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Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Editor - Features

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$3.2K - $4.5K/wk

Sony Pictures Animation is a pre-production animation studio based in Los Angeles, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ...

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 keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a ...

Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for characters and combat in a competitive multiplayer game. * Leading and mentoring a lean animation team ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a ...

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 keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process. * Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process. * Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of ...

Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process. * Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of ...

Apply Early

Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for characters and combat in a competitive multiplayer game. * Leading and mentoring a lean animation team ...

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Animation information

See California salary details

$10

$38

$69

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 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:
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.
Digital Animation & Art Instructor Opportunities

Digital Animation & Art Instructor Opportunities

Concorde Education

Simi Valley, CA

$50/hr

Contractor

Posted 17 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

POTENTIAL INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR INSTRUCTIONAL ASSIGNMENTS

Program: Digital Animation Instructor Opportunities

Location: On-site at partner schools; varies by assignment

Teaching Mode: In Person

Grade Levels: Elementary, Middle, and High School; varies by assignment

Schedule: Typically 1–4 instructional service hours per week after school

Program Length: Commonly approximately 10 weeks per assignment

Start Dates: Opportunities become available throughout the school year

Compensation: Typical compensation of $50+ per completed instructional service hour, depending on assignment scope, experience, location, schedule, and agreed compensation

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education is seeking independent instructional contractors to provide digital animation enrichment services for K–12 students.

This is a potential independent contractor assignment, not an employee position. Contractors may choose whether to apply for, accept, decline, or ignore available opportunities.

Assignments vary by school, grade level, schedule, curriculum, available technology, and program objectives.

Concorde may provide curriculum guidance, lesson-plan suggestions, project ideas, instructional resources, or program objectives. Contractors may use their professional judgment to adapt instruction within the assignment scope and applicable site requirements.

ASSIGNMENT SCOPE

Depending on the accepted assignment, contractors may:

• Plan and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate digital animation sessions;

• Introduce students to animation principles, visual storytelling, creative design, and digital media production through project-based learning;

• Adapt activities based on student experience levels, site requirements, available technology, and program objectives;

• Support students in creating animations, motion graphics, stop-motion projects, digital stories, GIFs, or other final projects, where applicable;

• Maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive, and age-appropriate learning environment;

• Communicate assignment-related needs or significant concerns with Concorde and school staff, as appropriate;

• Complete a brief session completion form after each scheduled session; and

• Follow applicable site safety, visitor, technology, emergency, and student-protection procedures.

EXAMPLE PROGRAM TOPICS

Assignments may include topics such as:

• Animation fundamentals, including frames, timing, loops, and frame rates;

• Storyboarding and visual storytelling;

• Character, background, and scene design;

• Frame-by-frame animation techniques;

• Motion graphics and digital effects;

• Stop-motion and GIF animation;

• Synchronizing sound, music, and movement;

• Exporting and presenting completed animations; and

• Creative revision, collaboration, and constructive feedback.

Specific content, software platforms, and curriculum requirements vary by assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred qualifications include:

• At least 60 college credits, where required by the applicable assignment or site;

• Experience with animation, digital media, motion graphics, visual storytelling, film production, graphic design, or related creative technologies;

• Experience teaching, tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or leading activities with school-age students;

• Strong communication, organization, and classroom facilitation skills;

• Availability to provide services for the accepted assignment schedule and communicate schedule issues as soon as reasonably practicable; and

• Familiarity with Chromebooks, Wick Editor, web-based animation platforms, digital art software, or similar educational technology.

Preferred backgrounds may include educators, tutors, animation students, art students, filmmakers, digital artists, graphic designers, creative professionals, and others with relevant instructional or technical experience.

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

Assignments may utilize school-provided technology, Chromebooks, Wick Editor, web-based animation platforms, curriculum resources, lesson plans, project guidelines, digital media resources, and presentation tools.

Contractors may use their own instructional methods and materials when appropriate, safe, age-appropriate, lawful, and consistent with the assignment scope and site requirements.

Purchases requiring reimbursement must be approved in writing by Concorde before they are incurred.

COMPENSATION

Compensation varies by assignment and agreed contractor terms. Many opportunities pay $50+ per completed instructional service hour with students.

Contractors may propose their desired compensation rate when applying. When proposing a rate, contractors should consider the overall assignment scope, including anticipated preparation, planning, commute, materials, schedule, and other business considerations.

Concorde may accept the proposed rate, decline the application, or provide a counteroffer based on the budget for the specific assignment.

Unless otherwise approved in writing, compensation is based on completed instructional service hours with students.

Payment for completed services is generally made by direct deposit on the fifteenth day of the month following the month in which services were completed, unless otherwise stated in the accepted assignment terms or required by applicable law.

APPLICATION AND ONBOARDING

Applicants selected to move forward may be invited to create a contractor profile and complete any required onboarding steps.

Applying, interviewing, receiving an invitation to create a profile, creating a profile, or completing onboarding does not guarantee selection, placement, or future assignment opportunities.

Potential assignments are subject to assignment fit, agreed compensation, completion of required onboarding, applicable background-check review, Fair Chance or pre-adverse action procedures where required, site-specific clearance requirements, and final written confirmation from Concorde Education.

Some assignments may require background-check authorization, fingerprinting, agency clearance, site-specific documentation, identification badges, or other compliance steps before services may begin.

Applicants should not provide criminal-history information unless and until requested through the appropriate legally compliant process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education considers contractor applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and is committed to respectful, inclusive, and student-centered programming.