ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Maya Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations, with advanced knowledge of Maya. * Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Expert-level proficiency in 2D and 3D animation tools such as After Effects, Spine, Maya, and Blender. * Experience creating and implementing real-time animations in Unity. * Strong understanding of ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

Proficiency with tools such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya, and/or After Effects * Ability to produce high-quality animations both independently and within collaborative pipelines * Strong sense of ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · Remote

Proficiency with tools such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya, and/or After Effects * Ability to produce high-quality animations both independently and within collaborative pipelines * Strong sense of ...

VG Systems

Animator / 3-D Modeler

Huntsville, AL

Proficiency in 3-D modeling and animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, or similar tools). * Strong understanding of animation principles, modeling techniques, and visual composition.

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site +1

This role requires strong leadership skills, technical knowledge of animation tools (especially Maya), and the ability to solve creative and technical challenges while meeting deadlines. The lead ...

VG Systems

Animator / 3-D Modeler

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Proficiency in 3-D modeling and animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, or similar tools). * Strong understanding of animation principles, modeling techniques, and visual composition.

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

Shipped at least one AAA title with 4+ years of professional animation experience in Maya * Strong understanding of third-person shooter mechanics and in-engine animation systems (state machines ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMaya Animator Jobs

Maya Animator information

See salary details

$10

$39

$70

How much do maya animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for maya 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Maya Animator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Maya Animator, you need strong artistic skills in animation principles, 3D modeling, and a solid understanding of human or creature motion, usually backed by a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Mastery of Autodesk Maya and familiarity with other tools such as Adobe After Effects or Unity, as well as a robust demo reel or portfolio, are standard requirements. Creativity, attention to detail, collaboration, and the ability to take constructive feedback set exceptional candidates apart. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality animations that align with the vision of the project and contribute positively to dynamic production teams.

What is a Maya Animator job?

A Maya Animator is a professional who uses Autodesk Maya to create 3D animations for films, video games, television, and other digital media. They bring characters, objects, and environments to life by manipulating movement, expressions, and timing. Maya Animators often work closely with modelers, riggers, and designers to ensure smooth, realistic motion that aligns with the creative vision. Strong knowledge of animation principles, keyframing, and motion dynamics is essential for success in this role.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Maya Animator in a studio setting?

As a Maya Animator, your daily responsibilities often include creating and refining 3D character or object animations, collaborating with modelers and riggers, and participating in team reviews to receive and give feedback. You'll be expected to interpret storyboards, work closely with animation leads or directors, and possibly adjust your work based on evolving creative direction or technical constraints. Daily tasks may also involve troubleshooting animation issues, optimizing scenes for performance, and ensuring your animations fit seamlessly into the overall project pipeline. This collaborative and iterative workflow helps maintain a consistent visual style and quality throughout the production.

More about Maya Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Maya Animator jobs? Cities with the most Maya Animator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Maya Animator jobs? The most popular types of Maya Animator jobs are:
What states have the most Maya Animator jobs? States with the most job openings for Maya Animator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Maya Animator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Maya Animator jobs are:
Maya Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Maya Animator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 69% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 71% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Lead Animator

Lead Animator

2K

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Who We are:
We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.
What We Need:
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback, mentoring team members, and contributing to the overall quality and success of the team's output. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences to life.
What You'll Do:
  • Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay.
  • Implement animations directly in Unreal using the project's animation system and Blueprints.
  • Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal.
  • Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning.
  • Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or animatic sequences.
  • Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality bar by creating clear examples, documenting standards, and sharing best practices with the team.
  • Provide regular feedback in partnership with the Animation Director, mentoring animators, onboarding and developing team members, and serving as a trusted resource for creative guidance and support.
  • Interpret and translate direction from directors and creative leads into clear, actionable animation goals.
  • Help to organize and assign sub-team tasks based on individual strengths and project deadlines, assisting the Director in creating realistic timelines that balance delivery with team growth.
  • Partner with Technical Animation to explore and refine locomotion and overall character motion, ensuring the smoothest and most polished player experience possible.
  • Collaborate closely with Production on roadmap planning, task estimation, and risk assessment, while balancing competing priorities and adjusting workflows to accommodate evolving project requirements.
  • Escalate issues to the Animation Director when artistic decisions or direction are needed.
What Will Make You a Great Fit:
  • 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role.
  • 2-4+ years of experience in a leadership role and/or mentoring experience.
  • Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations, with advanced knowledge of Maya.
  • Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly, while responding effectively to creative redirection.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills within and across fields, with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
  • An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation.
  • Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments.
Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience leveraging Google Sheets/Excel to organize asset inventories, monitor production status, and facilitate coordination and visibility across departments.
  • Experience creating cinematic sequences, character performances, and story-driven animation that enhances narrative and emotional impact.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $123,200 and $182,360 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.
#LI-Onsite
#LI-Hybrid

Apply