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Junior Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animator IV

Reno, NV

$105.70K - $120.60K/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 ...

Animator IV

Reno, NV

$105.70K - $120.60K/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

If you are comfortable with teaching, you may be called upon to aid the more junior members of the team in any relevant area. We are looking for Animators that can attend weekly meetings. We are ...

Junior Graphic Designer JOB SUMMARY: The Junior Graphic Designer creates visually compelling ... After Effects or Premiere Pro for simple animations/edits. • Asset preparation: exporting ...

Senior DevOps Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$145.90K - $187.40K/yr

Skydance Animation offers a dynamic and inclusive culture focused on innovative storytelling. The ... junior engineers and help raise the overall operational maturity of the IT organization ...

Position Summary As a Junior Motion Graphic Designer/Animator, you will create high-quality 2D vector animations and typographic motion graphics for B2B healthcare industry clients. This role is ...

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Showing results 1-20

Junior Animation information

See salary details

$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior animation jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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 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 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.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Junior Animation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
Junior Animation Programmer - Remote or OnSite

Junior Animation Programmer - Remote or OnSite

Studio Wildcard

Seattle, WA • On-site, Remote

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 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 buildARK 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