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Animation Guild Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydance

Associate Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$67 - $75/hr

Requirement to be, or become, a member in good standing of the Animation Guild (Local 839) The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $67.00-75.00/hour. The rate ...

Skydance

Associate Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$67 - $75/hr

Requirement to be, or become, a member in good standing of the Animation Guild (Local 839) The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $67.00-75.00/hour. The rate ...

Skydance

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Requirement to be, or become, a member in good standing of the Animation Guild (Local 839) The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $2,900-4,000/week. The rate ...

Skydance

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Requirement to be, or become, a member in good standing of the Animation Guild (Local 839) The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $2,900-4,000/week. The rate ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Must be, or be willing to become, a member of The Animation Guild Local 839 The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $2,900-4,000/week. The rate offered may vary ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Must be, or be willing to become, a member of The Animation Guild Local 839 The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $2,900-4,000/week. The rate offered may vary ...

The Atlantic

Producer, Video Podcasts

Washington, DC

$85K - $100K/yr

Motion graphics and animation experience preferred Salary minimum: $85,000; Salary maximum: $100,000 This role is based in Washington D.C. This is a Guild position. About The Atlantic: The Atlantic ...

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Animation Guild information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do animation guild jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation guild in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Animation Guild job?

An Animation Guild job refers to a position covered under the Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, which represents animation industry professionals in the United States. These jobs include roles such as animators, storyboard artists, background designers, and visual effects artists working in TV, film, and digital media. Guild members benefit from union-negotiated wages, health and retirement plans, and workplace protections. To work in a Guild-covered job, artists typically need to be hired by a signatory studio and may need to join the union after a grace period.

Are animators still in demand?

Animators remain in demand across various industries such as film, television, gaming, and advertising, especially as digital media continues to grow. Skills in software like Adobe Animate, Maya, or Blender, along with a strong portfolio, are important for securing jobs in this field.

How do I get into the animation guild?

To join the Animation Guild, applicants typically need relevant experience in animation or related fields, a strong portfolio, and may need to meet union membership requirements such as working on union projects. Prospective members should contact the guild directly or review their membership application process for specific eligibility criteria and steps. Building skills in animation software and industry standards can also improve chances of acceptance.

What is the highest paid animation job?

The highest paid animation jobs are typically lead or senior roles such as Animation Directors, Visual Effects Supervisors, or Creative Directors, who oversee large projects and teams. These positions often require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency with industry tools like Maya or Houdini, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the studio and project scope.

What does the animation guild do?

The Animation Guild is a labor union that represents animation artists, writers, and technicians in the entertainment industry. It advocates for fair wages, working conditions, and benefits, and provides contract negotiations, training, and support for its members. The guild also helps enforce industry standards and protects workers' rights in animation-related jobs.

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

To thrive as a member of the Animation Guild, you typically need strong artistic and technical skills in animation, a relevant degree or equivalent professional experience, and an understanding of industry standards. Familiarity with animation software like Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, Maya, or Storyboard Pro, as well as union membership, is usually required. Strong collaboration, communication, and time management skills help you work effectively in team-based production environments. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality work on schedule while meeting the creative and technical demands of animation projects.

What types of projects do Animation Guild members typically work on, and how do teams collaborate on these projects?

Animation Guild members often contribute to a wide variety of projects, including feature films, television series, commercials, and video games. Teams are usually made up of artists, animators, directors, storyboard artists, and technical staff who collaborate closely throughout each stage of production. Communication is vital, as artists must coordinate with writers, editors, and other departments to ensure continuity and quality. Many productions use project management software and hold regular team meetings to track progress and address any creative or technical challenges. Working within the Animation Guild typically encourages a supportive work environment where collective bargaining ensures fair working conditions and career advancement opportunities.

More about Animation Guild jobs
What cities are hiring for Animation Guild jobs? Cities with the most Animation Guild job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Guild jobs? The most popular types of Animation Guild jobs are:
What states have the most Animation Guild jobs? States with the most job openings for Animation Guild jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animation Guild jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Guild jobs are:
Animation Guild jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Guild job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 68% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Associate Costume Designer

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA

$67 - $75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking an Associate Costume Designer to join the studio’s Costume Department. Reporting to the Head of Costume Design, the Associate Costume Designer will expand upon and support the development of wardrobe concepts established in collaboration with the broader Visual Development team and film leadership.

This role ensures the creative vision is carried through consistently, while identifying opportunities to enhance storytelling and elevate character performance through research and design. Additionally, this position will also bring technical expertise in costume packeting, supported by a solid foundation in garment construction, tailoring, fabrics, and sewing techniques. 

The ideal candidate brings prior experience in animation visual development, has a passion for how costume design enhances storytelling, and is highly detail orientated. 

Responsibilities
  • Assist in the development and visual styles of costumes alongside the Head of Costume Design and Production Designer by following the Director’s overall vision for story, character development, and visual tone
  • Drive costume research in support of the films vision
  • Visually explore research by pitching, iterating, adapting, and designing different costumes taking into consideration leaderships notes and feedback 
  • Create costume style guide and apply approved design language to primary, secondary, tertiary, and crowds
  • Resolve design issues with Production Designer, Lead Character Designer, and rest of Visual Development team
  • Provide and share expertise on clothing styles, fabrics, fabrication techniques, and patterns to align with the narratives, character, and show designs
  • Prepare detailed costume packets alongside Costume Design Assistants considering downstream departments by including and advising on information such as textiles, fabric properties, and garment construction including pattern making and draping
  • Partner with Costume Design Assistants by tracking assignments, giving notes, doing draw overs all while keeping in mind quality set by department leads
  • Creative problem solving
  • Implement feedback promptly ensuring deadlines are met
  • Promote a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team culture within the larger Production and Art team
Requirements
  • 5+ years of experience working as a visual development artist on animated projects and 1+ years working on costume designs in visual development, theater, live action, or related field
  • Education in Fashion Design, Costume Design, Toy Design, or Art preferred
  • Self-starter and organizer with the ability to drive all production needs keeping mind production pipeline and deadlines
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare detailed costume packets for downstream animation departments that inform final design execution
  • Knowledge of costume terminology, methods, practices, and techniques
  • Proficiency in drawing (including human and animal anatomy), design, perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory
  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  • Requirement to be, or become, a member in good standing of the Animation Guild (Local 839)
The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $67.00-75.00/hour.  The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors.  The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc. 
 
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