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Animation Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

Write technical documentation and designs * Conduct exploratory research to pioneer and develop innovative animation systems and techniques that push the boundaries of what is possible in real-time ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Proficient with animation systems in UE5 * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ title * Unreal Engine 4 or 5 ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Proficient with animation systems in UE5 * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ title * Unreal Engine 4 or 5 ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

Proficient with animation systems in UE5 * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ title * Unreal Engine 4 or 5 ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both ... A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both ... A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both ... A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both ... A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ...

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All JobsAnimation Writer JobsAnimation Writer Jobs in California

Animation Writer information

See California salary details

$13

$38

$65

How much do animation writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation writer in California is $38.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $46.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a high demand for animators?

The demand for animation writers and animators is growing due to increased content creation for digital media, streaming platforms, and video games. Strong storytelling skills, proficiency with industry tools, and a portfolio can improve job prospects in this competitive field.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney Animation Studios continues to hire 2D animators, especially for projects that preserve traditional animation techniques. While 3D animation has become dominant, there is still demand for skilled 2D animators for specific films, television series, and educational content, often requiring proficiency in software like Toon Boom or Adobe Animate.

How to be a writer for animation?

To become an animation writer, develop strong storytelling skills, create a portfolio of scripts or story ideas, and gain experience through writing for short projects or internships. Familiarity with animation production processes and tools like Final Draft or Celtx can also be beneficial.

How much does an animation writer make?

Animation writers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced writers working on major productions can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by royalties or residuals. Strong storytelling skills and familiarity with industry-standard scripts and software can influence earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced by Animation Writers in a collaborative production environment?

Animation Writers often work closely with directors, storyboard artists, and producers, which requires balancing the original script vision with feedback and practical production constraints. Tight deadlines, evolving story needs, and coordinating with multiple team members can present creative and logistical challenges. Flexibility and openness to revision are essential, as scripts often undergo several drafts to match animation timing, character development, and visual storytelling. This collaborative process is rewarding and helps ensure the final product is both narratively compelling and feasible for animation.

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

To thrive as an Animation Writer, you need strong storytelling skills, an understanding of visual narrative, and preferably a background in creative writing or screenwriting. Familiarity with industry-standard scriptwriting software like Final Draft or Celtx, and knowledge of animation production pipelines is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, collaboration, and adaptability help writers work effectively with artists, directors, and other creative professionals. These skills are important to craft engaging scripts that align with the animation's visual style and production requirements.

What does an Animation Writer do?

An Animation Writer creates scripts, dialogue, and storylines for animated films, TV shows, or web series. They collaborate with directors, animators, and producers to develop engaging narratives that align with the project's tone and audience. Their job includes writing episode scripts, crafting character arcs, and sometimes contributing to world-building. Strong storytelling skills and an understanding of animation formats are essential for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Animation Writer jobs in California? For Animation Writer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Writer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Writer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Animation Writer jobs? Cities in California with the most Animation Writer job openings:
Animation Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Writer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,940 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
Animation Systems Programmer

Animation Systems Programmer

Epic Games

Larkspur, CA • On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ENGINEERING - SPECIAL PROJECTS
What We Do
The Special Projects team at Epic is responsible for executing high-impact projects that push the envelope to define the future of real-time graphics and gaming technology (The Matrix Awakens, Lumen in the Land of Nanite). In collaboration with the Unreal Engine team, we strive to put our technology and knowledge into the hands of users, empowering developers and content creators with the most powerful suite of real-time tools in the world.
What You'll Do
Epic Games is looking for an experienced Animation Systems Programmer for our Special Projects team. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in driving future projects that push boundaries, explore new technology, and help define the future of Unreal Engine. You will be responsible for developing, enhancing, optimizing, and maintaining the core animation systems and will work closely with Animation, Design, and Engineering colleagues to ensure characterful and entertaining animation that is efficient and performant. You will also help identify potential issues and deploy correct solutions, using your technical knowledge to help bridge and facilitate communication between the animation team and other departments.
In this role, you will
  • Architect, implement, and maintain core animation systems used across the Special Projects team
  • Work closely with other engineers, animators, technical animators, product designers, leads and external technology partners across multiple teams and time zones
  • Write technical documentation and designs
  • Conduct exploratory research to pioneer and develop innovative animation systems and techniques that push the boundaries of what is possible in real-time production
What we're looking for
  • Extensive experience writing C++ applications
  • Excellent linear algebra skills and applications of linear algebra in software
  • Experience with rigging systems, animation state machines, low-level animation systems, physics-based, procedural, and/or IK animation systems
  • Experience with multi-threaded programming and system tasks such as graphics, audio, I/O, networking, memory handling, debuggers, etc.
  • Experience with application-level programming, such as script compilers and user-facing tools
  • Strong artistic intuition and an eye for quality animation; as technical tooling becomes more advanced, you prioritize the visual "feel" of the animation to ensure it meets the highest standards
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, self-motivated, and able to work independently
  • Creativity in problem-solving and the ability to think outside of the established solutions
  • Knowledge of ML/AI and its potential applications
  • Someone who is user-focused, passionate, solutions-focused, and innovative. These traits equal success at Epic and influence everything we do
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
California Base Pay Range
$167,399-$245,519 USD
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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