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Trainee Visual Effects Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Create and lead the development of complex animations and dynamic visual effects for EGM (Electronic Gaming Machine) development, including both real-time and pre-rendered content. * Drive and ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Create and lead the development of complex animations and dynamic visual effects for EGM (Electronic Gaming Machine) development, including both real-time and pre-rendered content. * Drive and ...

Weekday AI

Adobe Specialists - After Effects

The ideal candidate should have hands-on expertise in Adobe After Effects and a strong understanding of animation, compositing, visual effects, and motion design principles. Professionals with ...

NBCUniversal

Coordinator, Visual Effects

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$50K - $60K/yr

... DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the ... of Visual Effects, as well as interfacing with a variety of creative clients and high-level ...

IGT

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

Create high-impact animations and visual effects for real-time and pre-rendered gameplay * Craft storyboards, animatics, and gameplay sequences that maximize excitement * Collaborate with designers ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

Create high-impact animations and visual effects for real-time and pre-rendered gameplay * Craft storyboards, animatics, and gameplay sequences that maximize excitement * Collaborate with designers ...

The Mill

Designer/Animator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Company Description The Mill has been creating world-class visual effects built on creative ... The role of The Mill Designer/Animator is to work with his or her fellow Designers, Senior ...

The Mill

Designer/Animator

Chicago, IL

Company Description The Mill has been creating world-class visual effects built on creative ... The role of The Mill Designer/Animator is to work with his or her fellow Designers, Senior ...

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Trainee Visual Effects Animator information

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$39

$70

How much do trainee visual effects animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee visual effects animator 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 does a Trainee Visual Effects Animator do?

A Trainee Visual Effects Animator assists in creating digital effects for films, television, games, and other media. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced animators, learning how to use specialized software to produce realistic movements, simulate environments, or enhance live-action footage. Their tasks may include preparing assets, creating simple animations, and supporting the VFX team in daily operations. This role is often an entry-level position, providing a pathway to more advanced roles within the visual effects industry.

What are the typical daily tasks and collaborative processes for a Trainee Visual Effects Animator?

As a Trainee Visual Effects Animator, your daily tasks often include assisting senior animators with creating and refining computer-generated imagery, preparing assets for animation, and learning industry-standard software. You'll frequently attend team meetings to discuss project requirements and receive feedback on your work. Collaboration is key, as you'll work closely with artists, compositors, and technical directors to ensure your animations integrate seamlessly into the final production. This role provides valuable exposure to various stages of the VFX pipeline and is designed to help you build foundational skills for future advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Visual Effects Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Visual Effects Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, a relevant degree or diploma in animation or media, and a strong portfolio showcasing your work. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Maya, Houdini, After Effects, and Nuke, as well as a basic knowledge of rendering and compositing techniques, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with team members are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of high-quality visual content and seamless integration into production pipelines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Trainee Visual Effects Animator vs Junior Visual Effects Artist?

AspectTrainee Visual Effects AnimatorJunior Visual Effects Artist
CredentialsBasic diploma or certification, some trainingRelevant degree or certification, some experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised training projectsProfessional projects, collaborative teams
Industry UsageLearning phase, internship or apprenticeshipActive contributor to visual effects production

The main difference is that a Trainee Visual Effects Animator is in the learning stage, focusing on gaining skills under supervision, while a Junior Visual Effects Artist is an entry-level professional actively working on projects with more independence. The trainee role emphasizes training and skill development, whereas the junior role involves applying those skills in real-world projects.

More about Trainee Visual Effects Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Visual Effects Animator jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Visual Effects Animator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Effects Animator jobs? The most popular types of Visual Effects Animator jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Visual Effects Animator jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Visual Effects Animator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Visual Effects Animator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Visual Effects Animator jobs are:
Trainee Visual Effects Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Visual Effects Animator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 4% Physical, 95% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Visual Effects Animation Artist

Visual Effects Animation Artist

Anatomage, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Who is Anatomage?
Founded in 2004, Anatomage is a world-leading health care technology company. Anatomage offers 3D software for anatomy and physiology education including a life-sized virtual dissection platform.
About the Role:
As a VFX and Animation Artist at Anatomage, you will be the driving creative force
behind our real-time simulations and visual effects. While this role requires a
well-rounded 3D generalist skillset including modeling, texturing, and lighting, your
primary focus will be crafting stunning visual effects and lifelike animations.
What You'll Do:
You will utilize your 3D generalist skills - spanning modeling, texturing, and lighting - to
create a variety of digital environments. Your main emphasis will be bringing these
environments to life by executing workflows across both real-time simulation and
character animation within Unreal Engine. You will utilize the Niagara system and
Houdini to create scientifically accurate special effects. You will also handle character
rigging and animation for MetaHumans. While you may have a stronger background or
personal specialization in one of these areas, you will be expected to actively deliver
results across both disciplines, ensuring all assets are technically optimized for our
interactive platforms.
Requirements
Skills and Abilities Required:
Candidates should have a strong 3D generalist foundation in industry-standard software such as Maya, Blender, or Substance Painter for modeling, texturing, and lighting environments. Alongside these generalist skills, candidates must possess deep, hands-on experience in either real-time VFX such as Niagara, Blueprints, Houdini simulation pipelines or advanced character rigging and animation fundamentals including experience with MetaHumans or a strong combination of both. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong organizational skills, artistic talent, and exceptional attention to detail.
* Resume and Portfolio required in order to be considered*
Minimum Education and Experience Required:
Formal education in Art, Digital Arts, 3D Modeling, Animation, Medical Illustration, or a related discipline is preferred. Equivalent professional experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills will also be considered. Minimum 3 years of professional realtime VFX or Animation experience.
Benefits
What We Offer
  • Health, Dental, and Vision care for you and your family
  • 401K savings plan with employer matching
  • Generous PTO leave and paid holidays
  • Casual work culture
  • Commuter benefits
  • On site gym facility
  • Team bonding activities, catered lunches, and free snacks in the office!

About Anatomage
Anatomage has been financially robust and growing for 20 consecutive years.
Anatomage offers the world's first and only life-sized virtual dissection table. Students can learn anatomy and physiology using highly interactive and accurate real human-based digital data. Institutions can offer high quality education without worrying about chemicals, facility costs, and regulatory issues. Hundreds of schools have adopted the Anatomage Table as the main teaching tool for students.
At Anatomage, there is an opportunity to work alongside the best in the field. With a diverse group of people from various technical, clinical, and artistic backgrounds, Anatomage provides a culture where distinguished individuals can work and collaborate in an organic manner. Our team members all bring unique strengths and talents to their group and embrace each other's diverse perspectives. Anatomage offers a distinct work experience with an exceptional opportunity to develop careers. Our philosophy is to foster a dynamic work environment, and we are proud to let our employees' knowledge and responsibilities grow with the company.
In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $80,000.00- $120,000.00 Annually. This base pay range is for the U.S. and is not applicable to locations outside of the U.S.. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance and location. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.
Anatomage is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not offer H1B Sponsorship at this time. Local candidates preferred.

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