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Key Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US AI

Contract Animator

Rockville, MD · On-site

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Spinplay Games

Senior Technical Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

$101K - $115K/yr

Key Responsibilities * Build, rig, and maintain high-quality Spine animation files for production. * Create animator-ready files with clean skeletons, skins, constraints, and reusable setups.

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Experience with hand key facial animation and tools such as Jali. * A love for research, reference, and documenting your findings to share with the team. Who You Are: * A reliable, positive force ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Experience with hand key facial animation and tools such as Jali. * A love for research, reference, and documenting your findings to share with the team. Who You Are: * A reliable, positive force ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Experience with hand key facial animation and tools such as Jali. * A love for research, reference, and documenting your findings to share with the team. Who You Are: * A reliable, positive force ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Experience with hand key facial animation and tools such as Jali. * A love for research, reference, and documenting your findings to share with the team. Who You Are: * A reliable, positive force ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA

$112K - $128K/yr

This role serves as a key creative lead across assigned projects, partnering closely with internal ... Reporting to the Sr. Director, Mattel Studios Animation Creative (Adult & Four-Quad), this position ...

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Key Animator information

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How much do key animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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.

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.

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Key Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Key Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Contract Animator

US AI

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development

WHO WE ARE

US AI stands as a forward-thinking digital transformation enterprise, dedicated to enabling individuals to achieve remarkable feats through cutting-edge technology. As a leader in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Self-Healing Infrastructure, we are actively seeking top-tier talent to spearhead the commercialization of groundbreaking products and propel our business to new heights.
If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital realm, then this is the place for you. Come work with us, and let’s redefine the future together.
Engagement Type: Contract / Freelance
Duration: [e.g., 1–3 months, with potential extension]
Hours: [e.g., 20–40 hours per week]
Role Overview
We are seeking a talented Contract Animator to bring ideas, products, and stories to life through compelling motion design and animation. This role will support marketing, brand, and product initiatives by creating high-quality animated content for digital channels, presentations, and events.
The ideal candidate blends strong visual storytelling with technical execution, works efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and can translate abstract concepts into clear, engaging visuals.
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
  • Collaborate with marketing, product, and creative teams to interpret briefs and storyboards
  • Translate complex ideas (e.g., AI technology, data, workflows) into clear visual narratives
  • Apply animation principles, timing, and pacing to deliver polished, professional results
  • Iterate on feedback quickly while maintaining quality and consistency
  • Manage multiple animation projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
  • Prepare final assets in required formats for distribution across channels

Required Qualifications
  • Proven experience as an animator or motion designer (portfolio required)
  • Strong skills in animation fundamentals (timing, spacing, composition, storytelling)
  • Proficiency in tools such as After Effects, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, Photoshop, and/or Cinema 4D, Blender, or similar
  • Experience animating typography, icons, UI elements, and visual metaphors
  • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a contract environment
  • Strong communication skills and openness to feedback
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience creating animations for B2B, SaaS, or technology companies
  • Familiarity with product demos, explainer videos, or brand videos
  • Basic understanding of video editing, sound design, or compositing
  • Experience working from brand guidelines and design systems
  • Knowledge of Figma, Storyboard Pro, or similar collaboration tools
Deliverables May Include
  • Short-form animated videos (15–90 seconds)
  • Explainer or product overview animations
  • Motion graphics for presentations and events
  • Social media animations and digital ads
  • Looping animations for web or booth displays
Why Work With Us
  • Opportunity to shape high-visibility brand and product content
  • Potential for ongoing work beyond the initial contract
Please submit:
  • A link to your portfolio or reel
  • A brief note on your availability and contract rate
  • Any relevant examples of marketing, product, or explainer animations