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Unreal Engine Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virtual Producer

Senior Producer

Highlands Ranch, CO · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Tipping Point Media and Entertainment has an opening for an experienced Unreal Engine 3D Animator skilled in utilization of Motion Capture data (Xsens/MVN and Facial Capture) in UE's Sequencer with ...

Eliassen Group

Unreal Engine Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Design and develop Unreal Engine plugins and in‑engine panels in C++ to support animation and live action production workflows. * Build tools that integrate with existing pipelines and are ...

Epic Games

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

Expertise with animation pipelines, including source content creation tools such as Maya, MotionBuilder, and the Unreal Engine, using our Control Rig toolset * Exceptional problem-solving ability ...

Cinnamon

Technical Animator / Rigger

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

The Technical Animator / Rigger will design, build, and maintain character and creature rigs for ... Understanding of video game pipelines and real-time engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) is highly ...

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Unreal Engine Animator information

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How much do unreal engine animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for unreal engine 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 is an Unreal Engine animator?

An Unreal Engine Animator is a professional who creates and implements animations for characters, objects, and environments within the Unreal Engine, a popular real-time 3D creation tool. They work closely with game designers, artists, and programmers to bring interactive and lifelike movement to video games, simulations, and other digital experiences. Their responsibilities may include rigging models, creating motion cycles, facial animations, and ensuring smooth transitions between actions to enhance the overall user experience.

What are some common challenges Unreal Engine animators face when working on game development teams?

Unreal Engine Animators often encounter challenges such as optimizing animation assets for real-time performance, ensuring seamless integration with other departments like programming and design, and adapting to rapid changes in project requirements. Collaborating closely with technical artists and developers is essential to troubleshoot issues related to rigging, blend spaces, or animation blueprints. Staying updated with Unreal Engine's frequent updates and mastering new tools within the engine also helps animators maintain high-quality results and efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Unreal Engine animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unreal Engine Animator, you need strong skills in 3D animation principles, character rigging, and a solid understanding of Unreal Engine, often backed by a degree in animation or related field. Mastery of tools like Unreal Engine’s Sequencer, Autodesk Maya, and motion capture systems is typically required. Creative storytelling, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure high-quality, immersive animations that meet project goals and enhance the user experience in interactive environments.

What is the difference between Unreal Engine Animator vs 3D Character Animator?

AspectUnreal Engine Animator3D Character Animator
CredentialsAnimation or game design degree, proficiency in Unreal EngineAnimation degree, expertise in 3D software like Maya or Blender
Work EnvironmentGame studios, virtual production, real-time environmentsFilm, TV, advertising, pre-rendered animations
Industry UsagePrimarily in game development and interactive mediaFilm, TV, commercials, pre-rendered content

Unreal Engine Animators focus on creating real-time animations within the Unreal Engine platform, often for games and interactive experiences. 3D Character Animators work on pre-rendered content for film and TV, using software like Maya or Blender. While both roles require strong animation skills, Unreal Engine Animators specialize in real-time rendering and game engine workflows, whereas 3D Character Animators focus on pre-rendered, cinematic quality animations.

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Unreal Engine Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unreal Engine Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Lead Animator - Unreal Engine Gameplay & Mentorship

31ST UNION

San Mateo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

31Stunion in San Mateo, California is seeking a Lead Animator to elevate their team's animation quality and mentor members. You'll be creating high-quality animations and translating artistic direction into actionable goals. The ideal candidate will have 6–8 years in game development, familiarity with Unreal Engine, and excellent communication skills. Benefits include medical, dental, and generous paid leave.

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