ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animation Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Provide regular feedback in partnership with the Animation Director, mentoring animators, onboarding and developing team members, and serving as a trusted resource for creative guidance and support.

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Provide regular feedback in partnership with the Animation Director, mentoring animators, onboarding and developing team members, and serving as a trusted resource for creative guidance and support.

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Provide regular feedback in partnership with the Animation Director, mentoring animators, onboarding and developing team members, and serving as a trusted resource for creative guidance and support.

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Provide regular feedback in partnership with the Animation Director, mentoring animators, onboarding and developing team members, and serving as a trusted resource for creative guidance and support.

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

... animation director's vision for the project. * Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate animations into the game. * Problem-solve, debug, and optimize animations to ensure smooth ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

... animation director's vision for the project. * Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate animations into the game. * Problem-solve, debug, and optimize animations to ensure smooth ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

... animation director's vision for the project. * Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate animations into the game. * Problem-solve, debug, and optimize animations to ensure smooth ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

... animation director's vision for the project. * Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate animations into the game. * Problem-solve, debug, and optimize animations to ensure smooth ...

New Venture

Technology Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

Work closely with Game Director, Animation Director, Art Director and other members of the development team to plan tech requirements and implementation and assist with problem solving technical ...

New Venture

Technology Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

Work closely with Game Director, Animation Director, Art Director and other members of the development team to plan tech requirements and implementation and assist with problem solving technical ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Mattel Studios Animation Creative (Adult & Four-Quad), this position requires an experienced creative executive with a proven ability to manage projects across ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Mattel Studios Animation Creative (Adult & Four-Quad), this position requires an experienced creative executive with a proven ability to manage projects across ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA

$112K - $128K/yr

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Mattel Studios Animation Creative (Adult & Four-Quad), this position requires an experienced creative executive with a proven ability to manage projects across ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimation JobsAnimation Director JobsAnimation Director Jobs in California

Animation Director information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$170.2K

How much do animation director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation director in California is $168,760.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $168,800.00 and $168,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Director, you need a strong background in animation principles, storytelling, visual design, and often a degree in animation or related fields. Proficiency with animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, Toon Boom, or Blender, along with experience in project management tools, is typically required. Leadership, creative vision, and excellent communication are essential soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with clients or stakeholders. These skills ensure cohesive, high-quality animations delivered on time, aligned with the project's creative goals.

What are some common challenges animation directors face when leading a team on a large project?

Animation Directors often encounter challenges such as aligning the creative vision across a diverse team, managing tight production schedules, and ensuring consistent animation quality throughout the project. Balancing creative input from animators, storyboard artists, and producers while adhering to budget and time constraints can be demanding. Effective communication, regular feedback sessions, and strong organizational skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering a cohesive final product.

What does an animation director do?

An animation director is responsible for performing and overseeing a number of creative duties during the design, production, and post-processing of an animation. You may work at a film studio or video game company, collaborating with writers, illustrators, and visual designers to develop stories and graphics, and to define guiding aesthetic principles. You work closely with voice actors, animators, and sound design artists to create the final product, such as an animated movie, web short, TV show, or animation for a website.

How much does an animation director make?

Animation directors typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the studio. Senior animation directors or those working on major projects can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Strong leadership skills and proficiency with animation software like Maya or Toon Boom are important for higher earning potential.

What is the difference between Animation Director vs Animation Supervisor?

AspectAnimation DirectorAnimation Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees the overall animation style, guides creative vision, and manages animation teams to ensure consistency and quality.Manages day-to-day animation production, assigns tasks, and ensures deadlines are met within the animation team.
Required SkillsStrong artistic vision, leadership, and experience in animation production.Technical expertise, team management, and workflow coordination.
Work EnvironmentCreative leadership in studios, overseeing multiple animation projects.Supervisory role within animation teams, often reporting to the Animation Director.

