2D Animator Jobs
2D Animator jobs are open across entertainment, gaming, advertising, and e-learning studios, with specializations in character animation, motion graphics, and storyboarding, from junior to senior and art director level. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 31+ 2D Animator jobs
Medical Animator
As our Medical Animator, you will produce animations and still images to support the academic mission of our organization.
Every day you will create compelling visual content that effectively communicates complex medical or scientific concepts for educational, research, or clinical purposes.
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate exceptional artistic talent, advanced proficiency in animation and modeling software, and a keen ability to translate complex medical information into accurate and engaging visual collateral that supports our academic objectives.
A link to your portfolio is required.
The Neuroscience Publications Department at Barrow Neurological Institute leads the academic publishing industry in author services focused entirely on the neurosciences. We provide editorial and media expertise to support residents, fellows, attending physicians, and researchers at Barrow. Our illustrators, animators, graphic artists, and multimedia specialists work closely with authors to create elegant, accurate visual content using the latest industry standards and technology (including a state-of-the-art render farm) to achieve higher visibility and faster publication.
ï‚· Meets with healthcare clients to determine project needs and obtain project feedback
ï‚· Collaborates with team members to plan and produce storyboards for animations
ï‚· Creates 3D models and rigs anatomical and biological structures and medical instruments
ï‚· Keyframes and produces motion simulation for 3D animations
ï‚· Composites, frames, and creates compelling images using shading, lighting, texture mapping, and special effects
ï‚· Produces effective still illustrations from computer models
ï‚· Formats animation output for desired use case
ï‚· Catalogs and maintains animation archives
ï‚· Evaluates animations for relicensing value
This position will focus heavily on keyframe animation in Autodesk Maya with a strong emphasis on efficiency and productivity under tight deadlines. Our ideal candidate will thrive in a high-volume production environment.
DESIRED SKILLS
ï‚· Animation and sense of timing
ï‚· Proficiency in a node-based compositing software
ï‚· Experience working with OpenUSD workflows
ï‚· Experience with effects or simulation
ï‚· Interest in technology and AI
ï‚· Knowledge of copyright
ï‚· Proactively communicate with clients
ï‚· Work independently and collaboratively on projects
The following software skills are preferable (but not required): SideFX Houdini, V-Ray render engine, Blackmagic Design Fusion Studio or DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Creative Suite, Substance Designer or Painter, Blender, Python, Lua, MEL scripting, Linux.
Bachelors Degree in Digital Art, Animation or related field.
Expertise (2 years experience preferred) with 3D computer animation and modeling software.
Preferred
Masters Degree (MA or MS in medical illustration)
Two (2) years experience preferred as medical animator or medical illustrator.
Where You'll Work
Hello humankindness: Join a Legacy of Healing at Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center (SJHMC)
Ready to make a real difference? Join SJHMC in Phoenix AZ., a 571-bed nonprofit founded by the Sisters of Mercy over 125 years ago. We're more than a hospital; we're a global destination for life-changing care, embracing patients with humankindness.
Here, your calling will flourish. We're not just a workplace; we're a community dedicated to a mission of service.
Leaders in Specialized Care:
- Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI): A world-renowned center for groundbreaking neurological research and innovative treatments.
- Norton Thoracic Institute (NTI): A national leader in advanced thoracic care with pioneering surgical techniques.
- Level I Trauma Center: One of Arizona's busiest ERs, providing immediate, comprehensive care for critically injured patients 24/7.
Why SJHMC?
- Culture of Excellence & Well-being: We care for our people, fostering professional and personal growth.
- Community & Collaboration: Be part of a network committed to global health and well-being.
- Join a Legacy, Shape a Future: Over 20% of our patients travel internationally for our specialized care.
This is an invitation to join a family of dedicated professionals at the forefront of medical innovation, united by the power of humankindness.
Pay Range
$29.44 - $43.79 /hour
Medical Animator
As our Medical Animator, you will produce animations and still images to support the academic mission of our organization.
Every day you will create compelling visual content that effectively communicates complex medical or scientific concepts for educational, research, or clinical purposes.
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate exceptional artistic talent, advanced proficiency in animation and modeling software, and a keen ability to translate complex medical information into accurate and engaging visual collateral that supports our academic objectives.
A link to your portfolio is required.
The Neuroscience Publications Department at Barrow Neurological Institute leads the academic publishing industry in author services focused entirely on the neurosciences. We provide editorial and media expertise to support residents, fellows, attending physicians, and researchers at Barrow. Our illustrators, animators, graphic artists, and multimedia specialists work closely with authors to create elegant, accurate visual content using the latest industry standards and technology (including a state-of-the-art render farm) to achieve higher visibility and faster publication.
ï‚· Meets with healthcare clients to determine project needs and obtain project feedback
ï‚· Collaborates with team members to plan and produce storyboards for animations
ï‚· Creates 3D models and rigs anatomical and biological structures and medical instruments
ï‚· Keyframes and produces motion simulation for 3D animations
ï‚· Composites, frames, and creates compelling images using shading, lighting, texture mapping, and special effects
ï‚· Produces effective still illustrations from computer models
ï‚· Formats animation output for desired use case
ï‚· Catalogs and maintains animation archives
ï‚· Evaluates animations for relicensing value
This position will focus heavily on keyframe animation in Autodesk Maya with a strong emphasis on efficiency and productivity under tight deadlines. Our ideal candidate will thrive in a high-volume production environment.
