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Animation Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$89.24/hr

Participation in curriculum and program development. * Work collegially and collaboratively within ... Animation or the equivalent . Please note: * Professional experience includes both work ...

Gameplay Animator (Senior/Principal)

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$113K - $129K/yr

You'll help define the animation language of a competitive experience, shaping clarity and responsiveness from the earliest stages of development. On a small team, your work will directly influence ...

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Animation Development information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$106.3K

$171.2K

How much do animation development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation development in California is $106,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Animation Development?

Animation development is the process of conceptualizing, planning, and outlining animated projects before full production begins. This phase involves creating story ideas, scripts, character designs, storyboards, and sometimes animatics to visualize the final product. Animation development is crucial for setting the creative direction and ensuring all stakeholders are aligned before significant resources are committed to production. It typically involves collaboration between writers, directors, producers, and artists. Successful development lays the groundwork for a smooth and efficient animation production process.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals in Animation Development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Animation Development often encounter challenges such as aligning creative vision with production constraints, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring clear communication between artists, writers, and technical teams. To address these, it's important to develop strong project management and collaboration skills, stay adaptable to feedback, and be proactive in resolving issues early. Building fluency with industry-standard tools and keeping up with evolving animation trends can also help overcome common obstacles and contribute to a smoother production process.

What is the difference between Animation Development vs Animation Design?

AspectAnimation DevelopmentAnimation Design
Primary FocusCreating animated content through coding and technical processesDesigning visual styles and characters for animations
Skills RequiredProgramming, software engineering, technical animation toolsArt, illustration, storytelling, visual creativity
Work EnvironmentSoftware studios, tech companies, multimedia firmsDesign studios, advertising agencies, entertainment industry
Common CertificationsAnimation software certifications, programming coursesArt degrees, illustration certifications

Animation Development focuses on the technical creation of animated content, often involving coding and software engineering. In contrast, Animation Design emphasizes visual storytelling, character creation, and artistic design. Both roles are essential in the animation industry but serve different aspects of the production process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Animation Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Animation Development, you need strong artistic abilities, storytelling skills, and a background in animation or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, or Maya, along with knowledge of production pipelines, is typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and bringing stories to life. These competencies are essential for producing high-quality animations that captivate audiences and meet production standards.
What are popular job titles related to Animation Development jobs in California? For Animation Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Animation Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Animation Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Animation Development job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 2% Full Time, 81% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 67% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,287 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
2026-27 Lecturer Pool Computer Animation and Game Development Program

2026-27 Lecturer Pool Computer Animation and Game Development Program

California State University

Chico, CA

$8K - $15K/mo

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 hours ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

2026-27 Lecturer Pool Computer Animation and Game Development Program

Apply now Job no: 555910
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: Chico
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Temporary, Part Time, Time Varies, Faculty - Computer Science

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 22-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 14,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment.

Position Title: Academic Year Lecturer

College: College of Communication and Education

Department/School: Computer Animation and Game Development Program

Salary:

Lecturer A/2 Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $5,507 - $6,677 per month
Lecturer B/3 Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $6,221 - $13,224 per month
Lecturer C/4 Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $6,825 - $14,523 per month
Lecturer D/5 Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $8,593 - $15,211 per month

Anticipated hiring range is generally at or near the minimum of the appropriate range, commensurate with education and experience. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. See the Faculty Salaries At-a-Glance guide for more information. 

Priority Review Date: 6/06/26; complete applications received after that date may be considered as needs arise.

Position Summary:

The Computer Animation and Game Development Program in the College of Communication and Education is collecting application materials for a pool of lecturers able to teach existing courses in the Program with potential instruction positions available in interactive classroom settings as determined by need during the 2026-27 academic year. As a Professional technology Program with the focus on providing our students with real-world skills and experiences, we are seeking candidates who are competent in their field, collaborative with colleagues and staff, and committed to student success. Successful candidates will be able to teach a range of existing courses in animation, CGI/modeling, game development, and common core areas in the Program. Appointments from the lecturer pool are temporary and often made just prior to the start of the academic term.

Minimum Qualifications:

The minimum education requirement for a lecturer appointment is a BA or BS degree in a  closely related field (preferably a master's or terminal degree) with strong spoken and written English communication skills; technical skills appropriate for areas of teaching; the ability to teach existing courses in the program; and a willingness to collaborate and participate as a team member to teach courses, assess student outcomes and adapt to changes in the curriculum and student needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

A master's degree in a closely related field. Relevant experience such as previous undergraduate teaching experience, professional industry experience, additional relevant abilities and specializations. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and teach to a diverse student population. 

Responsibilities:

Lecturers will teach one or more sections of courses for which the Program Chair deems them qualified and carry responsibilities in the areas of teaching, grading, meeting and communicating with students during office hours and as needed. Position duties require working and teaching collaboratively with other faculty in the Program and may also include interactive lectures, supervising activities, and collaborative activities. Teaching assignments are based upon qualifications of the individual and the needs of the department.

How to Apply:

Applicants must provide a current cover letter (including how you have addressed, or plan to address teaching to diverse student groups), a CV with a hyperlink to your portfolio, a list of courses you believe you are qualified to teach and for which you wish to be considered, a copy of unofficial transcripts for your highest earned degree, and contact information of three professional references. Additional information may be requested at a later time. All applicants must apply online.Applications submitted via email or in-person to the department will not be considered. For information about specific courses offered, please refer to the University Catalog.

The Department:

The Computer Animation and Game Development Program (CAGD) (program website) in the College of Communication and Education (college website) offers a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Animation and Game Development with an option in Animation Production with a focus in either Animation or CGI/3D Modeling and an option in Game Development, the Minor in 3D Digital Modeling & Environments, the Minor in Computer Animation, the Minor in Video Game Design, and a blended CAGD/Interdisciplinary Master's Degree.

Job-related questions should be directed to:

Computer Animation and Game Development Program
California State University, Chico
400 W 1st St
Chico, CA 95929-0145
530-898-4891
cagd@csuchico.edu

Benefits Information:

This position may qualify for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible). California State University, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance). For more information and eligibility criteria, please visit https://www.csuchico.edu/hr/benefits/index.shtml.

Additional Information: 

Out of State Employment: All work must be performed within the State of California. 

Background Check and Disclosures: A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. 

Mandated Reporter: The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 (revised July 21, 2017) as a condition of employment. The person also will have a duty to report to the campus Title IX coordinator information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or exploitation, dating or domestic violence, stalking, and/or retaliation under CSU policy. 

Retired Annuitants: Retired annuitants may accept work if the appointment meets CalPERS eligibility criteria to avoid reinstatement from retirement or interruption of benefits. Per Government Code 7522.56(c), the appointment must either address an emergency to prevent the stoppage of public business or require specialized skills for work of limited duration. If you are a CalPERS retiree and have any questions regarding your work eligibility, reach out to Faculty Affairs via email (facultyaffairs@csuchico.edu) or phone (530-898-5029). 

Clery Act: Chico State's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A copy of the report may be requested in person at the Chico State Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available online at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report. 

EEO Statement: Chico State is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status and only employ individuals authorized to work in the U.S. 

For disability-related accommodations, please call the ADA Coordinator at (530) 898-5959. 

All positions are contingent on funding. 

About Chico State: 

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, "Today Decides Tomorrow," is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century.  

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus. We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today. 

Advertised: Mar 10 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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