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Graduate Animator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

HS Graduate or Equivalent Years of Experience: * 1-2 Years Licenses / Certifications / Registrations: * Within 6 months of hire must completed one of the following certifications: International ...

Adapts instruction using cell diagrams, animation videos, and primary literature analysis to support advanced undergraduates and pre-medical students preparing for MCAT biology sections and graduate ...

Adapts instruction using cell diagrams, animation videos, and primary literature analysis to support advanced undergraduates and pre-medical students preparing for MCAT biology sections and graduate ...

Adapts instruction using cell diagrams, animation videos, and primary literature analysis to support advanced undergraduates and pre-medical students preparing for MCAT biology sections and graduate ...

Adapts instruction using cell diagrams, animation videos, and primary literature analysis to support advanced undergraduates and pre-medical students preparing for MCAT biology sections and graduate ...

Adapts instruction using cell diagrams, animation videos, and primary literature analysis to support advanced undergraduates and pre-medical students preparing for MCAT biology sections and graduate ...

Adapts instruction using cell diagrams, animation videos, and primary literature analysis to support advanced undergraduates and pre-medical students preparing for MCAT biology sections and graduate ...

Adapts instruction using cell diagrams, animation videos, and primary literature analysis to support advanced undergraduates and pre-medical students preparing for MCAT biology sections and graduate ...

Adapts instruction using cell diagrams, animation videos, and primary literature analysis to support advanced undergraduates and pre-medical students preparing for MCAT biology sections and graduate ...

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Graduate Animator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$39

$69

How much do graduate animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate animator in Virginia is $39.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $63.41 per hour, 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.
Infographic showing various Graduate Animator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,271 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Studio and Digital Arts, 3D Modeling & Animation

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

Liberty University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Liberty University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Faculty are essential to Liberty University’s mission of Training Champions for Christ. It is expected that a faculty member model a personal commitment to the goals and values of Liberty University, engage in an active commitment to, and experience of, personal spiritual formation within a biblically informed Christian worldview. Faculty should view their teaching, engagement with students, and scholarship as a means to a significant educational end. They should strive to employ a variety of techniques for the development of good learning conditions, view each student as a unique individual, and insofar as it is possible, provide for individual differences, abilities, and interests.

The Assistant Professor’s primary role is to teach in their areas of expertise, maintain the integrity of course and instructional programs, and to ensure that their delivery is in alignment with the University mission and vision for the student experience. As such, faculty are responsible for creating an academic atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration for individual dignity. Faculty members may be asked to aid in the development of curriculum in the residential and distance education environments, as well as engage in research/scholarship or creative activity that varies depending upon the expectations of their respective college or school and any additional activities involving service to students and their professional discipline.

Faculty attain the rank of Assistant Professor based upon scholarly and professional achievements. An earned doctoral degree or a terminal master’s degree at an accredited institution in an area relevant to the faculty member’s area of teaching or a professional certificate (e.g., CPA) is preferred but not required.

Assistant Professors are contracted for 10, 11, or 12 months (30, 33, or 36 load hours, respectively). Release from contracted teaching load is determined each semester by the Dean, per Liberty University Faculty Handbook.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities
  • Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in 3D-focused studio art disciplines.
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to effective instruction in 3D art, animation, and related technologies.
  • Maintain a student-centered teaching philosophy that balances foundational instruction with advanced, career-oriented skill development.
  • Collaborate with faculty and staff on program development and curricular innovation.
  • Engage with emerging technologies—including AI-assisted tools and real-time production workflows—as they relate to contemporary creative practice.
  • Support and advance Liberty University’s mission through excellence in teaching, service, and professional engagement.
Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Qualifications And Credentials Education
  • MFA in Studio Art, 3D Animation, 3D Modeling, Game Design, or a closely related field.
Experience
  • Minimum of three years of teaching experience beyond a Teaching Assistant role and/or significant professional industry experience.
Technical Expertise
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following: 3D modeling, rendering, lighting, texturing, character animation, or digital production workflows.
  • Experience with tools such as Blender, Maya, ZBrush, Unreal Engine, Unity, or 3ds Max.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Specialization in areas related to 3D modeling, animation, environments, texturing, lighting, or rendering.
  • Strong teaching skills with demonstrated communication, collaboration, and creative excellence.
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

A successful candidate will possess effective communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University in a variety of environments with strong organizational skills, computer, and scheduling skills. Applicants must have the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information and an ability to understand, speak, and write in English to convey messages and correspond articulately and professionally. Applicants should have excellent problem-solving skills with intuitive reasoning and the ability to analyze information/events while applying accurate judgment to solve problems that are both routine and complex. Candidates must be flexible in a swiftly changing environment.

There may be times this position requires travel to local and campus locations. Candidates are regularly required to sit to perform desk work or type on a keyboard, stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus, hear and speak to effectively communicate, as well as handle materials, reach overhead, kneel, or stoop to conduct business, regularly lifting 10 or fewer pounds.

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well-lit, and the noise level is moderate. The working environment also includes the facilitation of events off campus.

The use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance are required. This job description is designed to provide an employee with a basic understanding of the essential functions, duties, and responsibilities entailed in the performance of the job with Liberty University (LU). It is not intended to be all-inclusive. The description does not constitute an employment contract, either expressed or implied. Employment with Liberty University is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or LU with or without advance notice for any reason or for no reason at all. Only the President is authorized to make changes to any LU policy. Job functions and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of management. Efforts will be made to provide advanced notice of such changes whenever possible.

Time Type

Full time

Location

Onsite

Pay Range

Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's rank, contract length, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

$67,700.00 - $85,000.00

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

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