ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Motion Capture Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

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 ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

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 ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Strong Camera, Character Animation, and Motion Capture editing skills. * Proficient in animating stylized character animation. * Strong communication skills in client-facing situations, including but ...

OptiTrack

Technical Writer

Denver, CO

Experience with motion capture, animation, virtual production, robotics, biomechanics, or related industries. * Experience with 3D applications such as Maya, MotionBuilder, Blender, Unreal Engine, or ...

OptiTrack

Technical Writer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Experience with motion capture, animation, virtual production, robotics, biomechanics, or related industries. * Experience with 3D applications such as Maya, MotionBuilder, Blender, Unreal Engine, or ...

OptiTrack

Technical Writer

Corvallis, OR

Experience with motion capture, animation, virtual production, robotics, biomechanics, or related industries. * Experience with 3D applications such as Maya, MotionBuilder, Blender, Unreal Engine, or ...

OptiTrack

Technical Writer

Corvallis, OR · On-site

Experience with motion capture, animation, virtual production, robotics, biomechanics, or related industries. * Experience with 3D applications such as Maya, MotionBuilder, Blender, Unreal Engine, or ...

OptiTrack

Technical Writer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Experience with motion capture, animation, virtual production, robotics, biomechanics, or related industries. * Experience with 3D applications such as Maya, MotionBuilder, Blender, Unreal Engine, or ...

OptiTrack

Technical Writer

Raleigh, NC

Experience with motion capture, animation, virtual production, robotics, biomechanics, or related industries. * Experience with 3D applications such as Maya, MotionBuilder, Blender, Unreal Engine, or ...

OptiTrack

Technical Writer

Seattle, WA · On-site

Experience with motion capture, animation, virtual production, robotics, biomechanics, or related industries. * Experience with 3D applications such as Maya, MotionBuilder, Blender, Unreal Engine, or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMotion Capture Animation Jobs

Motion Capture Animation information

See salary details

$10

$39

$70

How much do motion capture animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for motion capture animation 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 the difference between Motion Capture Animation vs Character Animator?

AspectMotion Capture AnimationCharacter Animator
Required CredentialsOften requires knowledge of motion capture systems, animation software, and sometimes specialized certificationsRequires skills in animation software, storytelling, and character rigging, with some familiarity with motion capture data
Work EnvironmentStudio settings with motion capture suits and equipment, often collaborativeDesktop-based, working with animation software, sometimes in a studio or remote
Industry UsageUsed in film, video games, and VR to create realistic character movementsUsed in film, TV, and game development for character animation and performance

Motion Capture Animation focuses on capturing real actor movements using specialized equipment, translating them into digital animations. Character Animators create performances manually or refine motion capture data to animate characters. While both roles involve character animation, motion capture specialists work primarily with physical data capture, whereas character animators focus on artistic interpretation and manual animation techniques.

Does Disney hire 2D animators?

Disney primarily hires 2D animators for traditional animation projects, especially for legacy and specialized productions. However, the company has shifted focus toward 3D animation and CGI, so opportunities for 2D animation roles are more limited and often involve specialized skills in traditional techniques and software like Toon Boom or Adobe Animate.

How do motion capture animators typically collaborate with directors and actors during a production?

Motion capture animators work closely with directors and actors to ensure movements are accurately captured and match the creative vision of the project. Animators often attend rehearsals, provide feedback on performance capture, and help set up technical equipment. They collaborate with directors to discuss shot composition and storytelling, while guiding actors on how to perform for optimal data capture. This collaborative process ensures that the final animation integrates seamlessly with the project's artistic goals.

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

To thrive as a Motion Capture Animator, you need expertise in animation principles, an understanding of human movement, and a background in computer graphics or a related field. Proficiency with motion capture software (such as Vicon, OptiTrack, or MotionBuilder) and familiarity with 3D animation tools like Maya or Blender is essential. Strong collaboration, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately capturing, refining, and translating real-world performances into compelling digital animations for films, games, and virtual experiences.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A motion capture animator can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month with significant experience, strong technical skills, and a portfolio of high-quality work. Success often depends on freelance opportunities, working with major studios, or owning a business, rather than formal education alone.

What is motion capture animation?

Motion capture animation, often called 'mocap,' is a technique used to record the movements of real actors and translate them into digital character animations. This technology uses specialized suits and sensors to capture an actor's motions, which are then mapped onto 3D models in computer graphics software. It's widely used in film, video games, and virtual reality to create realistic and lifelike character movements. Motion capture helps animators save time and achieve a higher level of realism than manual animation alone.

