Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes. Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline. Collaborate with Design ...
Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes. Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline. Collaborate with Design ...
Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes. Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline. Collaborate with Design ...
Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes. Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline. Collaborate with Design ...
Supervisor, AI & Animation
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$120K - $140K/yr
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.
Supervisor, AI & Animation
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$120K - $140K/yr
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.
Lead Animator
$123K - $182K/yr
Lead Animator San Mateo, California, United States Who We Are: We are a diverse team of developers ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
$123K - $182K/yr
Lead Animator San Mateo, California, United States Who We Are: We are a diverse team of developers ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
$123K - $182K/yr
Lead Animator San Mateo, California, United States Who We Are: We are a diverse team of developers ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
$123K - $182K/yr
Lead Animator San Mateo, California, United States Who We Are: We are a diverse team of developers ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$123K - $182K/yr
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high‐quality animation work while ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands‐on tuning. Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$123K - $182K/yr
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high‐quality animation work while ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands‐on tuning. Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$123K - $182K/yr
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high‐quality animation work while ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands‐on tuning. Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$123K - $182K/yr
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high‐quality animation work while ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands‐on tuning. Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
$123K - $182K/yr
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
$123K - $182K/yr
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$123K - $182K/yr
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$123K - $182K/yr
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
$123K - $182K/yr
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
$123K - $182K/yr
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$123K - $182K/yr
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...
Lead Animator
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$123K - $182K/yr
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...
Sr Manager, TV Animation
El Segundo, CA · On-site
$112K - $128K/yr
Lead the creative development and execution of assigned long-form and short-form animated projects ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...
Sr Manager, TV Animation
El Segundo, CA · On-site
$112K - $128K/yr
Lead the creative development and execution of assigned long-form and short-form animated projects ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...
Sr Manager, TV Animation
El Segundo, CA · On-site
$112K - $128K/yr
Lead the creative development and execution of assigned long-form and short-form animated projects ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...
Sr Manager, TV Animation
El Segundo, CA · On-site
$112K - $128K/yr
Lead the creative development and execution of assigned long-form and short-form animated projects ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...
Sr Manager, TV Animation
El Segundo, CA · On-site
$112K - $128K/yr
Lead the creative development and execution of assigned long-form and short-form animated projects ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...
Sr Manager, TV Animation
El Segundo, CA · On-site
$112K - $128K/yr
Lead the creative development and execution of assigned long-form and short-form animated projects ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...
Sr Manager, TV Animation
El Segundo, CA · On-site
$150 - $210/hr
Lead the creative development and execution of assigned long-form and short-form animated projects ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...
Sr Manager, TV Animation
El Segundo, CA · On-site
$150 - $210/hr
Lead the creative development and execution of assigned long-form and short-form animated projects ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...
Lead Gameplay Animator
Irvine, CA · On-site +1
As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ... Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for ...
Lead Gameplay Animator
Irvine, CA · On-site +1
As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ... Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for ...
Lead Gameplay Animator
Irvine, CA · On-site
As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ... Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for ...
Lead Gameplay Animator
Irvine, CA · On-site
As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ... Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for ...
Senior Simulation Animation Engineer - Special Projects
Cupertino, CA · On-site
$130K - $149K/yr
Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great ... Description As as Senior Simulation Animation Engineer you will have an opportunity to be part of ...
Senior Simulation Animation Engineer - Special Projects
Cupertino, CA · On-site
$130K - $149K/yr
Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great ... Description As as Senior Simulation Animation Engineer you will have an opportunity to be part of ...
Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great ... Description As as Senior Simulation Animation Engineer you will have an opportunity to be part of ...
Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great ... Description As as Senior Simulation Animation Engineer you will have an opportunity to be part of ...
31Stunion in San Mateo, California is seeking a Lead Animator to elevate their ... team's animation quality and mentor members. You'll be creating high-quality animations and ...
31Stunion in San Mateo, California is seeking a Lead Animator to elevate their ... team's animation quality and mentor members. You'll be creating high-quality animations and ...
Animation Lead information
See California salary details
$14.30 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$10.44 - $16.02
36% of jobs
The median wage is $17.84 / hr.
