessment and selection processes. Applicants with disabilities may contact the academic unit to communicate the accommodation need.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 - Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.