ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Indie Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

INVIZ

Community Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

You've worked at an indie game studio, animation collective, or startup where creators, fans, and channels were part of a single living ecosystem. You're comfortable being a visible voice for the ...

Epoch Games

Lead Animator

Winston Salem, NC · On-site +1

LoA:SO is an in-development indie open-world RPG set in an original fantasy world. The game is ... You will also be helping us in building and leading a new Animation Team (although such experience ...

INVIZ

Community Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

You've worked at an indie game studio, animation collective, or startup where creators, fans, and channels were part of a single living ecosystem. You're comfortable being a visible voice for the ...

Epoch Games

Lead Animator

Winston Salem, NC

LoA:SO is an in-development indie open-world RPG set in an original fantasy world. The game is ... You will also be helping us in building and leading a new Animation Team (although such experience ...

Epoch Games

3D Game Animator

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

LoA:SO is an in-development indie open-world RPG set in an original fantasy world. The game is ... Understanding of traditional animation principles that enhance believable movement * Experience ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Tempe, AZ · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Emphasizes understanding the full 3D production pipeline and connects Blender skills to indie game ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Emphasizes understanding the full 3D production pipeline and connects Blender skills to indie game ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

MS · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at teaching 3D modeling techniques, material creation, and animation workflows in Blender ... Emphasizes understanding the full 3D production pipeline and connects Blender skills to indie game ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsIndie Animation Jobs

Indie Animation information

See salary details

$10

$39

$70

How much do indie animation jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for indie 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.

What is an Indie Animation job?

An Indie Animation job involves creating animated projects outside of major studios, often with smaller teams and independent funding. These roles can range from animators and storyboard artists to writers and producers, requiring a mix of artistic, technical, and entrepreneurial skills. Indie animators often have more creative control but must handle budgeting, marketing, and distribution. Many projects are self-funded, crowdfunded, or supported through grants and partnerships.

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

To succeed in Indie Animation, you need strong artistic and storytelling abilities, animation software proficiency, and a deep understanding of design principles, often supported by a degree or coursework in animation, illustration, or related fields. Familiarity with tools like Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, Blender, or similar animation platforms is critical, and a strong portfolio showcasing previous work is usually expected. Excellent time management, creative problem-solving, and communication skills set candidates apart, especially when collaborating with small teams or handling multiple responsibilities. These skills are vital to deliver high-quality, original content under tight deadlines while maintaining creative vision and team synergy.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals working in Indie Animation?

Professionals in Indie Animation often manage a variety of tasks, from concept development to final rendering, which means balancing creative work with technical execution and production deadlines. Since indie projects typically involve smaller teams and limited budgets, animators must be adaptable, resourceful, and ready to wear multiple hats such as storyboarding, editing, or even sound design. Collaboration is essential, as you may work closely with writers, voice actors, and composers, often in a remote or decentralized environment. Overcoming these challenges offers valuable experience, fosters creative independence, and can open pathways to both freelance opportunities and larger studio roles.
More about Indie Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Indie Animation jobs? Cities with the most Indie Animation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Indie Animation jobs? The most popular types of Indie Animation jobs are:
What states have the most Indie Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Indie Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Indie Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Indie Animation jobs are:
Indie Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Indie Animation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 61% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 54% In-person, and 46% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Junior Animation Programmer - Remote or OnSite

Junior Animation Programmer - Remote or OnSite

Studio Wildcard

Seattle, WA • On-site, Remote

$50K - $70K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.
And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Animation Programmer who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, write, and implement animation systems, using Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve current solutions and create new ones
  • Create documentation and provide pipeline improvements

Requirements:
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience in game development as an animation programmer
  • Advanced understanding of animation systems
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using Unreal Engine 5

Pluses:
  • C++ experience
  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with Rigging and Animation
  • Tool Programming, MEL, PyMel Python
  • Houdini experience

Required Application Materials:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing

About Studio Wildcard
Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.
Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.
Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options

Apply