$16.02 - $21.61
43% of jobs
$21.61 - $27.20
10% of jobs
$27.20 - $32.78
4% of jobs
$32.78 - $38.37
1% of jobs
$38.37 - $43.95
1% of jobs
$43.95 - $49.54
0% of jobs
$49.54 - $55.13
0% of jobs
$55.13 - $60.71
4% of jobs
$60.71 - $66.30
0% of jobs
$66.30 - $71.88
1% of jobs
$10
$25
$71
How much do animation lead jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation lead in California is $25.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Animation Lead vs Animation Supervisor?
| Aspect | Animation Lead | Animation Supervisor |
|---|---|---|
| Responsibilities | Oversees animation teams, manages project timelines, and ensures animation quality | Manages multiple animation teams, reviews work, and coordinates with production managers |
| Required Skills | Strong animation skills, leadership, project management | Advanced animation expertise, team management, quality control |
| Work Environment | Creative studios, film, TV, gaming | Large production studios, animation houses, film and TV projects |
| Common Usage | Used in project-specific roles, often as a team lead | Used in larger teams or productions overseeing multiple projects |
The main difference between an Animation Lead and an Animation Supervisor lies in scope and responsibility. An Animation Lead typically manages a specific animation team and focuses on day-to-day project tasks, while an Animation Supervisor oversees multiple teams and ensures overall quality and consistency across projects. Both roles require strong animation skills and leadership, but the Supervisor position involves broader oversight and strategic coordination.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation lead, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Animation Lead, you need advanced animation skills, a strong portfolio, and experience overseeing projects or teams, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, and familiarity with project management tools is essential. Leadership, creativity, clear communication, and the ability to mentor team members are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality animation output, efficient team collaboration, and successful project delivery.
How does an animation lead typically collaborate with other departments during a production?
As an Animation Lead, you'll work closely with directors, storyboard artists, rigging and modeling teams, and occasionally sound designers to ensure that animated sequences align with the project's creative vision. You’ll be responsible for communicating feedback, coordinating workflow, and resolving technical or artistic challenges across departments. Effective collaboration is essential, as you'll often need to balance the creative intent with production schedules and technical constraints, helping to facilitate seamless integration of animation with other elements of the project.
What is an animation lead?
Animation Leads are senior professionals in the animation industry responsible for overseeing the creative and technical aspects of animation projects. They guide teams of animators, ensure that the artistic vision is maintained, and coordinate workflow between departments. Animation Leads often mentor junior animators, review completed work for quality, and communicate with directors or producers to align on project goals. Their expertise ensures that animation sequences are delivered on time and meet both artistic and technical standards.
What are popular job titles related to Animation Lead jobs in California? For Animation Lead jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Lead jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Lead jobs in California are:
Full-time
Re-posted 12 days ago
Job description
High Moon Studios is seeking a talented and self-directed Technical Animator who can join for a 12-month temporary assignment. The candidate must be passionate about making great games, and must be a strong problem-solver and effective communicator.
Responsibilities:
Creation of prototype and production animation content.
Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes.
Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline.
Collaborate with Design, Engineering in the development of in-game animation systems.
Troubleshoot and consistently present solutions to technical issues related to animations.
Roll out production ready rigs/tools/ systems to the animation team.
Provide desk side support for the animation team - helping to resolve technical issues.
Meets project deadlines / milestones, as set by Project Leads.
Requirements:
Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
Must have the desire to create great games.
Understanding of animation principals which can be clearly displayed in your demo reel.
Thorough knowledge of Maya and other animation software.
Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging.
3+ years’ experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles
Solid understanding of object oriented code design in languages such as python and C#.
Experience working with game engine animation systems.
Good knowledge of Motion Capture techniques.
Bonus Qualifications:
Solid understanding of human and animal anatomy.
Scripting in MEL.
About Us
World class games start with world class talent. This is a unique time in Activision’s history – and one of the most exciting opportunities to join us
Activision Blizzard, headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, is the premier worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software like Call of Duty, Destiny and the Blizzard Entertainment Franchises.
High Moon Studios
Founded in 2002, High Moon Studios is an award-winning studio that’s developed for blockbuster franchises like Call of Duty and Transformers. We are 100 people strong, located in the always-sunny beachside city of Carlsbad, California.
Our goal is simple: make game experiences that kick ass and blow minds
High Moon Studios is led by award winning veterans and a crack production staff that have over 200 years of combined development experience. We work hard. We play hard.
It’s time to add world class talent as we partner with Bungie to work on their ground-breaking Destiny Franchise.Employment Type: Full-Time