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Key Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Alameda, 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 ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Sunnyvale, 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 ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

San Mateo, 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 ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Work with key stakeholders to define goals and implement scalable solutions that streamline animation content creation and integration. * Take initiative in building and refining animation systems ...

AirSculpt

Senior Video Editor and Animator

Vienna, VA

$90/hr

Strong animation experience is essential, with the ability to bring static creative to life and ... A strong understanding of creative briefs is key, along with the ability to interpret feedback ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

Work with key stakeholders to define goals and implement scalable solutions that streamline animation content creation and integration. * Take initiative in building and refining animation systems ...

AirSculpt

Senior Video Editor and Animator

Dallas, TX

$90/hr

Strong animation experience is essential, with the ability to bring static creative to life and ... A strong understanding of creative briefs is key, along with the ability to interpret feedback ...

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How much do key animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 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 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 Unreal Animator

Senior Unreal Animator

Evil Eye Pictures

Alameda, CA • Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Other

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

Job description

Founded in 2004, Evil Eye Pictures is a collaborative virtual studio bringing together some of the best content creators, innovators and engineers from around the globe. The team is focused on creating immersive, compelling visuals and experiences for the evolving world of real-time, multi-platform entertainment.


Evil Eye was founded by artists to work on high-profile, special projects while maintaining an emphasis on people and a positive, fun work culture.


Senior Unreal Animator (Contract)


Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character Animator. The ideal candidate will have minimum 5 years of professional experience in film, television and/or games, and a thorough understanding of the CG animation pipeline. A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical.


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 motion
  • Ownership of hero shots through animation blocking, refinement and polish stages


Requirements:


  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Animation, Games or Visual Effects
  • Experience keyframing character animation and working with motion capture data
  • Ability to collaborate and take direction from creative leads and the narrative team
  • Ability to work independently, problem solve on the fly, and collaborate efficiently across disciplines in a small, fast moving team
  • Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Control Rig and Sequencer


Good to have:


  • Proficiency with Maya
  • Experience using source control such as Perforce or Github
  • Experience rigging
  • Helping develop cinematic pipelines and tools.
  • Python or similar coding skills


Additional Information


  • Portfolio: Please include a link to a reel of your work when applying for this position.
  • Location: This is a remote position supporting our Virtual Studio.
  • Contract Duration: 6/15-7/24 with hold to 8/7


For more information about Evil Eye check out: https://www.evileyepictures.com



CA Pay Transparency Information:

The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position are detailed below. Compensation varies based on a variety of factors, which include (but aren’t limited to) things such as skills and competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. In addition to base pay, most employees are eligible to participate in Evil Eye's benefit plans and discretionary incentive programs (subject to the terms of those plans or programs).


Pay Range: $40 -$65 / hour

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