The Animation Director focuses on the creative and artistic vision of the animation, guiding the overall style and quality. The Animation Supervisor handles the operational aspects, managing the team to meet production goals. Both roles are essential in animation production, with the Director setting the creative tone and the Supervisor ensuring smooth execution.

How much does an animation director earn?

Animation directors typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the studio. Senior animation directors or those working on major projects can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

What is an animation director?

Animation Directors are creative professionals who oversee the visual development and production of animated projects such as films, TV shows, or video games. They manage teams of animators, guide the artistic direction, and ensure that the animation aligns with the project's vision and story. Animation Directors collaborate closely with producers, writers, and other departments to maintain consistency and quality throughout the animation process. Their role is crucial in bringing characters and worlds to life in a cohesive and engaging manner.
More about Animation Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Animation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Animation Director jobs in California?

For Animation Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animation Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animation Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animation Director job openings:

Animation Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $168,760 per year, or $81.1 per hour.

Supervisor, AI & Animation

Promise Advanced Imagination

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

About Promise
Promise is a pioneering film and TV studio at the forefront of the generative AI revolution. Our mission is to reimagine what's possible in entertainment by bringing together the world's most visionary storytellers and GenAI creators, empowered by cutting-edge tools and proprietary workflows. Through bold collaborations and a forward-thinking approach to sourcing IP, we are building a dynamic slate of original and licensed projects that push creative boundaries. Backed by premier VC firms, Promise is shaping a new era in GenAI-powered storytelling, where creativity knows no limits.
Role Overview
As the Supervisor, you will be the key technical and creative innovative thinker driving the integration of Animation and GenAI technologies into our production workflows. This leadership role is responsible for researching new methods in AI, animation, ensuring our productions maintain visual excellence while leveraging the efficiency of modern tools. You will shepherd the visual quality of our projects from concept through final delivery, acting as the bridge between creative vision, AI animation, and our proprietary GenAI R&D initiat
Key Responsibilities
  1. Generative AI & Pipeline Advancement
    • Research and implement new methodologies in animation, with a core focus on Machine Learning (ML) and Generative AI applications.
      • Work closely with R&D teams to prototype and integrate AI tools with standard VFX software to accelerate asset creation, character animation, and compositing.
  2. Virtual & Hybrid Production Leadership
    • Lead and supervise methodology of complex Animation and/or Anime that can include character animation, digital environments, etc...), ensuring seamless technical and creative execution on set.
      • Knowledge of facial animation
      • Knowledge of character animation
      • AI integration with traditional animation
      • Character and creature design
    • Architect hybrid workflows that successfully bridge traditional animation and AI workflows.
  3. Creative Supervision & Project Execution
    • Provide world-class artistic and technical direction for all animation projects, ensuring the final output aligns with the Director's vision.
      • Oversee talent selection for large-scale, AAA film and television projects.
      • Mentor and lead internal and external VFX teams and supervisors, fostering an environment of technical excellence and creative problem-solving.

Qualifications
  • Experience in animation, including a significant tenure as a HOD on large-scale, AAA feature films or premium episodic content.
  • Proven leadership role experience, with the ability to inspire and manage highly skilled creative and technical teams.
  • Demonstrated history of advancing technology or implementing innovative workflows within a major Animation or VFX studio or production company.
  • Expert-level knowledge of cinematic techniques, lighting, and color science.
  • Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with experience acting as the primary creative liaison with Directors and Producers.
Technical Skills / Qualifications
  • Deep, practical expertise in Machine Learning/Generative AI techniques as they apply to VFX (e.g., neural rendering, content generation, data management).
  • Strong command of industry-standard software packages.
  • Solid understanding of ML/data pipelines and asset management in a high-volume production environment.

Compensation
We offer a highly competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including equity.
Benefits
We believe in supporting our team's well-being and growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, with employee premiums covered 100%.
  • Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including company holidays and sick leave.
  • Financial Security: 401(k) matching program to help you plan for your future.
  • Work Environment: A dynamic, creative, and inclusive hybrid work environment based out of our innovative studio.

Promise is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Apply