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Animator Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Animator Intern information

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$7

$24

$53

How much do animator intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator intern in California is $24.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $30.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animator intern do?

An Animator Intern assists the animation team by creating animated sequences, storyboards, or motion graphics under the supervision of senior animators. They may help with tasks like character rigging, editing animations, and preparing assets for production. Interns often learn industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and gain hands-on experience in the animation pipeline. This role provides valuable exposure to collaborative projects and helps interns develop both artistic and technical skills.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an animator intern expect during their internship?

As an Animator Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks, such as creating storyboards, developing 2D or 3D animations, and assisting with character or environment design. Interns often collaborate closely with senior animators, art directors, and other creative team members to support ongoing projects and refine animation assets. You may also participate in team meetings, receive feedback on your work, and have opportunities to contribute creative ideas. This hands-on experience helps interns build a strong portfolio and gain insight into the animation production pipeline.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animator intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animator Intern, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, basic drawing or design skills, and familiarity with animation software, often supported by coursework or a portfolio. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Animate, After Effects, or Maya is typically expected. Creativity, teamwork, and a willingness to take feedback help an intern stand out in collaborative studio environments. These skills ensure that you can contribute effectively to animation projects, learn quickly, and adapt to the fast-paced demands of the industry.

What is the difference between Animator Intern vs Animation Assistant?

AspectAnimator InternAnimation Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of animation or related programsOften has some experience or coursework in animation
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, entry-levelSupport role within animation teams, more hands-on tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in studios, production companies, and educational settingsCommon in professional animation studios and media companies

Animator Interns are primarily learning and gaining experience, often as students or recent graduates. Animation Assistants have more practical responsibilities, supporting the animation team with tasks like asset preparation and scene setup. Both roles serve as entry points into the animation industry, but the Animator Intern role emphasizes training, while the Animation Assistant role involves more active contribution to projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Animator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animator Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animator Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Animator Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Internship, 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,787 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

NVIDIA 2027 Internships: Ph.D. Research Graphics and Simulation

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

By submitting your resume, you acknowledge that your Ph.D. Research Graphics and Simulation internship application will be processed in accordance with NVIDIA's Applicant Privacy Policy and you agree to our Terms of Service. We'll review resumes on an ongoing basis, and a recruiter may reach out if your experience fits one of our many internship opportunities.
NVIDIA pioneered accelerated computing to tackle challenges no one else can solve. Our work in AI and digital twins is transforming the world's largest industries and profoundly impacting society - from gaming to robotics, self-driving cars to life-saving healthcare, climate change to virtual worlds where we can all connect and create.
Our internships offer an excellent opportunity to expand your career and get hands on experience with one of our industry leading Graphics and Simulation teams. We're seeking strategic, ambitious, hard-working, collaborative, and creative individuals who are passionate about helping us tackle challenges no one else can solve.
Learn more about Research at NVIDIA.
What you will be doing:
  • Design and develop algorithms, hardware, and software that advance the state of the art in computing, graphics, media processing, and other technologies central to NVIDIA's business.
  • Invent new techniques, technologies, methodologies, processes, and devices, to enable new products or types of products. Deliverable results may include prototypes, patents, leading to products and publications.
  • Collaborate with other team members, teams, and/or external researchers.

What we need to see:
  • Must be actively enrolled in a university pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, for the full duration of the internship; anticipated graduation date (month and year) must be clearly indicated on a resume or CV to be considered.
  • Depending on the internship, prior experience or knowledge requirements could include the following programming skills and technologies:

Python, C, CUDA, HLSL/GLSL, ML Frameworks (PyTorch, JAX, Warp)
  • Strong background in research with publications at top conferences.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Experience with large-scale model training is a plus.

Potential internships require research experience in at least one of the following areas:
  • Real-Time Graphics and Rendering

Differentiable Rendering
Ray Tracing and Path Tracing
Neural Rendering Models
Light Transport and Material/Shape Modeling
  • Simulation and Animation

Physics-based simulation
World models
Deep learning for animation
3D and 4D Content Creation
Virtual and augmented reality environments
  • Generative AI for graphics, simulation, and content creation
  • 3D Deep Learning
  • Digital human creation
  • Human motion modeling
  • GPU-accelerated algorithms and systems for graphics and simulation
  • Synthetic data generation

Click hereto learn more about NVIDIA, our early talent programs, benefits offered to students and other helpful student resources related to our latest technologies and endeavors.
Our internship hourly rates are a standard pay based on the position, your location, year in school, degree, and experience. The hourly rate for our interns is 38 USD - 94 USD.
You will also be eligible for Intern benefits.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US