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Senior 3D Character Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Animator

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$114K - $130K/yr

About The Role We are seeking a Senior Animator to help shape and execute high-quality animation ... Execute character animation for episodic productions from layout through final delivery * Animate ...

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Character Animation Director to join our Special ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

3D Artist (Remote)

San Francisco, CA ยท Remote

$110K - $140K/yr

Retargeting character animation using mocap data; * Scene Layout and Lighting in Unity; * Creating Particle Effects; * Asset optimization for Mobile Standalone VR; * Creating 3D explainer animations ...

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

Sr 3D Artist / Art Director Location: Midvale, Utah (onsite) Full-Time | On-site | Department ... Experience with 3D animation and motion is a plus--the ability to bring product renders to life ...

Sr 3D Artist / Art Director Location: Midvale, Utah (onsite) Full-Time | On-site | Department ... Experience with 3D animation and motion is a plus-the ability to bring product renders to life ...

Midvale, Utah (onsite) Sr 3D Artist / Art Director About Us At ZAGG Brands, we're at the forefront ... Experience with 3D animation and motion is a plus-the ability to bring product renders to life ...

Mid-Level/Senior Animator

Madison, WI ยท On-site +1

$106K - $121K/yr

Able to communicate a character's emotions, weight, and intent through movement. * Defines ... Review animation work from team members and outsource artists and provide specific feedback.

Animator (Mid-Senior)

Los Angeles, CA ยท Remote

$78K - $127K/yr

These departments may include Engineering, Gameplay, Visdev, Tech Anim and 3D Art Qualifications ... Character Rigging and Scripting * Traditional art skills such as drawing and sketching * Ability to ...

Animator (Mid-Senior)

$78K - $127K/yr

These departments may include Engineering, Gameplay, Visdev, Tech Anim and 3D Art Qualifications ... Character Rigging and Scripting * Traditional art skills such as drawing and sketching * Ability to ...

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

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 ...

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior 3D Character Animator information

See salary details

$77K

$112.7K

$122K

How much do senior 3d character animator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior 3d character animator in the United States is $112,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior 3D Character Animator vs 3D Modeler?

AspectSenior 3D Character Animator3D Modeler
Primary FocusAnimating 3D characters and bringing them to lifeCreating and designing 3D models and assets
Skills RequiredAnimation, rigging, storytelling, motion principlesModeling, texturing, topology, software proficiency
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game development, film productionDesign studios, game studios, visual effects companies
Common CertificationsPortfolio, proficiency in Maya, Blender, or 3ds MaxPortfolio, proficiency in Maya, Blender, or ZBrush

The main difference between a Senior 3D Character Animator and a 3D Modeler lies in their focus: animators bring characters to life through movement, while modelers create the visual assets. Both roles require similar software skills and often work in overlapping industries, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Senior 3D Character Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior 3D Character Animator jobs? Cities with the most Senior 3D Character Animator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Character Animator jobs? The most popular types of 3D Character Animator jobs are:
What states have the most Senior 3D Character Animator jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior 3D Character Animator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior 3D Character Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,707 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Senior Animator

Big Shot Pictures

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$114K - $130K/yr

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About Big Shot Pictures

Big Shot Pictures is a next generation animation company founded by Brian Robbins that produces the franchises of tomorrow. With a distinctive digital-first approach, the company builds global animation franchises across all platforms โ€“ from digital to theatrical, gaming to streaming, and consumer products to experiences.


About The Role

We are seeking a Senior Animator to help shape and execute high-quality animation within an Unreal Engineโ€“first, real-time pipeline for episodic content. This is a hands-on, creative leadership role that combines strong animation fundamentals with technical fluency in Unreal Engine. The ideal candidate is comfortable leading by example, collaborating closely with a small, focused team, and contributing directly to animation quality and performance on screen.


This role will support the development of creating stylized, appealing content for kids and family

audiences with quick turnarounds.


This is a contract role which would report in-person at our studio in Los Angeles


Responsibilities

  • Execute character animation for episodic productions from layout through final delivery
  • Animate directly in Unreal Engine, utilizing Sequencer, Control Rig, and MetaHuman Animator workflows
  • Provide feedback and mentorship to other animators as needed
  • Collaborate closely with directors, designers, technical artists, and production partners to maintain a consistent visual and performance style
  • Optimize animation workflows to deliver appealing animations at volume
  • Support asset optimization, iteration, and performance polish within a real-time pipeline
  • Contribute to maintaining efficient workflows and production best practices


Required Qualifications

  • Strong professional experience animating in Unreal Engine (Sequencer, Control Rig, MetaHuman Animator), or strong foundational animation skills with a demonstrated ability and willingness to transition to real-time workflows
  • Proven ability to animate across a wide range of styles, with an emphasis on stylized and appealing performance for kids and family content
  • Comfortable working in small, fast-moving teams
  • Experience animating episodic, serialized, or narrative-driven content


Nice to Have

  • Experience working with Animation Sequences within Unreal
  • Creature and non-human animation experience
  • Storyboarding and/or layout experience
  • Experience with mocap pipelines
  • Interest in leveraging emerging tools, including AI-assisted workflows, as an extension of the creative process to improve efficiency and iteration