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Programmer Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... We are currently looking for a talented Technical Animator to join our tightly knit group of ...

Mydigicode

2D Animator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Coordinate with illustrators and developers when necessary to ensure efficient deliveries * Make ... Optimize your animation exports to ensure a good balance between image quality, file sizes and ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site

Bonfire is a group of experienced and ambitious developers, proud to be creating our first original ... As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

... animators ... Working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, Technical Artists, and Art peers, you will drive a ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

Bonfire is a group of experienced and ambitious developers, proud to be creating our first original ... As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ...

Cinnamon

Technical Animator / Rigger

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Day-to-day responsibilities include creating and refining deformation setups, integrating motion capture data into production pipelines, and collaborating with animators, designers, and engineers to ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator II

Reno, NV · Hybrid

Hybrid in Reno, NV What You Will Do As Animator, you will create dynamic 2D animations for ... Collaborate with illustrators, developers, and the team to solve creative or technical challenges.

Eclipse Gaming Systems, LLC

Core Animator

Duluth, GA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Develop and deliver exciting animations to game design and engineering specifications * Participate in daily stand-up meetings and provide regular visual updates in a team setting * Provide updates ...

LNW Gaming, Inc.(KAC)

Advanced Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Work closely with the software engineer to prepare final animations in formats necessary for integration into the game * Understand and resolve technical issues relating to graphics (e.g., rendering ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

... animators ... Working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, Technical Artists, and Art peers, you will drive a ...

Eclipse Gaming Systems, LLC

Core Animator

Duluth, GA · On-site

Develop and deliver exciting animations to game design and engineering specifications * Participate in daily stand-up meetings and provide regular visual updates in a team setting * Provide updates ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Collaborate with Designers and Programmers to implement animations in engine using expert skills in Maya and proprietary engine tools. * Independently troubleshoot and resolve issues that arise.

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine animations based on feedback from team members and ...

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Programmer Animator information

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$96.5K

$135.2K

$143.5K

How much do programmer animator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for programmer animator in the United States is $135,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a programmer animator?

Programmer animators are professionals who combine programming skills with animation expertise to create, implement, and optimize animation systems in video games, films, or interactive applications. They write code that brings characters, objects, and environments to life, ensuring movements are realistic and responsive. In addition to collaborating with artists and designers, programmer animators work on technical tasks such as rigging, motion capture integration, and developing custom animation tools. Their role bridges the gap between artistic vision and technical execution, making them vital in the production pipeline.

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

To thrive as a Programmer Animator, you need a solid background in computer science, animation principles, and proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or Python, often supported by a relevant degree. Experience with animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender) and game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) is typically required, along with knowledge of scripting and animation systems. Strong problem-solving, creativity, and effective communication skills help bridge the gap between technical and artistic teams. These skills are crucial for creating smooth, interactive animations that enhance user experience in games or simulations.

How do programmer animators typically collaborate with artists and game designers during a project?

Programmer Animators work closely with both artists and game designers to ensure that character and environment animations are both visually appealing and technically feasible. They often act as a bridge, translating artistic vision into code that runs efficiently within the game engine. Regular meetings, feedback sessions, and prototype reviews are common, allowing Programmer Animators to adjust animations based on gameplay needs or performance constraints. This collaborative environment helps create seamless animations that enhance player experience while meeting project deadlines.

What is the difference between Programmer Animator vs Graphic Designer?

AspectProgrammer AnimatorGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsAnimation or computer science degree, coding skillsDesign or fine arts degree, strong visual skills
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game development, multimedia companiesAdvertising agencies, print and digital media firms
Industry UsageVideo games, films, interactive mediaMarketing, branding, print and digital media

Programmer Animators focus on creating animated content through coding and technical skills, often working in multimedia and gaming industries. Graphic Designers primarily develop visual concepts for branding and marketing, emphasizing artistic skills. While both roles involve visual creativity, Programmer Animators combine programming with animation, whereas Graphic Designers focus on static visual design.

What states have the most Programmer Animator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Programmer Animator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Programmer Animator jobs?

