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Stop Motion Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Animation

Chicago, IL · On-site

We offer studies in hand-drawn animation (TVPaint and Harmony), Maya, game art, motion graphics, experimental animation, technical art, and stop motion animation. There are currently over 250 majors ...

Concorde Education

$50/hr

Digital Animation Instructor OpportunitiesLocation: On-site at partner schools; varies by ... stop-motion projects, digital stories, GIFs, or other final projects, where applicable; • ...

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Stop Motion Animation information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do stop motion animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for stop motion 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 stop motion animation?

Stop motion animation is a filmmaking technique where physical objects are moved in small increments between individually photographed frames. When these frames are played back in sequence, it creates the illusion of movement. This method is often used with puppets, clay figures, or everyday objects, and requires careful planning and attention to detail. Stop motion animation is popular in both feature films and short videos due to its unique, tactile visual style. Famous examples include movies like 'Coraline' and 'Wallace & Gromit.'

What are stop motion animation jobs?

Stop motion animation jobs include a variety of positions in the film and TV industry, including animator, motion designer, landscape artist, and model maker. In this field, you may design storyboards, create instructions for manipulating models between shots, repair damaged objects, and perform finely detailed tasks for extended periods. It can take weeks or months to complete a scene, depending on how complex it is, and most jobs involve significant amounts of collaboration. You may also help to maintain and organize supplies, ensure the general upkeep of your work area, and utilize problem-solving skills to address problems as they occur. Given the speed of work, attention to detail and a desire for perfection are essential to success in this industry.

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

To thrive as a Stop Motion Animator, you need strong artistic ability, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of animation principles, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Familiarity with stop motion software like Dragonframe, camera equipment, and post-production tools such as Adobe After Effects is typically required. Creativity, patience, and problem-solving skills help animators bring characters and stories to life frame by frame. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing smooth, engaging animations and meeting the technical and creative demands of the industry.

What are some common challenges faced by stop motion animators during production, and how can they be managed?

Stop motion animators often face challenges such as maintaining continuity between frames, managing intricate puppet movements, and dealing with time-intensive setups. Attention to detail is crucial since even small changes between frames can disrupt the illusion of motion. Animators can manage these challenges by meticulously planning scenes, using detailed storyboards, and maintaining thorough frame-by-frame documentation. Collaboration with lighting and set design teams also helps ensure consistency and efficiency throughout the production process.

What is the difference between Stop Motion Animation vs 3D Animation?

AspectStop Motion Animation3D Animation
CredentialsOften requires a portfolio, basic animation skills, and knowledge of physical modelsRequires skills in 3D modeling, software proficiency (e.g., Maya, Blender), and often a degree in animation or related field
Work EnvironmentStudio or on-location with physical models and setsComputer-based, using digital workstations and software
Industry UsageFilm, TV, commercials, and artistic projects emphasizing handcrafted visualsVideo games, movies, virtual simulations, and high-end visual effects

While both stop motion animation and 3D animation involve creating animated visuals, stop motion uses physical models and sets captured frame-by-frame, whereas 3D animation relies on digital models and software. Each requires different skills and tools but shares a common goal of bringing characters and scenes to life.

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Stop Motion Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stop Motion Animation job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Federal Work Study - Stop Motion Animation Lab Assistant

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Academy of Art University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Academy of Art Universityexternal

$19.61/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Driven. Engaging. Innovative. Do these words motivate you? If so, then we want to talk with you. Academy of Art University offers a rewarding employment experience for those who excel in a dynamic environment and who can consistently deliver high-caliber customer service. We thrive on ingenuity and pursue ideas every day that lead to extraordinary opportunities for tomorrow. Apply here for your next career!
The Federal Work Study - Stop Motion Animation Lab Assistant will assist in the general daily operations of the lab by supporting students and faculty, ensuring lab equipment is in proper working order, and supporting the Stop Motion Animation Department with basic administrative functions.
This Federal Work Study position will support current students by providing opportunities for students to use the lab equipment and assisting students with using approved equipment. In addition, this position will complement and reinforce a Federal Work Study student's educational program or vocational goals by providing opportunities for the Federal Work Study Stop Motion Animation Lab Assistant to increase their skills with current equipment, learn customer service skills, and learn basic administrative skills.
Responsibilities:
  • Check students in and out of the lab
  • Check equipment in and out of the lab for students and faculty
  • Assist students with use of approved lab equipment
  • Monitor lab usage to ensure students are adhering to lab policies
  • Assist with the maintenance of approved lab equipment
  • Assist with general departmental administrative tasks

Qualifications:
  • Basic computer skills
  • Proficiency with Adobe CC, Dragonframe, and the Microsoft Office suite is preferred

Location:
180 New Montgomery Street - Room 709
Reports to:
James Ryan, Lab Manager, School of Stop Motion Animation, Visual Effects & Architecture
Pay Rate:
$19.61 per hour or approved rate for specific position
Application Deadline:
September 14, 2026
Work Schedule:
Up to 20 hours per week
Federal Work Study schedules can work up to 20 hours per week*
*Federal Work Study - work schedules may not conflict with the student's class schedule.
Academy of Art University offers part-time employees paid sick leave.
Academy of Art University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of age, Aids or HIV positive status, marital status, domestic partnership, medical condition or genetic characteristics, race or national origin, pregnancy, religion, sex, gender identity, gender or sexual orientation, name change, citizenship, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other status protected by federal, state, local or other law. Academy of Art University will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Equal access to the hiring process, services, and employment is available to all persons. Applicants requiring accommodations to the application and/or interview process should contact the Human Resources Department at recruitment@academyart.edu.

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