ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animation Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

Self-directed and independent worker Major Plus: * Excellent hand-keyed facial animation * Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience * First-person animations experience * strong design eye * Strong ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

Collaborate with creative directors, producers, and technical experts to ensure scientific accuracy ... Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation and visualization work * Experience working ...

1000heads

Associate Motion Director

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Summary Associate Motion Director with a strong foundation in motion design and a keen eye for ... While animation expertise is a big plus, a deep understanding of animation principles and how to ...

1000heads

Associate Motion Director

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Summary Associate Motion Director with a strong foundation in motion design and a keen eye for ... While animation expertise is a big plus, a deep understanding of animation principles and how to ...

Skydance

Pipeline Technical Director

Santa Monica, CA

$53 - $62.50/hr

While all Animation studios look to hire people who are creative and hard-working, Skydance ... Pipeline Technical Director, you will have a deep involvement in designing and developing ...

Skydance

Pipeline Technical Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$53 - $62.50/hr

While all Animation studios look to hire people who are creative and hard-working, Skydance ... Pipeline Technical Director, you will have a deep involvement in designing and developing ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 8, 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 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,760 per year, or $81.1 per hour.

Senior Gaming Animator

Ten4

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Here at Ten4, there's a core focus on Creative Services. By only recruiting for Digital Creatives we can give the best attention and satisfaction to both the clients and the candidates. Being a niche company provides the ability to source top notch candidates and to make the best connections possible. Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops. 

Job Description
  • Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture
  • Join forces with designers and engineers to create characters that are expressive and that still work with player control and AI
  • Design hand-keyed animation with a highly intuitive and developed understanding of body mechanics, force, balance, timing, and believability
  • Use motion capture, video, and thumbnail sketches as reference for your process
  • Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level
  • Provide thoughtful feedback to team members and be open to critique
  • Create multiplayer characters and AI that execute believable and memorable performances
Qualifications
  • 5+ years in game development with at least 2 shipped games
  • Experience OR interest in PC multiplayer games
  • Experience with in-game animation and Maya
  • College/University Degree in Character Animation or similar
  • Full comprehension of camera, layout, and stagingS
  • Self-directed and independent worker

Major Plus:

  • Excellent hand-keyed facial animation
  • Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience
  • First-person animations experience
  • strong design eye
  • Strong knowledge of cinematography, editing, and story development
  • Experience creating state machines and controller schemes
Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: 

  • Competitive Salary with Stock Options
  • An open/unlimited Paid Time Off and Vacation Policy
  • Great medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents covered at 80% and company paid One Medical Group membership on top of your medical plan
  • Team lunch outings covered by company

Apply