DESIRED SKILLS
ï‚· Animation and sense of timing
ï‚· Proficiency in a node-based compositing software
ï‚· Experience working with OpenUSD workflows
ï‚· Experience with effects or simulation
ï‚· Interest in technology and AI
ï‚· Knowledge of copyright
ï‚· Proactively communicate with clients
ï‚· Work independently and collaboratively on projects
The following software skills are preferable (but not required): SideFX Houdini, V-Ray render engine, Blackmagic Design Fusion Studio or DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Creative Suite, Substance Designer or Painter, Blender, Python, Lua, MEL scripting, Linux.
Bachelors Degree in Digital Art, Animation or related field.
Expertise (2 years experience preferred) with 3D computer animation and modeling software.
Preferred
Masters Degree (MA or MS in medical illustration)
Two (2) years experience preferred as medical animator or medical illustrator.
Where You'll Work
Hello humankindness: Join a Legacy of Healing at Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center (SJHMC)
Ready to make a real difference? Join SJHMC in Phoenix AZ., a 571-bed nonprofit founded by the Sisters of Mercy over 125 years ago. We're more than a hospital; we're a global destination for life-changing care, embracing patients with humankindness.
Here, your calling will flourish. We're not just a workplace; we're a community dedicated to a mission of service.
Leaders in Specialized Care:
- Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI): A world-renowned center for groundbreaking neurological research and innovative treatments.
- Norton Thoracic Institute (NTI): A national leader in advanced thoracic care with pioneering surgical techniques.
- Level I Trauma Center: One of Arizona's busiest ERs, providing immediate, comprehensive care for critically injured patients 24/7.
Why SJHMC?
- Culture of Excellence & Well-being: We care for our people, fostering professional and personal growth.
- Community & Collaboration: Be part of a network committed to global health and well-being.
- Join a Legacy, Shape a Future: Over 20% of our patients travel internationally for our specialized care.
This is an invitation to join a family of dedicated professionals at the forefront of medical innovation, united by the power of humankindness.
Pay Range
$29.44 - $43.79 /hour
See All 31 2D Animator Jobs
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Find 2D Animator Jobs2D Animator Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in 2D animator jobs.
- Proficiency in Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate, or TVPaint
- Strong portfolio demonstrating character animation, lip sync, and motion principles
- Experience rigging 2D characters for frame-by-frame or cut-out animation
- Ability to interpret storyboards and animatics and hit production deadlines
- Knowledge of the 12 principles of animation with demonstrated application
- Bachelor's degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field, or equivalent experience
Tips for Your 2D Animator Job Search
Tailor your reel to each opening
A single showreel rarely works for every job. Lead with character animation clips when applying to game studios and motion graphics work when targeting ad agencies. Hiring managers watch the first ten seconds, so put your strongest relevant work first.
List your software stack precisely
Spell out every tool you use: Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate, TVPaint, After Effects, and any rigging plugins. Many applicant tracking systems filter resumes by exact software names, so matching the job listing's terminology directly improves your chances of clearing the first screen.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists 2d animator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Show frame-by-frame breakdowns in your portfolio
Including a process section alongside finished clips demonstrates that you understand timing, spacing, and squash-and-stretch principles rather than relying on automated tweening. Art directors reviewing portfolios consistently respond to candidates who can explain their own decisions.
Prepare for a paid or timed art test
Many studios send a short animation prompt before scheduling interviews. Practice animating a walk cycle or a lip-sync pass under a one-hour time limit so the format doesn't surprise you. Keep a clean project file ready that you can share immediately after finishing.
Negotiate rate before discussing project scope
Whether you're accepting a full-time offer or a contract, agree on your day rate or salary before the studio walks you through deliverables. Once scope is on the table, employers anchor salary conversations to the project budget rather than your market value.
2D Animator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most 2d animators?
Electronic Arts, Activision, and Snail Games USA are hiring the most 2d animators right now, with openings concentrated in California, Nevada, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Studios producing mobile games, streaming content, and branded advertising tend to post the highest volume of openings consistently.
How many 2d animator jobs are remote?
About 95% of 2d animator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how broadly studios have adopted cloud-based production pipelines. Motion graphics and e-learning animation roles are most likely to be fully remote, while character animation positions at game studios or broadcast houses more often require on-site collaboration during production cycles.
How do you become a 2d animator?
Start by learning the core principles of animation through structured study or a formal program in animation or fine arts, then build proficiency in at least one industry-standard tool such as Toon Boom Harmony or Adobe Animate. Develop a focused portfolio showing character animation, walk cycles, and lip sync. Apply for entry-level positions or freelance contracts to gain production experience, and continue refining your reel with each completed project.
Can you get hired as a 2d animator with little experience?
Yes, studios regularly hire junior animators if your portfolio demonstrates a solid grasp of timing, spacing, and character appeal, even without professional credits. Personal projects, student films, and open-source or collaborative productions all count as portfolio work. Applying to smaller studios, indie game teams, and e-learning companies tends to be more accessible at the entry level than major entertainment studios.
What does the 2d animator interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a portfolio review, where a lead animator or art director evaluates your reel for technical quality and stylistic range. A short art test or animation prompt often follows, usually completed within a set time window at home. Final rounds involve a team interview covering your workflow, software knowledge, and ability to take direction and hit production deadlines.
Where can I find and apply to 2d animator jobs?
You can find and apply to 2d animator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from studios and companies across the United States. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your skills and experience level, and apply directly to each listing without leaving the platform.
See All 31 2D Animator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find 2D Animator Jobs