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How much do traditional animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for traditional 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 salary of a traditional animator?

The salary of a traditional animator varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level animators may earn less, while experienced professionals working in major studios or with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Many traditional animators also work freelance or on contract, which can affect income levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Traditional Animation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Traditional Animation, you need strong drawing abilities, a solid understanding of animation principles (like timing and movement), and often relevant educational background such as a degree in animation or fine arts. Familiarity with animation tools such as light tables, peg bars, and industry-standard software for scanning and compositing, as well as a portfolio demonstrating your work, are important. Creativity, keen attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are vital soft skills in this field. These combined skills ensure the creation of fluid, expressive animations that meet production deadlines and collaborative artistic standards.

Do people still do traditional animation?

Yes, traditional animation is still practiced by artists and studios, often combined with digital techniques. While many productions use computer-generated imagery, traditional hand-drawn animation remains valued for its artistic quality and is used in independent projects, training, and specialized roles within the animation industry.

What is a Traditional Animation job?

A Traditional Animation job involves creating hand-drawn frames to produce fluid motion in animated films, television shows, advertisements, or video games. Animators sketch each frame on paper or digitally replicate the traditional process to bring characters and scenes to life. This role requires strong drawing skills, an understanding of motion, and knowledge of animation principles like timing and spacing. Professionals in this field may work as key animators, inbetweeners, or clean-up artists, depending on the production stage.

How to get into traditional animation?

To pursue a career in traditional animation, develop strong drawing skills and learn animation principles such as timing and spacing. Gaining proficiency in tools like pencil, paper, and animation software, along with building a portfolio and obtaining relevant education or training, can improve job prospects in the field.

What does a typical workday look like for a traditional animator, and how do they interact with other team members?

A typical day for a traditional animator involves sketching or inking animation frames by hand, reviewing animatics or storyboards, and refining character movement to maintain consistency across scenes. Traditional animators often work closely with directors, layout artists, and clean-up teams to ensure visual continuity and incorporate feedback. Daily tasks may include attending team meetings, collaborating on scene revisions, and coordinating with digital departments if the project blends traditional and digital techniques. This collaborative environment allows animators to contribute their creative skills while working towards the shared vision of the animation project.

What types of jobs are in animation?

In traditional animation, common jobs include animator, storyboard artist, character designer, background artist, and layout artist. These roles involve creating drawings, story sequences, and backgrounds using skills in drawing, storytelling, and software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom. Many positions require a strong portfolio and knowledge of animation principles and tools.
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Traditional Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traditional Animation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% 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.
Assistant/Associate Professor-Illustration and Animation/Game Arts (Tenure-Track)

Assistant/Associate Professor-Illustration and Animation/Game Arts (Tenure-Track)

University of Massachusetts

Dartmouth, MA • On-site

$77K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

University Of Massachusetts Amherst rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 539 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor-Illustration and Animation/Game Arts (Tenure-Track)
Job no: 528657
Work type: Faculty Full Time
Campus: UMass Dartmouth
Department: Media Arts
Pay Grade: No Pay Grade
Categories: Faculty
Assistant/Associate Professor Tenure Track - Illustration and Animation/Game Arts
College of Visual and Performing Arts
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth invites applications for a tenure-track position as Assistant/Associate Professor in Illustration and Animation/Game Arts, beginning September 1, 2026. The teaching load is five studio courses per academic year.
The College seeks a dynamic, imaginative illustrator, animator, artist, and educator who is passionate about student success in interdisciplinary art and design. This position emphasizes illustrated narrative and sequential visual storytelling across print and digital platforms. The ideal candidate will possess strong visual art skills, be well-versed in industry trends, demonstrate expertise in professional creative work and research in a variety of contexts, and integrate traditional methods with current and emerging technologies.
The appointed individual will be responsible for teaching a variety of intermediate and advanced courses in Illustration, Animation, or Game Arts. In addition to leading undergraduate classes, the faculty member will mentor graduate students, foster independent inquiry at advanced levels, contribute to curriculum development and assessment, advise students, and engage in service at the departmental, college, and university levels, while maintaining an active creative and scholarly practice.
In a rapidly changing creative landscape, the role of the artist in shaping stories and images remains essential. We seek a colleague who inspires students to engage critically and creatively with both traditional methods and new possibilities, while modeling curiosity, adaptability, and artistic excellence.
Minimum qualifications:
  • A terminal degree, such as an MFA, PhD, MDes, MS, in Illustration, Animation, Game Arts, Digital Media, Media Arts, or a closely related discipline;
  • At least four years of professional creative practice and achievement or relevant college-level teaching experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in Illustration and Animation/Game Arts, showing proficiency in current industry methods, technologies, and practices, and able to mentor students in developing creative skills and critical thinking.

Preferred qualifications:
  • At least three years of experience teaching in Illustration at the college-level, with particular interest in illustrated narrative and sequential visual storytelling across print and digital platforms.
  • Breadth of proficiency across digital tools and physical media and the ability to adapt to evolving platforms and practices.
    An active record of exhibitions, scholarship, or industry collaborations;
  • Engagement with emerging technologies or cross-disciplinary approaches that enhance student learning;
    Demonstrated commitment to mentorship, inclusivity, and community engagement.

The College of Visual and Performing Arts, with over 500 undergraduate and graduate students, is the flagship visual and performing arts college in the UMass system and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). CVPA offers six concentrations within Art, Design, and Media Arts, along with degrees in Art Education, Art History, Interior Architecture and Design, and Music. UMass Dartmouth enrolls approximately 7,750 undergraduate and graduate students across more than one hundred academic programs. Centrally located between Boston, Providence, Cape Cod, and Newport, the university is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and inclusive faculty and staff committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
SALARY: $77,000-$90,000
UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:
  • 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • State Pension Retirement Plan
  • Optional Retirement Savings Plans
  • Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
  • Twelve (12) paid holidays
  • And More!

Benefits for Faculty Federation
Application materials: A cover letter addressing qualifications; curriculum vitae; demonstration of teaching proficiency, which may include evidence such as list of courses taught; a link to a digital portfolio featuring at least 20 examples of student work; two course syllabi, including major assignments; a statement of teaching philosophy; a creative research or professional statement; a link to a digital portfolio featuring at least 20 samples of professional and/or creative work and the names and contact information of three references.
Applicants must be authorized for employment in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.
The screening of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Advertised: Oct 15 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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