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Motion Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Stay sharp on emerging tools and techniques, from procedural animation to interactive motion What you'll bring: * Strong motion design portfolio demonstrating range, craft, and a clear sense of ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท 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 ...

Motion Designer

Portland, OR ยท 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 ...

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 ...

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 fellow ...

Motion Designer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Stay sharp on emerging tools and techniques, from procedural animation to interactive motion What you'll bring: * Strong motion design portfolio demonstrating range, craft, and a clear sense of ...

Animator (First-Person)

Rockville, MD ยท 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 ...

Motion Designer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Stay sharp on emerging tools and techniques, from procedural animation to interactive motion What you'll bring: * Strong motion design portfolio demonstrating range, craft, and a clear sense of ...

This role is heavily focused on animation execution within Adobe After Effects, with an emphasis on clean motion design, kinetic typography, vector-based animation, and polished visual storytelling.

Motion Designer

San Francisco, CA ยท 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 ...

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Motion Animator information

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How much do motion animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 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.

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.

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
Infographic showing various Motion Animator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 6% Physical, 93% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Character Animator (Nisqually Tribal Member Only)

Nisqually Indian Tribe

Olympia, WA โ€ข On-site

$34.33/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Please note: NSORNA Nisqually's Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act requires all individuals who have ever been convicted of a sex offense to register with our Public Safety Department. This is true whether or not you have to register with another jurisdiction.

This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Character Animator is responsible for collaborating with the Language Team to create engaging and visually appealing animations for Nisqually language video productions.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

  • Create computer-generated graphics and animations for the Nisqually Language Program.
  • Develop artistic design concepts that meet project needs, with an emphasis on cultural preservation.
  • Collaborate closely with the project team, Language Team, and editors.
  • Participate in community events and workshops to share knowledge of animation and cultural perspectives.
  • Present graphics and animation concepts to the Nisqually Language Production Team.
  • Develop detailed and/or technical illustrations and animation assets.
  • Create and refine character designs and animation elements for motion-based storytelling.
  • Prepare production storyboards and visual sequences.
  • Provide creative input and feedback to enhance content and storytelling.
  • Convert and manage files across multiple digital and/or analog formats.
  • Adhere to project timelines and maintain a high level of professionalism.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience
  • Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of experience as an animator or a strong portfolio demonstrating animation work.
  • Experience applying and adapting creative concepts to meet audience needs.
  • Experience designing unique, creative, and trending characters.
  • Experience and knowledge of character-based art processes and animation production.
  • Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Animation, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field.
  • Experience working with remote teams and collaborating across multiple disciplines.
  • Experience leading, pitching, and collaborating on creative projects.
  • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Character Animator) or related applications.
  • Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
  • Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. This position reports to the Language Resource Center Manager.

COMPETENCIES Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of:

ยท Animation principles, motion graphics, and visual storytelling techniques.

ยท Character design, storyboarding, and animation production processes.

ยท Digital animation tools and software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, Character Animator, or similar applications).

ยท File management and conversion across multiple digital and/or analog formats.

ยท Culturally appropriate representation, particularly in relation to Indigenous/Nisqually language and cultural materials.

Skill in:

ยท Creating computer-generated graphics and animations that effectively communicate story, tone, and cultural context.

ยท Developing artistic concepts and translating them into animation assets and visual sequences.

ยท Designing and refining character elements for motion-based storytelling.

ยท Preparing storyboards and visual layouts for production.

ยท Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including the Language Team, editors, and production team.

ยท Presenting creative concepts and incorporating feedback into revisions.

ยท Managing and organizing digital files and production assets.

ยท Presenting and sharing artistic knowledge in community or workshop settings.

ยท Time management and organizing multiple projects to meet deadlines.

Ability to:

ยท Translate written or conceptual ideas into engaging and culturally appropriate animations.

ยท Maintain consistency in animation style and quality across projects.

ยท Work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.

ยท Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

ยท Manage multiple assignments, adapt to changing priorities, and meet established timelines.

ยท Provide constructive feedback and contribute to creative problem-solving.

ยท Maintain a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and positive working relationships.

ยท Engage respectfully with community members and represent cultural perspectives appropriately.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.


  • Background Check:
    I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third-party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.

  • Drug Screening:
    I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.


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