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Video Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay. * Implement ... Experience with non-linear video editing, including pacing, shot composition, cuts, transitions ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Qualifications & Skills: * 5+ years of experience in feature-style projects or video game cinematics. * At least 5 years of experience in Maya, MotionBuilder. * Understanding of the animation ...

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How much do video game animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game animator in the United States is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Video Game Animator?

As a Video Game Animator, your daily responsibilities often include creating and refining character movements, bringing game environments to life, and collaborating with designers and programmers to ensure smooth integration of animations. You’ll participate in team meetings, review feedback, and iterate on assets to improve quality and meet project deadlines. Animators also test and debug their work directly in the game engine to ensure fluid, responsive gameplay. Effective communication with other departments is crucial, as your animations must align with both artistic vision and technical constraints.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Video Game Animator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Video Game Animator, you need strong skills in character animation, motion design, and a solid understanding of animation principles, typically backed by a relevant degree or portfolio. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender, along with knowledge of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, is essential. Creativity, collaboration, time management, and strong communication skills set standout animators apart. These abilities ensure high-quality, engaging animations that enhance gameplay and contribute to effective teamwork in fast-paced development environments.

What does a Video Game Animator do?

A Video Game Animator creates the movement and behavior of characters, creatures, and objects in video games. They use animation software to design realistic or stylized motions that enhance gameplay and storytelling. Animators often collaborate with designers, programmers, and artists to ensure smooth, visually appealing animations that fit the game's style. Their work brings life to in-game models, making interactions and environments feel dynamic and immersive.

How much do video game animators make?

Video game animators typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level animators may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or working at major studios can earn higher salaries. Proficiency in animation software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

Is 30 too late to become an animator?

Video game animators can start at any age, as the profession values skills, creativity, and proficiency with tools like Maya or Blender. Many successful animators begin their careers later in life after gaining relevant training or experience, so 30 is not too late to pursue this role.

Are game animators in demand?

Video game animators are in demand due to the growing gaming industry and the need for high-quality visual content. Skills in 3D animation, software like Maya or Blender, and understanding of game engines increase employability in this field.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney continues to hire 2D animators for projects that preserve traditional animation styles, often requiring strong drawing skills and proficiency in software like Toon Boom or Adobe Animate. While 3D animation is prevalent, there is still demand for skilled 2D animators in certain productions and legacy projects.
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Video Game Animator jobs near you

Expert Animator

31st Union

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Who We Are:
We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.
What We Need:
We're looking for an Expert Animator who can bridge the gap between compelling character performance and responsive gameplay. In this role, you'll partner closely with animation, design, and engineering teams to create and implement high-quality keyframe animation for both human and non-human characters, bringing them to life through expressive movement and gameplay-driven performance. We're seeking an inspired problem-solver who is passionate about animation craft, champions high standards, pushes for continuous improvement, embraces change, and challenges the status quo. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, thrives in a deadline-driven environment, and can adapt quickly within a fast-growing organization.
What You Will Do:
  • Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay.
  • Implement animations directly in Unreal using the project's animation system and Blueprints.
  • Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal.
  • Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning.
  • Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or cinematic sequences.
  • Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality bar by creating clear examples, documenting standards, and sharing best practices with the team.
  • Prototype and validate new approaches to character movement and gameplay animation.
  • Partner with Technical Animation to explore and refine locomotion and overall character motion, ensuring the smoothest and most polished player experience possible.
  • Collaborate closely with fellow animators to elevate the overall quality of the team's work, foster knowledge sharing, and inspire creative growth while serving as a benchmark for animation excellence.
  • Proactively coordinate and maintain strong cross-disciplinary communication with Production, Design, Art, Audio, and VFX to ensure the successful delivery of your areas of responsibility.
  • Work together with character artists and riggers to establish both core and secondary functionality of our characters.
Who We Think Will Be A Great Fit:
  • 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role.
  • Expert-level proficiency in gameplay animation using industry-standard 3D software, with strong experience in Maya preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced development environment, quickly prioritizing tasks and solving creative and technical challenges.
  • Adaptable and responsive to creative feedback and changing project needs, with the ability to pivot direction while maintaining quality and momentum.
  • An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-key examples.
  • Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations.
  • Familiarity with Unreal Sequencer, camera language, and in-game cinematic workflows.
  • Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach to problem solving.
Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience creating cinematic sequences, character performances, and story-driven animation that enhances narrative and emotional impact.
  • Experience with non-linear video editing, including pacing, shot composition, cuts, transitions, and visual storytelling techniques.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $123,200 and $182,360 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.
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