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Junior Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Review and provide feedback on animation assets from peers and junior team members to ensure successful integration into the game engine and adherence to visual and performance standards. * Play and ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Review and provide feedback on animation assets from peers and junior team members to ensure successful integration into the game engine and adherence to visual and performance standards. * Play and ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site +1

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 ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation development. * Mentor, coach, and train more junior animators. What We'll Do Together:

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation development. * Mentor, coach, and train more junior animators. What We'll Do Together:

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation development. * Mentor, coach, and train more junior animators. What We'll Do Together:

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation development. * Mentor, coach, and train more junior animators. What We'll Do Together:

PUBG Madglory

Mid-Level/Senior Animator

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$106K - $121K/yr

Defines animation direction and execution even in ambiguous situations. * Organizes direction and ... Is enthusiastic about mentoring more junior animators and able to give constructive feedback.

ZAGG, Inc.

Senior 3D Animator

Midvale, UT · On-site

$100K - $114K/yr

Provide creative and technical mentorship to junior animators and freelance contributors as needed. What You'll Bring * 7+ years of professional 3D animation experience, ideally in product ...

ZAGG Inc

Senior 3D Animator

Midvale, UT

$100K - $114K/yr

Provide creative and technical mentorship to junior animators and freelance contributors as needed. What You'll Bring * 7+ years of professional 3D animation experience, ideally in product ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site

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 ...

Dorsia

Junior Designer

Miami, FL

The Junior Designer works closely with the editorial, marketing, social, and GTM teams to execute ... Motion & Animation * Animate brand moments for social and digital channels, ensuring Dorsia moves ...

University of Florida

Lead Designer

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Provide day-to-day mentorship and guidance to a team of junior animators, fostering skill development, creative growth, and professional confidence. * Cultivate a supportive and growth-oriented team ...

Axle

Junior Illustrator

Hamilton, MT · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... oriented Junior Illustrator to support NIH research programs through the development of high ... Create illustrations, videos, animations, web content, and graphic designs for publication and ...

Axle

Junior Illustrator

Hamilton, MT

$18 - $24/hr

... oriented Junior Illustrator to support NIH research programs through the development of high ... Create illustrations, videos, animations, web content, and graphic designs for publication and ...

Axle

Junior Illustrator

Hamilton, MT

$60K - $70K/yr

... oriented Junior Illustrator to support NIH research programs through the development of high ... Create illustrations, videos, animations, web content, and graphic designs for publication and ...

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All JobsAnimation JobsJunior Animation Jobs

Junior Animation information

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$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior animation in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Junior Animation vs Junior Graphic Designer?

AspectJunior AnimationJunior Graphic Designer
Required SkillsBasic animation software knowledge, storytelling, creativityDesign software proficiency, visual communication, creativity
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, media companies, advertising agenciesDesign firms, marketing departments, media companies
Common CertificationsAnimation courses, Adobe After Effects, Maya basicsGraphic design courses, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator basics

Both roles often require foundational skills in Adobe Creative Suite and creative thinking. While Junior Animation focuses on creating animated content using specialized software, Junior Graphic Designer emphasizes visual design and layout skills. Both positions are entry-level and serve as stepping stones in creative industries, but they differ in technical focus and project types.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Junior Animator expect to handle in their first year?

As a Junior Animator, you can expect to work on foundational tasks such as creating simple animations, cleaning up key frames, and assisting senior animators with larger sequences. You'll likely be involved in preparing assets, following established animation guidelines, and making revisions based on feedback from supervisors. Collaboration is key, as you'll often work closely with storyboard artists, modelers, and riggers to ensure consistency and quality in the final product. Over time, you'll gain opportunities to take on more complex scenes and contribute creatively as you build your skills and confidence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, basic drawing skills, and a degree or coursework in animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, or Autodesk Maya is typically expected. Strong communication, creativity, and openness to feedback help Junior Animators collaborate effectively and improve their work. These skills are essential for producing high-quality animations, meeting project deadlines, and growing within a creative team.

What do Junior Animators do?

Junior Animators assist in creating animation sequences for films, television shows, video games, or advertisements. They often work under the supervision of senior animators, helping with tasks like developing storyboards, creating character movements, and refining animations based on feedback. Junior Animators typically use software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender, and are responsible for ensuring their work fits the project's artistic vision and technical requirements. As they gain experience, they may take on more complex animation tasks and creative responsibilities.
More about Junior Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Animation jobs? Cities with the most Junior Animation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs? The most popular types of Animation jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Junior Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Animation jobs are:
Junior Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Animation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 3% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
Animator IV

Animator IV

IGT

Reno, NV • On-site, Remote

$105K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

IGT rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 430 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

IGT, where innovation meets entertainment on a global scale!  From the casino floor to your mobile screen, we deliver thrilling, responsible, and unforgettable gaming experiences-powered by worldclass content, strong technical and commercial capabilities and nurtured by a culture of collaboration, accountability, and ownership.

