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Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flying Bark Productions

Animation Director

Burbank, CA · On-site

$3.2K - $3.4K/wk

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar:

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 ...

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 ...

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

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 ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Augment and maintain the animation pipeline. * Propose or create tools to automate the animation pipeline. * Assist the animation team with high quality animation. This includes short loops ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

Augment and maintain the animation pipeline. * Propose or create tools to automate the animation pipeline. * Assist the animation team with high quality animation. This includes short loops ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal. * Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick animation prototypes for new ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal. * Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick animation prototypes for new ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal. * Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick animation prototypes for new ...

Big Shot Pictures

Technical Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

About Big Shot Pictures Big Shot Pictures is a next generation animation company founded by Brian Robbins that produces the franchises of tomorrow. With a distinctive digital-first approach, the ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal. * Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick animation prototypes for new ...

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All JobsAnimation JobsAnimation Jobs in California

Animation information

See California salary details

$10

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How much do animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation in California is $38.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $63.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animation job involve?

An Animation job involves creating moving images using computer software or traditional techniques like hand-drawing or stop-motion. Animators develop characters, backgrounds, and special effects for films, video games, advertisements, and digital media. They collaborate with writers, designers, and directors to bring stories to life. Strong artistic skills, creativity, and proficiency in animation software like Adobe Animate or Blender are essential.

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

To thrive in Animation, you need strong artistic abilities, knowledge of animation principles, and typically a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, Blender, or Toon Boom Harmony is highly desirable, and certification in these can be advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and effective collaboration skills help animators excel in team-oriented environments. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality animations that meet client briefs and project deadlines in this fast-evolving industry.

What are some common challenges animators face in their daily work?

Animators often deal with tight deadlines and the need to revise work multiple times to match client or director feedback, which requires patience and adaptability. The role can involve long periods of focused work at a computer, making time management and attention to ergonomic practices important. Additionally, staying updated with the latest animation techniques and software advancements is crucial for remaining competitive in the field. Collaboration with story artists, designers, and technical teams is also a major part of the job, ensuring each project is cohesive and visually appealing.

Are animation professionals still in demand?

Animation professionals are still in demand across industries such as entertainment, advertising, and gaming, especially with the growth of digital media and virtual reality. Skills in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects in this competitive field.

What jobs can animation get?

Animation skills can lead to jobs such as 3D animator, character animator, motion graphics artist, visual effects artist, and storyboard artist. These roles are common in industries like film, television, video game development, advertising, and digital media, often requiring proficiency in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender.

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 jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Animation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animation job openings:

Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,900 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Animation Director

Flying Bark Productions

Burbank, CA • On-site

$3.2K - $3.4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series, and Stranger Things animated series as well as upcoming feature film, Zac Power.
Flying Bark Productions is seeking an Animation Director to join our Burbank studio's growing team! Reporting to the Supervising Animation Director, the Animation Director will help lead the creative execution of animation throughout production, ensuring that character performance, acting, movement, timing, and staging align with the project's creative vision and established animation direction.
This role works closely with the internal animation leadership team and our external vendor studio to communicate creative intent, provide clear and constructive feedback, and maintain consistency and quality across the project.
This role is located onsite in our Burbank, CA office.
Key Responsibilities
  • Work under the direction of the Supervising Animation Director to support the creative execution of animation throughout production.
  • Translate the project's creative vision and animation direction into clear, actionable guidance for animators.
  • Review animation work and provide detailed notes on performance, acting, posing, timing, spacing, movement, staging, and overall execution.
  • Work closely with our vendor studio's AnimationLeadership to help guide the development of strong character performances and storytelling through animation.
  • Identify creative issues in animation and work with artists to develop effective solutions.
  • Maintain consistency in character performance, movement, and animation style across sequences and episodes.
  • Review animation at various stages of completion and provide timely, constructive feedback through draw-overs, written notes, and other forms of communication as needed to best convey animation notes.
  • Collaborate with the Supervising Animation Director to establish and maintain animation standards and expectations.
  • Work closely with Layout, Story, and other relevant departments to address animation-related creative needs and challenges.
  • Review storyboards and animatics from an animation perspective, identifying potential performance, staging, or technical challenges before they reach animation.
  • Help communicate animation requirements and creative intent to the leadership team working across internal and external teams.
  • Participate in animation reviews, screenings, and production meetings as needed.
  • Support the Supervising Animation Director in maintaining the overall quality and consistency of animation across the production.
  • Stay engaged with the work throughout the animation process and help ensure notes are understood and successfully implemented.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years professional experience on animated series or features.
  • Previous experience as an Animation Director or Lead Animator.
  • Strong understanding of animation principles, character acting, performance, timing, posing, staging, and storytelling.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard animation software and production tools such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, Autodesk Maya, SyncSketch, and ShotGrid.
  • Experience providing animation direction and detailed creative feedback to artists.
  • Strong visual and storytelling instincts with an ability to clearly communicate creative ideas.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with Showrunner, EPs, supervisors, directors, and other creative departments.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to give clear, constructive feedback while maintaining a collaborative and supportive working environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make thoughtful creative decisions within established direction.
  • Experience working with outsourced animation teams is a plus.

Why Work with Us?
  • We work on some of the coolest projects in the industry! Check out our website: Flying Bark
  • We have cake days, a dedicated culture club, and regular studio social events!
  • We offer a hybrid working approach, with flexible work-from-home days
  • Career development is a priority for us, and we provide ongoing training and support opportunities
  • Our employees rave about our inclusive and welcoming culture-everyone is celebrated here!

Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary Range: $3,250 - $3,400 weekly.

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