For Programmer Animator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA

Jam City
PC Games • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Jam Cityexternal

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to “level up” our talent. We’re on the hunt for innovators who consider themselves dynamic, collaborative and thrive in a fast-paced environment. 
 
PERKS & BENEFITS
Unlimited Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Kin Care & Holidays*
100% Covered Medical and Company-Sponsored Dental & Vision (Plans Vary)*
Life Insurance, 401k, Flexible Spending Accounts, & More*
Wellness Activities & Programs
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave*
Happy Hours
Company Events
*Only applies to full-time positions.

We are currently looking for a talented Technical Animator to join our tightly knit group of artists, animators and tech artists! The ideal candidate will have experience in assisting animation teams with technical solutions and animating . You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually stunning animations for our upcoming and live games!


**In order to be considered, you MUST provide us with a Demo Reel with examples of your most rigging and animation work. Along with your reel, you should provide a shot breakdown with an explanation of responsibilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Rig characters, creatures and props that adhere to all the animation needs.

  • Export, import and assemble animations in Unity.

  • Create State Machine and Blend Trees in Unity.

  • Augment and maintain the animation pipeline.

  • Propose or create tools to automate the animation pipeline.  

  • Assist the animation team with high quality animation. This includes short loops, locomotion cycles, and full cinematics with camera and character animations.

  • Collaborate with the Lead Animator to refine and maintain the game's animation style and feel.

  • Embellish story scenes with high quality FX using particles or shaders in Unity. 

  • Setup and maintain cloth simulation pipelines.

  • Able to maintain clean and organized work files.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience rigging characters and props using Maya.

  • A minimum of 3 years of experience animating characters using Maya.

  • Master of Unity, with emphasis on anything animation and rigging related. 

  • Self-motivated, an excellent communicator and a team player. Go to great lengths to create outstanding work rather than settling for bare minimum.

  • Excellent understanding of human and animal anatomy.

  • Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms.

  • Expertly apply animation principles to in-game animation: timing, acting, & body mechanics.

  • Experience with Unity particle systems. 

  • Proven problem-solving and prototyping ability, collaborating within the animation team and across adjacent teams.

  • Excellent grasp of the English language.

  • Able to be onsite 5x a week.
NICE TO HAVE

  • Have shipped AAA and/or mobile games as a technical animator, animator, rigger or tech artist.

  • Experience in creating animated shaders.

  • Film animation experience.

  • A passion for games!

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation for this role.  The range listed is just one component of Jam City's total compensation package for employees, which may also include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.  Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of job-related factors, which may include education, training, experience, certifications, location, business needs, or market demands. This range is based on a full-time position. This range may be modified in the future. In addition, Jam City provides a variety of benefits to employees, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, parental leave, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, life, disability, and accident insurance.  Pay Range: $90,000 — $110,000 salary per year.

CHECK OUT LIFE AS A JAM CITIZEN:
- Company news and events on our LinkedIn
- Company Blog
- Employee Feedback on our Comparably page
- Find videos on our teams and games on our Youtube
 
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
We believe in creating games that unite people across the world and that showcase our commitment to providing an environment that is both inclusive and diverse for our players and employees. We strive to create a workforce that is reflective of our global player community as we know that we are stronger and better when we play together. To help promote an inclusive culture, we celebrate the visible and invisible diversity of our Jam Citizens through initiatives including Employee Resource Groups, cultural events, trainings, speaker series, and more. 
 
Jam City is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, religion, ethnicity, marital, or domestic partnerships status, disability, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws. Our management is committed to following this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruiting, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.
 
ABOUT JAM CITY
Jam City is a leading entertainment studio with a proven track record of creating some of the world’s most beloved casual puzzle and story-driven mobile games. As the creative force behind fan-favorite, award-winning titles such as Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Cookie Jam and Panda Pop, Jam City develops engaging and dynamic games that become an enduring part of our players’ lives. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles with a global network of studios and talent. For more information, please visit www.jamcity.com.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.