 

Whether it's spinning reels, placing bets, or enabling secure payments, we turn innovation into impact through disciplined execution and longterm value creation. With a team of over 6,000 employees across 30+ countries and products delivered in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide, we operate at scale while staying closely connected to costumers we serve. If you're ready to bring your talent to a team shaping the future of entertainment, your next big move starts here - www.igt.com.

Overview

Step into a lead role within IGT's Vibe Game Studio in Reno, Nevada, as an Animator IV, where your creativity, technical expertise, and artistic vision will help shape both our next generation of games and the culture of innovation within the studio. In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation, establishing the visual tone and quality standards for groundbreaking gaming experiences while mentoring and elevating fellow animators.

Working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, Technical Artists, and Art peers, you will drive a collaborative and holistic approach to game development that pushes the boundaries of casino gaming entertainment. Your contributions will directly support IGT's mission to pioneer the future of gaming by creating animations that captivate players, enhance gameplay, and deliver memorable experiences.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Create and lead the development of complex animations and dynamic visual effects for EGM (Electronic Gaming Machine) development, including both real-time and pre-rendered content.
  • Drive and collaborate on the creative vision for animation across multiple game development projects, establishing high standards for quality, style, and player engagement.
  • Develop storyboards, animatics, and gameplay sequences that maximize excitement and enhance the overall player experience.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to define animation strategies, artistic direction, and final animation assets that align with gameplay and narrative goals.
  • Spearhead the creation of specialized animation techniques supporting advanced game mechanics such as progressive bonuses, jackpots, immersive bonus rounds, and attract sequences.
  • Mentor and coach junior animators, helping them refine their artistic skills and technical expertise while fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.
  • Review and provide feedback on animation assets from peers and junior team members to ensure successful integration into the game engine and adherence to visual and performance standards.
  • Play and evaluate games in studio test environments, Unity builds, and standalone game versions, providing constructive feedback to elevate animation quality and player impact.
  • Innovate new animation workflows, tools, and techniques, incorporating advanced visual effects such as particle systems and motion graphics to enhance gameplay experiences.
  • Ensure all animations maintain the intended tone, atmosphere, and visual integrity of the game experience, making adjustments and providing direction as needed.
  • Collaborate closely with Game Designers, Technical Artists, and Art peers to conceptualize animation sequences that strengthen storytelling, gameplay clarity, and player interaction.
Work Location

This role is based onsite at our Reno office. While it isn't remote-eligible, we welcome applicants who already live in Reno/surrounding areas or are excited about the opportunity to relocate.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Animation, Art, Game Design, or a related field - or equivalent professional experience.
  • 8+ years of professional animation experience, including at least 5 years focused on game development.
  • Proven success leading animation projects or mentoring teams within the gaming industry, particularly in EGMs or other real-time interactive experiences.
  • Strong demo reel showcasing visual storytelling, choreography, timing, and mastery of animation principles across effects, symbols, environments, and gameplay sequences.
  • Expert-level proficiency in 2D and 3D animation tools such as After Effects, Spine, Maya, and Blender.
  • Experience creating and implementing real-time animations in Unity.
  • Strong understanding of EGM-specific animation elements including reel spins, transitions, base and bonus features, math screens, attract sequences, and jackpot effects.
  • Familiarity with slot game or casino gaming animation pipelines, including integration into proprietary game engines and development platforms.
  • Exceptional attention to detail in animation principles, movement, composition, and timing within fast-paced production environments.
  • Animation test required as part of the interview process.
Keys to Success

 Building collaborative relationships
Decision making
Drive results
Foster innovation
Personal energy
Self-leadership
#LI-CK1

At IGT, we believe compensation should be as individual as you are, reflecting your skills, experience, background, and location. For this role, the starting compensation range is $117,400 to $145,450, with flexibility to adjust higher or lower based on the full scope of qualifications. We proudly comply with all applicable local pay transparency laws and collective bargaining agreements.

And compensation is just the beginning. Our Total Rewards program is designed to support your success, both professionally and personally, and may include:

  • Commission opportunities for eligible sales roles
  • Discretionary bonus potential for non-sales positions
  • Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and disability insurance
  • A 401(k) Savings Plan with company contributions to help you plan for the future
  • Tuition reimbursement to support continued learning and growth
  • Paid time off to rest, recharge, and reset
  • Wellness programs that support your overall well-being
  • Identity theft protection for added peace of mind

What IGT employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About IGT

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

IGTis a global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

London, Greater London, GB

Social media

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