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Motion Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

Use motion capture, video, and thumbnail sketches as reference for your process * Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level * Provide ...

Thesis

Motion Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

THE JOB The Motion Designer is a key creative contributor responsible for crafting high-quality animation and motion graphics across a range of digital, brand, and content experiences. This role ...

MVP One

Motion Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

About the Role We are seeking a Motion Designer who can bring ideas to life through engaging animation and visual storytelling. This role supports marketing, product, and sales initiatives by ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

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 ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

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 ...

ZeniMax Media

Animator (First-Person)

Rockville, MD · On-site

$70K - $155K/yr

You have experience working with motion capture in either Maya or Motion Builder. * You have experience animating creatures. * You have animation graph experience. Salary Range Animator (First-Person ...

Shown Media

Motion Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$2.5K - $5.0K/mo

Mos importantly for you, the animation you ship this week will be in front of 25+ million people in 72 hours. What You'll Do Own motion execution for viral launch campaigns Build visual systems ...

MVP One

Motion Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a Motion Designer who can bring ideas to life through engaging animation and visual storytelling. This role supports marketing, product, and sales initiatives by ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

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 ...

MVP One

Motion Designer

Chicago, IL

About the Role We are seeking a Motion Designer who can bring ideas to life through engaging animation and visual storytelling. This role supports marketing, product, and sales initiatives by ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Innovate new animation workflows, tools, and techniques, incorporating advanced visual effects such as particle systems and motion graphics to enhance gameplay experiences. * Ensure all animations ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

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 ...

Superpower

Motion Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Design UI animations and micro-interactions that elevate the product experience * Collaborate with brand designers, product designers, and engineers to integrate motion into every surface * Work with ...

Shown Media

Motion Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$2.5K - $5.0K/mo

Mos importantly for you, the animation you ship this week will be in front of 25+ million people in 72 hours. What You'll Do Own motion execution for viral launch campaigns Build visual systems ...

Superpower Health, Inc

Motion Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Design UI animations and micro-interactions that elevate the product experience * Collaborate with brand designers, product designers, and engineers to integrate motion into every surface * Work with ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Innovate new animation workflows, tools, and techniques, incorporating advanced visual effects such as particle systems and motion graphics to enhance gameplay experiences. * Ensure all animations ...

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How much do motion animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for motion 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 some common challenges Motion Animators face when working on collaborative projects?

Motion Animators often work as part of larger creative teams, including designers, directors, and sound engineers. A common challenge is ensuring that animation sequences align with the overall project vision and timing, especially when multiple people contribute assets or feedback. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as project requirements and creative directions can change quickly. Additionally, managing tight deadlines and balancing multiple revisions are typical aspects of the role, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills.

What are Motion Animators?

Motion Animators are creative professionals who design, create, and animate moving graphics and visual effects for various media, such as films, television, video games, advertisements, and online content. They use specialized software to bring characters, objects, and scenes to life by adding movement, transitions, and dynamic elements. Motion Animators often work closely with directors, designers, and editors to ensure their animations support the overall visual storytelling. Their skills blend art, design, and technical expertise to produce engaging and visually appealing content.

Are animators still in demand?

Motion animators are still in demand as visual content continues to grow in marketing, entertainment, and digital media. Skills in software like Adobe After Effects and Blender, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects in this competitive field.

What is the difference between Motion Animator vs 2D Animator?

AspectMotion Animator2D Animator
Required SkillsAnimation, motion graphics, software proficiency (After Effects, Cinema 4D)Drawing, illustration, animation software (Photoshop, Animate)
Work EnvironmentFilm, advertising, digital media projectsTV, film, web animations
CertificationsRelevant animation or motion design certificationsArt or animation degrees, portfolios

While both roles involve creating animated content, a Motion Animator specializes in bringing motion graphics to life using advanced software and techniques, often focusing on digital media and advertising. A 2D Animator primarily creates traditional or digital 2D animations, emphasizing drawing skills and illustration. Both roles require strong animation skills, but Motion Animators tend to work more with motion graphics and visual effects, whereas 2D Animators focus on character animation and storytelling.

How much money does a stop motion animator make?

A stop motion animator's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level animators may earn less, while experienced professionals working on major projects or for large studios can earn higher salaries. Skills in animation software and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

Does Netflix hire animators?

Netflix hires motion animators for creating visual content for their original programming and marketing materials. Candidates typically need skills in animation software like Adobe After Effects or Cinema 4D, along with a strong portfolio. The company often looks for experience in 2D or 3D animation and a good understanding of storytelling through motion design.

How to get an animation job with no experience?

To get a motion animator job with no experience, build a portfolio by creating personal projects or volunteering for small clients to showcase your skills. Learning industry-standard tools like Adobe After Effects or Blender and gaining basic knowledge of animation principles can improve your chances; some employers may also value relevant online courses or certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Motion Animator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Motion Animator, you need strong artistic abilities, proficiency in animation principles, and a relevant degree or portfolio demonstrating your skills. Mastery of tools like Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, and other industry-standard animation software is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and interpreting feedback. These competencies are crucial for producing visually compelling animations that meet project goals and client expectations.
More about Motion Animator jobs
What job categories do people searching Motion Animator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Motion Animator jobs are:
Motion Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motion Animator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% As Needed, 8% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, 28% Nights, 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.

Senior Gaming Animator

Ten4

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Here at Ten4, there's a core focus on Creative Services. By only recruiting for Digital Creatives we can give the best attention and satisfaction to both the clients and the candidates. Being a niche company provides the ability to source top notch candidates and to make the best connections possible. Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops. 

Job Description
  • Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture
  • Join forces with designers and engineers to create characters that are expressive and that still work with player control and AI
  • Design hand-keyed animation with a highly intuitive and developed understanding of body mechanics, force, balance, timing, and believability
  • Use motion capture, video, and thumbnail sketches as reference for your process
  • Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level
  • Provide thoughtful feedback to team members and be open to critique
  • Create multiplayer characters and AI that execute believable and memorable performances
Qualifications
  • 5+ years in game development with at least 2 shipped games
  • Experience OR interest in PC multiplayer games
  • Experience with in-game animation and Maya
  • College/University Degree in Character Animation or similar
  • Full comprehension of camera, layout, and stagingS
  • Self-directed and independent worker

Major Plus:

  • Excellent hand-keyed facial animation
  • Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience
  • First-person animations experience
  • strong design eye
  • Strong knowledge of cinematography, editing, and story development
  • Experience creating state machines and controller schemes
Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: 

  • Competitive Salary with Stock Options
  • An open/unlimited Paid Time Off and Vacation Policy
  • Great medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents covered at 80% and company paid One Medical Group membership on top of your medical plan
  • Team lunch outings covered by company

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