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Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining animation systems that drive the gameplay motion of our characters. This will ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining animation systems that drive the gameplay motion of our characters. This will ...

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 ...

Fox

Producer, AI Animation - FoxNXT

Los Angeles, CA

$114K - $152K/yr

The AI Animation Producer is a builder role responsible for developing and executing next generation animation workflows powered by AI. You will partner with creative, technical, and production teams ...

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

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll partner closely with animation, design, and engineering teams to create and implement high-quality keyframe animation for both human and non-human characters, bringing them to ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$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 ...

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll partner closely with animation, design, and engineering teams to create and implement high-quality keyframe animation for both human and non-human characters, bringing them to ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$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 ...

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll partner closely with animation, design, and engineering teams to create and implement high-quality keyframe animation for both human and non-human characters, bringing them to ...

2K

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll partner closely with animation, design, and engineering teams to create and implement high-quality keyframe animation for both human and non-human characters, bringing them to ...

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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How much do animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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.

Are animators still in demand?

Animators continue to be in demand across industries such as entertainment, advertising, and gaming, especially with the growth of digital media and online content. Strong skills in animation software like Adobe After Effects and Blender, along with a portfolio, are important for job prospects.

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.

What jobs can animators get?

Animators can work in various roles such as 2D or 3D animator, character animator, visual effects artist, motion graphics designer, and storyboard artist. They often find employment in film, television, video game development, advertising, and digital media, using tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender. Strong artistic skills, proficiency with animation software, and a portfolio are essential for these positions.

Is it hard to get hired as an animator?

Getting hired as an animator can be competitive, as it often requires a strong portfolio, proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe Animate or Maya, and relevant education or training. Building a network and gaining experience through internships or freelance work can improve employment prospects.

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 jobs are there for animators?

Animators can work in various roles such as 2D or 3D animator, character animator, visual effects artist, motion graphics designer, and storyboard artist. They often work in industries like film, television, video games, advertising, and web development, using tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender. Many positions require a strong portfolio and proficiency in animation software.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 69% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,900 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Supervisor, AI & Animation

Promise Advanced Imagination

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

About Promise
Promise is a pioneering film and TV studio at the forefront of the generative AI revolution. Our mission is to reimagine what's possible in entertainment by bringing together the world's most visionary storytellers and GenAI creators, empowered by cutting-edge tools and proprietary workflows. Through bold collaborations and a forward-thinking approach to sourcing IP, we are building a dynamic slate of original and licensed projects that push creative boundaries. Backed by premier VC firms, Promise is shaping a new era in GenAI-powered storytelling, where creativity knows no limits.
Role Overview
As the Supervisor, you will be the key technical and creative innovative thinker driving the integration of Animation and GenAI technologies into our production workflows. This leadership role is responsible for researching new methods in AI, animation, ensuring our productions maintain visual excellence while leveraging the efficiency of modern tools. You will shepherd the visual quality of our projects from concept through final delivery, acting as the bridge between creative vision, AI animation, and our proprietary GenAI R&D initiat
Key Responsibilities
  1. Generative AI & Pipeline Advancement
    • Research and implement new methodologies in animation, with a core focus on Machine Learning (ML) and Generative AI applications.
      • Work closely with R&D teams to prototype and integrate AI tools with standard VFX software to accelerate asset creation, character animation, and compositing.
  2. Virtual & Hybrid Production Leadership
    • 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.
      • Knowledge of facial animation
      • Knowledge of character animation
      • AI integration with traditional animation
      • Character and creature design
    • Architect hybrid workflows that successfully bridge traditional animation and AI workflows.
  3. Creative Supervision & Project Execution
    • Provide world-class artistic and technical direction for all animation projects, ensuring the final output aligns with the Director's vision.
      • Oversee talent selection for large-scale, AAA film and television projects.
      • Mentor and lead internal and external VFX teams and supervisors, fostering an environment of technical excellence and creative problem-solving.

Qualifications
  • Experience in animation, including a significant tenure as a HOD on large-scale, AAA feature films or premium episodic content.
  • Proven leadership role experience, with the ability to inspire and manage highly skilled creative and technical teams.
  • Demonstrated history of advancing technology or implementing innovative workflows within a major Animation or VFX studio or production company.
  • Expert-level knowledge of cinematic techniques, lighting, and color science.
  • Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with experience acting as the primary creative liaison with Directors and Producers.
Technical Skills / Qualifications
  • Deep, practical expertise in Machine Learning/Generative AI techniques as they apply to VFX (e.g., neural rendering, content generation, data management).
  • Strong command of industry-standard software packages.
  • Solid understanding of ML/data pipelines and asset management in a high-volume production environment.

Compensation
We offer a highly competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including equity.
Benefits
We believe in supporting our team's well-being and growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, with employee premiums covered 100%.
  • Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including company holidays and sick leave.
  • Financial Security: 401(k) matching program to help you plan for your future.
  • Work Environment: A dynamic, creative, and inclusive hybrid work environment based out of our innovative studio.

Promise is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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