How much do Mocap actors get paid?

Motion Capture (Mocap) actors typically earn between $20 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, project scope, and union status. Salaries can range from $50,000 to over $150,000 annually for full-time roles, especially for those with specialized skills and certifications in mocap technology and performance capture systems.

How to get a career in motion capture?

To pursue a career in motion capture, develop skills in animation, 3D modeling, and programming, and gain experience with motion capture hardware and software such as Vicon or OptiTrack. A background in computer science, animation, or related fields, along with a strong portfolio and understanding of human movement, can improve job prospects. Internships or entry-level positions in animation studios or game development companies can provide valuable experience.
More about Motion Capture Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Motion Capture Animation jobs? Cities with the most Motion Capture Animation job openings:
What states have the most Motion Capture Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Motion Capture Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Motion Capture Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Motion Capture Animation jobs are:
Motion Capture Animation jobs near you

Junior Motion Capture Specialist

CD PROJEKT RED

Boston, MA • On-site

$62K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Company Description
To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers - this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company's culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!
Job Description
CD PROJEKT RED is looking for a Junior Motion Capture Specialist to join our team in the Boston hub as we continue to build the motion capture foundation for our upcoming projects!
This role is part of the Shared Development Services (SDS) group, meaning you will be embedded within a collaborative, cross-studio collective supporting multiple productions. In this hands-on role, you'll be involved in both mocap session preparation and post-processing. You'll also support our team in enhancing our tools and stage setups, building experience with our workflows while helping improve them. Your work will make a direct impact on animation quality across our projects.
Daily Responsibilities:
  • Assisting in all stages of a mocap shoot.
  • Processing mocap data: retargeting, solving, tracking.
  • Working with internal clients to facilitate mocap shoots.
  • Maintaining mocap studio hardware.
  • Assembling mocap setups for offsite shoots, support or accommodations provided where needed.
  • Helping improve the mocap pipeline by exploring new technologies and solutions.

Qualifications
  • 1+ years of experience in motion capture in a production environment including mocap shoots for games, films and/or commercials.
  • Experience with one or more motion capture software tools: Shogun, Blade, Motive, Cortex, or Giant (Shogun/Blade preferred).
  • Experience in assisting with setting up/refining a motion capture volume.
  • Open to feedback, learning, and sharing knowledge with teammates.

Nice to have
(please note these are not required to apply)
  • Experience with Unreal Engine is a plus.
  • HMC Technology experience is a plus.
  • Fundamental knowledge of Autodesk MotionBuilder.
  • Basic scripting skills (e.g., Python, HSL, JavaScript).

Additional Information
The application window for this position will close by 09/01/2026.
This job requires working in Boston, US.
Working mode: in-office in a hybrid or full-time capacity.
Health & Well-Being
  • Company-paid medical healthcare (dental, vision, and mental).
  • Free mental health support, including access to counseling, psychiatric care, and a variety of well-being webinars.
  • Paid leave - 26 days of vacation, 10 sick days, & 12 calendar holidays per year
  • 401K with employer matching.
  • Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) - $100 per month to use towards fitness, wellness, internet, home office equipment, learning, streaming services, and more.
  • Menstrual leave - employees who menstruate can take one extra day off when experiencing period pain.
  • RED Parents Network - support for working parents.
  • Flexible working hours.

Perks & Professional Growth
  • Trainings, lectures, and courses - internal workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available.
  • A welcome pack filled with goodies - to help you feel right at home once you join the team.

Life in the Office
  • Dog-friendly office - bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There's always a furry friend or two to meet.
  • Truly international working environment - a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.
  • No dress-code - we like to keep it casual.

This position is a new role.
Estimated pay range for this position: $62,300 - $92,400 USD annually.
At CD PROJEKT RED compensation for our roles in North America are determined based on competitive market data, geographic location, and individual factors tied to business needs. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Final offers are dependent on job-related factors like experience, qualifications, and location.
If you've observed any irregularities (i.e. legal or ethical violations) in our recruitment process, please click here to report them anonymously.
#LI-ONSITE
#LI-HYBRID
Videos To Watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=PYdXngHc1faoN0Ox&v=A5alL6_Kc_k&feature=youtu.be

Apply