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Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Iterate quickly based on feedback from animation leads, designers, and engineers * Export animations properly for Roblox Studio integration (using compatible formats and best practices) * Use ...

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture * Join forces with designers and engineers to create ...

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture * Join forces with designers and engineers to create ...

Qualified candidate must be competent in compiling 2D/3D illustration sequences, video, web and mobile content development. 5+ years of experience in building interactive Flash animation and mobile ...

Gameplay Animator (Senior/Principal)

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$113K - $129K/yr

You'll help define the animation language of a competitive experience, shaping clarity and responsiveness from the earliest stages of development. On a small team, your work will directly influence ...

Qualified candidate must be competent in compiling 2D/3D illustration sequences, video, web and mobile content development. 5+ years of experience in building interactive Flash animation and mobile ...

Showing results 41-60

Animation information

See California salary details

$10

$38

$69

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 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 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.

Expression of Interest - Animator

AGBO Films LLC

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

Temporary

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

About the Company:
Founded in 2017 by Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is an artist-led independent studio shaping the future of film and television. The Russo Brothers and AGBO have generated more than $7 billion at the global box office, including Avengers: Endgame. The studio's projects include Academy Award-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, Netflix hits The Gray Man and Extraction, and Prime Video's visceral thriller The Bluff and the global Citadel franchise. Citadel Season 2 premieres in May 2026.
AGBO is currently in production with Netflix on Tygo and Mercenary, both part of the Extraction universe, as well as with Lionsgate on John Rambo, a prequel to the iconic franchise. The studio is in post-production on The Whisper Man, starring Robert De Niro, and Avengers: Doomsday, which will be released December 18, 2026. AGBO will begin shooting Avengers: Secret Wars later this year. Both upcoming Avengers films are directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and co-produced by AGBO and Marvel Studios
About the Position:
AGBO is seeking a talented Animator to join our Visual Effects (VFX) team. The Animator is responsible for designing and creating the motion of computer graphics characters. This role will help lead the development of animation assets to support the execution of the overall production's creative vision.
This is an Expression of Interest role.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Show exceptional understanding of facial animation, acting, appeal, entertainment, weight, locomotion, anatomy, and dialogue.
  • Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation.
  • Develop the timing and pace of the movement of characters or objects during the sequence of images.
  • Manage shot/sequence responsibilities within deadlines to ensure the client's requirements and VC's standard are met.
  • Edit Motion Capture data to blend detailed character movement/facial with keyframe skills.
  • Work with the Lead Animator and other team members to help evolve our tools and pipeline.
  • Maintain the visual continuity, quality, and performance across characters as set by the Director and Leads.
  • Work closely with technical animation and other stakeholders to develop and improve animation pipelines.
  • Collaborate with the Director, Leads, and other artists on the team to create a cohesive vision for animation assignments.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills:
  • 5+ years of experience in feature-style projects or video game cinematics.
  • At least 5 years of experience in Maya, MotionBuilder.
  • Understanding of the animation pipeline and processes involved from concept to implementation.
  • Strong posing and storytelling skills.
  • Excellent understanding of facial animation, anatomy, and caricature.
  • Strong Camera, Character Animation, and Motion Capture editing skills.
  • Proficient in animating stylized character animation.
  • Strong communication skills in client-facing situations, including but not limited to, email, database.
  • Skills in one or more related disciplines - illustration, modeling, rigging, exploring new rigs, VFX, or technical art.
  • Experience working with Motion Capture data and editing it.
  • Experience with hand key facial animation and tools.
  • Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping.
  • Character Performance experience.
  • Effectively tell the story in a meaningful way through vivid and compelling character acting and movement.
  • Plan shots with an understanding of story/character context.
  • Develop a working knowledge of necessary production tools.
  • Ability to solve technical issues independently and/ or knowledge of when to elevate them.
  • Maintain an open and professional demeanor regarding direction, changes and shifting requirements.
  • Strong communication skills - able to anticipate any delays to schedule and communicate those issues as soon as possible.
  • Resume and portfolio reel demonstrating relevant animation skills required.
  • Experience in projects that leverage Unreal for animation integration greatly desired.

Additional Information:
  • This is a temporary position with the possibility of extension based on project needs.
  • This is an Expression of Interest role. You will be contacted once an opportunity becomes available.
  • Remote candidates may be considered; however, preference will be given to those who can work in Los Angeles.
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship.
  • Please submit a portfolio or demo reel for consideration.

AGBO Labs LLC is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. We aim to recruit the right people for the jobs we have to offer, and to assess applications on the basis of relevant skills, education and experience.
AGBO participates in E-Verify - English | Spanish
The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent to this position.