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Key Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

That's No Moon Entertainment

OR · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

This person will collaborate with other departments and key roles such as the Lead Animator, Camera Layout, Design, Tech Art and Stage. This role will contribute to the unified goal of creating ...

US AI

Contract Animator

Rockville, MD

Key Responsibilities * Create 2D and/or 3D animations for marketing, product, and brand storytelling * Develop motion graphics for videos, product demos, social media, web, and presentations

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-key examples. * Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations. * Familiarity with ...

2K

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-key examples. * Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations. * Familiarity with ...

2K

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-key examples. * Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations. * Familiarity with ...

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-key examples. * Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations. * Familiarity with ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

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 ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

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 ...

STAHL

Audio-Visual Animator

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

Key Responsibilities: Develop and create animations, special effects, and visual images for multimedia projects using industry-standard software and tools. Collaborate with directors, designers, and ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Key Responsibilities: * Show exceptional understanding of facial animation, acting, appeal, entertainment, weight, locomotion, anatomy, and dialogue. * Create high-quality, keyframe Character ...

Crane NXT

Animator / Designer

Alpharetta, GA

As an Animator within our Design team, you will play a key role in developing secure, high-quality micro-optic designs that support our cutting-edge currency and authentication solutions. You will ...

Crane Currency

Animator / Designer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

As an Animator within our Design team, you will play a key role in developing secure, high-quality micro-optic designs that support our cutting-edge currency and authentication solutions. You will ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

San Mateo, CA

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The ... Key Responsibilities * Ideate, execute, iterate, and deliver visual assets for static and ...

Crane NXT Co

Animator / Designer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

As an Animator within our Design team, you will play a key role in developing secure, high-quality micro-optic designs that support our cutting-edge currency and authentication solutions. You will ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

San Jose, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Key Responsibilities: * Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal * Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Mundelein, IL

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The ... Key Responsibilities * Ideate, execute, iterate, and deliver visual assets for static and ...

Russell Tobin

UX Animator

Hayward, CA

UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid 6-months contract role Overview The ... Key Responsibilities * Ideate, execute, iterate, and deliver visual assets for static and ...

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Key Animator information

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How much do key animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for key animator 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 a typical workflow for a Key Animator on an animation project?

As a Key Animator, your typical workflow involves receiving storyboards or layouts, creating key frames that define critical poses or movements, and collaborating closely with directors and other animators to maintain the animation’s style and timing. You’ll often review and adjust your work based on feedback, ensuring consistency and fluidity before handing off sequences to in-between animators. Communication and regular check-ins with other departments, such as layout and clean-up, are common to align on visual direction. This process requires both creative input and technical accuracy to bring animated sequences to life as envisioned.

What does a key animator do?

A key animator creates the main frames that define the movement and timing of characters and objects in animation sequences. They work closely with storyboards and use tools like drawing tablets or animation software to establish the foundation for the animation, which is then refined by in-between animators. Strong drawing skills, understanding of motion, and knowledge of animation principles are essential for this role.

What does a Key Animator do?

A Key Animator is responsible for creating the primary frames of an animation, known as keyframes, which define the movement and actions of characters or objects. They establish the foundation for the animation by setting poses and timing, ensuring smooth transitions between frames. Key Animators work closely with directors and animation teams to maintain consistency and quality. Their work is crucial in bringing scenes to life by emphasizing motion, emotion, and storytelling within an animation project.

How much does a 2 minute animated video cost?

For a key animator, the cost of producing a 2-minute animated video typically ranges from $3,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the animation, style, and production quality. Factors such as character design, background detail, and the use of specialized software can influence the overall budget, and animators often work within tight schedules to meet deadlines.

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

To thrive as a Key Animator, you need advanced drawing skills, a strong understanding of animation principles, and relevant experience or a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or TVPaint is typically required. Attention to detail, creative problem solving, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively are important soft skills. These capabilities ensure high-quality animation sequences and efficient teamwork within fast-paced production schedules.

Is animator a high paying job?

Animator jobs can offer competitive salaries, especially for experienced professionals working in film, television, or gaming industries. Entry-level positions tend to pay less, while specialized skills in software like Adobe After Effects or Maya can lead to higher earnings. Overall, salary levels vary based on experience, location, and industry demand.

What jobs will be gone in the next 5 years?

For key animators, automation and advances in artificial intelligence may reduce demand for traditional hand-drawn animation roles, especially in routine or low-budget productions. However, roles requiring creative storytelling, complex character work, and specialized skills are less likely to disappear entirely, though they may evolve with new tools and technologies.
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Key Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Key Animator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 10% As Needed, 10% Temporary, 70% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator (Project Hire)

That's No Moon Entertainment

OR • On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator with a passion and drive for creating incredible animations for a AAA title. Be the go-to person in supporting immersive, narrative moments throughout the game. The animation will be of the highest quality and in-game functionality. This person will collaborate with other departments and key roles such as the Lead Animator, Camera Layout, Design, Tech Art and Stage. This role will contribute to the unified goal of creating scripted animations that are functional, narrative driven, fluid and will tie into cinematics and gameplay seamlessly. 

Responsibilities:  

  • Create and integrate AAA quality animations for scripted moments within the game using Unreal Engine 5 
  • Use motion capture optimally and hand-key appropriately 
  • Support the creation and maintenance of an Unreal pipeline for scripted events 
  • Collaborate and work alongside other animators to ensure that animations are cohesive with cinematics and gameplay 
  • Work at the highest level, technically and aesthetically  
  • Be proactive with troubleshooting any animation workflow, rigging and pipeline issues 
  • Communicate effectively with animators, engineers, realization team, and design, to give and accept feedback 
  • Assist in establishing standard methodologies in animation 
  • Participate in motion capture shoots when needed  

Requirements & Skills:  

  • Proven Senior experience working with motion capture data and hand-key animation in the game industry  
  • Working knowledge of Unreal Engine, with an emphasis on animation and Sequencer 
  • Ability to work in all aspects of animation including biped, quadruped and vehicles 
  • Demo reel showing an understanding of animation principles, while including gameplay  
  • Experienced with specific gameplay animation editing including blending, cycles and layering  
  • Knowledge of previsualization and cinematography principles 
  • Expert knowledge of Maya 
  • Experience with creating and integrating scripted animations in engine 
  • Passionate about games and the enthusiasm to make the best! 
  • Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills 

Qualities:  

  • Flexibility in switching tasks to accommodate production priorities  
  • Ability to appreciate other department's perspectives  
  • Maintain integrity and confidence in results-oriented times  
  • Empathic and respected senior member of the team  
  • Team oriented with a desire to assist other animators  
  • Promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness  
  • Practice patience and be open to giving and receiving feedback  

(This is a temporary "Project Hire" position. The anticipated duration of this assignment will vary. TNM Project Hire employees will be eligible to participate in a number of TNM benefit plans such as medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, and flexible PTO)

TNM considers a number of factors when determining each role's base pay range, including industry benchmarks, location, experience, and other job specific skills. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for other incentive compensation including equity and profit share. The estimated base pay range for this role is U.S. only and not applicable for locations outside of the U.S.

The estimated base pay range for this role is: $120,000 - $145,000

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