1

Junior 3D Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as ... The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production ...

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

Establish file organization and asset management standards, and mentor junior designers on 3D production practices. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in Animation ...

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

Establish file organization and asset management standards, and mentor junior designers on 3D production practices. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in Animation ...

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Establish file organization and asset management standards, and mentor junior designers on 3D production practices. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in Animation ...

Advanced Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Mentor junior animators in related studios and throughout Game Development * Maintain well ... Proficiency in 3D animation a plus * Proficiency in compositing and rotoscoping a plus

Mentor junior animators in related studios and throughout Game Development * Maintain well ... Have a strong sense of animatics and storyboarding for 2D/3D animation * Ability to work well with ...

Mentor junior animators in related studios and throughout Game Development * Maintain well ... Have a strong sense of animatics and storyboarding for 2D/3D animation * Ability to work well with ...

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Mentor and coach junior animators, helping them refine their artistic skills and technical ... Expert-level proficiency in 2D and 3D animation tools such as After Effects, Spine, Maya, and ...

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Mentor and coach junior animators, helping them refine their artistic skills and technical ... Expert-level proficiency in 2D and 3D animation tools such as After Effects, Spine, Maya, and ...

$69.79 - $95.38/hr

... 3D Tools Language Skills Excellent professional English (Written & Spoken); German language skills ... Provide constructive feedback, technical guidance, and structured mentorship to junior animation ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Mentor, coach, and train more junior animators. What We'll Do Together At Cloud Chamber, we are ... Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. Experience ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Mentor, coach, and train more junior animators. What We'll Do Together At Cloud Chamber, we are ... Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. Experience ...

$60 - $90/hr

You'll work on medium-level shots, collaborate with a talented team, and help mentor junior artists ... Experience with Maya or similar 3D animation tools * A portfolio showing emotionally driven ...

You'll work on medium-level shots, collaborate with a talented team, and help mentor junior artists ... Experience with Maya or similar 3D animation tools * A portfolio showing emotionally driven ...

Lead, Creative Services

Melbourne, FL · On-site +1

$100K - $186K/yr

The role creates 3D renders and animations and edits them into finished video for marketing ... Mentor junior creative staff on 3D and video technique where the opportunity arises and contribute ...

Lead, Creative Services

Albany, NY · On-site +1

$100K - $186K/yr

The role creates 3D renders and animations and edits them into finished video for marketing ... Mentor junior creative staff on 3D and video technique where the opportunity arises and contribute ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Junior 3D Animator information

See salary details

$31K

$63.9K

$132.5K

How much do junior 3d animator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior 3d animator in the United States is $63,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior 3D animator?

A Junior 3D Animator is an entry-level role responsible for creating animated sequences in films, games, advertisements, or other digital media. They work under the guidance of senior animators and collaborate with designers, modelers, and riggers to bring characters and objects to life. Their tasks may include keyframe animation, motion capture adjustments, and refining movements to ensure realistic or stylized performances. Strong knowledge of animation principles, 3D software like Maya or Blender, and teamwork skills are essential for success in this role.

What does a junior 3D animator do?

A typical day for a Junior 3D Animator involves working on assigned animation tasks, collaborating closely with senior animators and other team members such as modelers, riggers, and producers. You may spend significant time refining character movements, creating assets, or tweaking animations based on feedback from supervisors. Daily responsibilities often include participating in team meetings, reviewing project timelines, and managing files within shared pipelines. Adapting to revision requests and maintaining clear communication with the team are also key parts of the role, ensuring smooth workflow and alignment with the project's vision.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a junior 3D animator?

To thrive as a Junior 3D Animator, a strong foundation in 3D animation principles, attention to detail, and a relevant degree or coursework in animation or related fields are essential. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, as well as an understanding of rigging and texturing processes, is typically required. Creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to receive and apply feedback make individuals stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are important because they enable Junior 3D Animators to contribute effectively to collaborative projects, meet production standards, and grow professionally within a fast-evolving industry.

More about Junior 3D Animator jobs

What cities are hiring for Junior 3D Animator jobs?

Cities with the most Junior 3D Animator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Animator jobs?

The most popular types of 3D Animator jobs are:

What states have the most Junior 3D Animator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Junior 3D Animator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Junior 3D Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,866 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

3D Animation Lead

Flying Bark Productions

Denver, NC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series and Stranger Things animated series as well as upcoming feature film, Zac Power.


The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as the main contact between production and supervisors, and ensuring smooth communication and workflow. This role requires strong leadership skills, technical knowledge of animation tools (especially Maya), and the ability to solve creative and technical challenges while meeting deadlines. The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production needs to maintain high-quality animation output.


About the role:

  • Lead a team of animators on a show
  • Be the key contact for production and supervisor/s. Maintain clear communication, deal with creative challenges, provide solutions and adapt to changes in production & scheduling
  • Set and manage team assignments in collaboration with the animation supervisor
  • Have a good understanding of the animation tasks the team will be working on and the potential technical and creative challenges involved
  • Be prepared to deputise for the animation supervisor if necessary
  • Be aware of workflow templates, methodology and documentation; provide to the team where necessary
  • Work with technology teams to ensure that department tools are available for the team and properly set up for the show
  • Inform supervisors and Head of Department (HOD) of any advances made on a project for integration into other shows
  • May be required to work with HOD and supervisors on bids when requested
  • Effectively manage team to avoid potential conflict or disagreement
  • Maintain positive relationships with all other departments and address any issues promptly
  • Attend dailies and present the work of your team; guide artists on how to present their work
  • Coach, share knowledge and assume some responsibility for the progression of more junior members of the team
  • Provide regular feedback to the team to ensure that work is always delivered on time to the highest possible standard
  • Work with the technical animators to ensure that show wikis are kept up to date


About you:

  • Previous experience mentoring or leading a team
  • Thorough knowledge of Maya
  • An understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture and form
  • An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data between tools
  • The proven ability to work under pressure
  • Being open to direction and able to embrace change
  • Attention to detail
  • Reliable, with good time keeping and the ability to meet deadlines
  • Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills
  • A demonstrable commitment to creative collaboration within a team and with other departments
  • Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes and technical skills
  • Working knowledge of modelling, rigging and Mel/Python scripting
  • Knowledge of human and animal anatomy as well as life drawing skills


What do we do?

Flying Bark Productions is a renowned independent producer of family-focused animation entertainment. For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility hascreated award-winning feature films and TV series.


Why work with us?

  • We work on some pretty cool projects - check out our website: https://www.flyingbark.com.au/
  • We love dogs and you will often see some of our regular fluffy companions in the studio.
  • We have a hybrid approach to work. For this particular position, full remote could be an option.
  • Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever possible.
  • Our employees say our culture is the best they've ever experienced - everyone is welcome and celebrated!


Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.