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Key Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hearst

Senior Social Editor & Animator

New York, NY · Hybrid

$88K - $94K/yr

From AI-enhanced storytelling to scroll-stopping animations, this role is at the cutting edge of ... Key Responsibilities (What You're Doing) * Edit and design social-first branded content including ...

Hearst

Senior Social Editor & Animator

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$88K - $94K/yr

From AI-enhanced storytelling to scroll-stopping animations, this role is at the cutting edge of ... Key Responsibilities (What You're Doing) * Edit and design social-first branded content including ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera ... key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera ... key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera ... key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits ...

De Circle

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

Austin, TX · On-site +1

Utilize Autodesk Maya for keyframe animation and animation techniques, implementing key poses to enhance character movement. * Work within Visual Studio IDE to write and optimize code, ensuring ...

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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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What job categories do people searching Key Animator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Key Animator jobs are:

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.

Senior Social Editor & Animator

Hearst

New York, NY • Hybrid

$88K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 76 rated media

Job description

Be Part of What's Next 

Are you obsessed with the intersection of creativity, motion design, and what's trending on TikTok? We're looking for a Senior Social Editor & Animator to help shape the future of how branded stories live and thrive across social platforms. From AI-enhanced storytelling to scroll-stopping animations, this role is at the cutting edge of editorial creativity and performance.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)

Hearst Magazines' portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S.-including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper's BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics - inspires, entertains, and builds new and bold experiences for an engaged and growing audience across digital, video, social and print, reaching nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. With sophisticated content creation, cutting-edge technology, and industry-leading data capabilities, we make media and products that move people across all platforms. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the world-and together, we are shaping what's next.

Key Responsibilities (What You're Doing)

  • Edit and design social-first branded content including Reels, Stories, Shorts, interactive assets, and vertical video variations.
  • Transform single content pieces into optimized assets for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and more.
  • Animate graphics with impact using kinetic typography, motion overlays, and dynamic treatments tailored to platform trends.
  • Convert still images into engaging motion content through AI tools, motion design, and inventive storytelling.
  • Repurpose long-form video into short-form, snackable content that performs across social channels.
  • Collaborate with producers, directors, and creatives to develop fresh visual narratives aligned with brand and client goals.
  • Experiment with stop-motion, mixed media, lo-fi effects, and emerging formats to keep content cutting-edge.
  • Integrate AI tools like Runway to enhance workflows and elevate creative output.
  • Deliver high-quality, polished assets under tight deadlines while maintaining creative excellence.

Qualifications (What We're Looking For)

  • 3-5 years of social-first editing and animation experience in a brand studio, publisher, agency, or digital-first content environment.
  • Strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator).
  • Proficiency with emerging creator-native tools such as CapCut, Edits, DaVinci Resolve, and Canva Pro.
  • Experience using AI-enhanced creative tools (e.g., RunwayML).
  • Bonus if familiar with 3D or advanced motion graphics platforms like Blender or Cinema4D.
  • Portfolio showcasing optimized content for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and platform-native design styles.
  • Demonstrated expertise in transforming still images into motion content using design and AI tools.
  • Strong collaborator, highly adaptable, and able to juggle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Based in NYC with a hybrid in-office schedule (4 days/week).

What We Offer

  • Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
  • Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
  • Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
  • Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
  • Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
  • Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

The base salary for this role is between $88,000 - $94,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Hearst is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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