Animator in Washington, DC

Animator Job Description

Animators breathe life and personality into characters, scenes and other animation elements used to tell stories in cartoons, films, video games, commercials, social media and more. These creative professionals create and sequence multiple images, referred to as “frames,” to give the illusion of movement. An animator might employ digital images, hand-drawn illustrations, models or other types of images and props to create special effects and other animations using computer-generated animation, 2D or 3D model-making, or stop-frame tools and techniques. Employers seek animators with a vivid imagination who are collaborative and receptive to feedback and can work diligently under pressure. Multimedia experience, including in emerging areas like virtual reality (VR), and video editing expertise are highly valued. A bachelor’s degree in computer animation, fine arts or graphic arts is often preferred for this role. Most employers will require candidates to provide a solid portfolio of relevant creative work, including hand-drawn character designs and animation clips.

Typical animator duties:

Creating character sketches, designing backgrounds and other elements, and developing storyboards for animation projects

Reading through scripts, and brainstorming and conceptualizing compelling images to help tell stories in an engaging, memorable way

Working closely with a wide range of team members throughout projects, including artists, story editors, photographers, designers, other animators, voice actors and producers

Ensuring final deliverables are high quality and delivered on time and on budget

Looking for an animator or an animator job?

Submit your resume or request talent now and our expert recruiters will be with you shortly.

Robert Half can assist you with your animator recruitment needs.

Salary for Animator in Washington, DC

88778 - 129010

25th percentile

88778

The candidate is new to the role and building the needed skills, experience and autonomy.

50th percentile

104738

The candidate has the experience to perform core responsibilities without direct supervision and is comfortable with the role’s processes and subject matter.

75th percentile

129010

The candidate delivers value beyond the stated job duties, has advanced qualifications and experience, and is ready for the next career level.

Projected salaries for related positions

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Art Director

109393

133998

158270

Presentation Designer

80133

100415

115378

3D Modeler

77805

96758

118703

Digital Production Artist

76475

95095

119035

Graphic Designer

69160

89443

105735

Package Designer

74148

89775

110058

Illustrator/Infographics Designer

72485

86118

102410

Production Artist

70158

82793

92103

Production Coordinator

61845

68163

80465

Photographer

59185

77805

97755

Hiring? Start here.

Access millions of skilled contract and permanent candidates at every level from support roles to C-suite, and pinpoint the talent you need using our industry-leading matching technology.

Find your next hire