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Animation Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

2K Games

Senior Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe stylized 3D animation. Exceptional knowledge of how to create and maintain gameplay and AI systems in game engines as they pertain to video game animation. Excellent ...

VIZ Media

Content Specialist (Animation)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$72K - $85K/yr

Job Summary VIZ Media, the world leader in English-language versions of manga and anime (Japanese comics and animation), is looking for a Specialist to join our Content team. The Specialist, Content ...

Pixar Animation Studios

On-Call Chef

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$23.70 - $30.67/hr

If you are talented, passionate about food, friendly, and curious, we invite you to join us at Pixar Animation Studios. As an On Call Chef, you'll support the Chef de Cuisine and Senior Sous Chef in ...

Hera (YC S25)

Founding AI Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Hera is a pioneering company developing the world's first AI motion designer that simplifies the animation process for video creators. The Founding AI Engineer will be responsible for building and ...

Gamma

UI Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$122K - $163K/yr

About the role You'll build Gamma's visual experience: pixel-perfect layouts, smooth animations, and responsive interactions that make the product feel magical. That means owning design system ...

IDW

Motion Designer

Oakland, CA · On-site

W work collaboratively with clients, internal designers, and production artists to create stand-alone animations and compelling high-quality videos. The role includes start-to-finish motion design ...

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All JobsAnimation JobsAnimation Jobs in San Rafael, CA

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How much do animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation in San Rafael, CA is $43.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.38 and $71.30 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 San Rafael, CA?

The most popular types of Animation jobs in San Rafael, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Animation jobs in San Rafael, CA?

For Animation jobs in San Rafael, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Animation jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Animation job openings:

Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 61% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,377 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Senior Animator

2K Games

Novato, CA • On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Do you love inspiring others and tackling challenging assignments head on? Cloud Chamber is looking for a Senior Animator to help us breathe life into a new and fantastical world. Your primary responsibility will be the creation of exemplary animations. We need you to set the standards that educate and inspire our team!

Job Details

You have experience working within cross-discipline strike teams on collaborative assignments. You are someone who sets an example for a positive collaborative process. You are self‐motivated, have great communication skills, and possess a great team‐player attitude! We're looking for someone who loves animation! Skills, Experience and Qualifications Shipped multiple AAA titles, ideally using Unreal or a comparable engine. Exemplary skills in keyframe stylized 3D animation.

Exceptional knowledge of how to create and maintain gameplay and AI systems in game engines as they pertain to video game animation. Excellent problem solving and debugging skills. A very strong understanding of character performance, form, gesture, and silhouette in regard to player character and AI. Excellent understanding of anatomy and caricature. Exceptional skill in animating the human bipedal figure, organic forms, quadrupedal, and mechanical objects.

An exemplary understanding of traditional animation principles and how they support and enhance gameplay. Experience working with Motion Capture data and editing it. Experience with hand key facial animation and tools such as FaceFx. Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. A love for research, reference, and documenting your findings to share with the team. Strong collaborative and flexible spirit.

Mentorship, coaching, and training experience is a bonus. We are Cloud Chamber: a collaborative team of inspired minds who create games together. We strive to make unique, entertaining, and thoughtful game experiences that engage the world. We believe in the beauty and strength of diversity, in both the makeup of the studio and the nature of our thinking. Our focus on open communication and overall well‐being allows each of us to strive for excellence in our work, and happiness in our lives.

If all of this sounds as exciting to you as it is to us, we'd love to meet you. Join us in creating worlds that move people. The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $90,000 and $135,000 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job‐related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employee will be in an at‐will position and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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