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Animator Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Childhood Cancer Society

$15 - $20/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$16 - $21.25/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

Childhood Cancer Society

$15.75 - $21/hr

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school's requirements. Ideal Candidate * Strong design or creative ...

COGSWELL COLLEGE LLC

Adjunct Faculty DAA

San Jose, CA · On-site

$3.0K - $4.5K/mo

... internships, and practice; instructional management, tutoring; curriculum and course development ... Storyboarding - principles of Storytelling in a visual medium to pre-visualize animation or live ...

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All JobsAnimator JobsAnimator Internship JobsAnimator Internship Jobs in California

Animator Internship information

See California salary details

$10

$38

$69

How much do animator internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator internship 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 is an animator internship?

Animator internships are temporary positions that offer students or recent graduates hands-on experience in animation studios or related environments. Interns typically assist with tasks such as storyboarding, character design, and animating sequences under the guidance of experienced animators. These internships provide valuable opportunities to develop technical skills, build a professional portfolio, and gain insight into the animation industry. Many internships also serve as pathways to full-time roles after graduation.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an animator intern?

As an Animator Intern, you'll typically assist with creating animation assets, developing storyboards, and supporting the production team through various stages of the animation pipeline. You may work on character animations, background designs, or even help with editing and compositing, depending on the studio's needs. Collaboration with senior animators, designers, and other departments is common, providing valuable opportunities to learn industry-standard tools and workflows while building your professional portfolio.

What are the qualifications to get an animator internship?

The qualifications to get an animator internship depend on the type of internship for which you are looking. If you are a student, you should have at least one year of classroom experience before you consider applying for a training internship position. A recent graduate should have an associate or bachelor's degree in animation or a closely related subject. In addition to educational experience, you need strong design skills, the ability to illustrate by hand, and the ability to use animation software to draw cartoon characters, background graphics for movies or video games, or visualizations for advertising and marketing.

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, a solid understanding of animation principles, proficiency in drawing or computer graphics, and a relevant academic background are essential. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Toon Boom Harmony is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills help interns stand out in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills and qualities are vital for producing engaging content, meeting project deadlines, and contributing effectively to animation teams.

What is the difference between Animator Internship vs Animation Assistant?

AspectAnimator InternshipAnimation Assistant
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of animation software, relevant courseworkSimilar, often some experience or training
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, entry-levelSupport role in animation teams, collaborative environment
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by studios, schools, or companiesPosition within animation or media companies, often entry-level
Search & Comparison IntentLearning, gaining experience, entry into animation fieldSupporting animation projects, assisting senior animators

In summary, an Animator Internship is primarily a learning opportunity for those starting in animation, focusing on gaining experience. An Animation Assistant is a support role within animation teams, often requiring some prior knowledge, and involves assisting with production tasks. Both roles are entry-level but differ in focus and responsibilities.

More about Animator Internship jobs

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

The most popular types of Animator jobs in California are:

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For Animator Internship jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animator Internship jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animator Internship jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animator Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animator Internship job openings:

Animator Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animator Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 65% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,900 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Animation Intern (Unpaid for Course Credit Only)

Dreamscape Learn

Culver City, CA

Internship

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

We're looking for a creative and motivated Animation Intern to support our design and content team. This internship is ideal for students interested in animation, motion graphics, and storytelling who want hands-on experience working on real projects in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with creating 3D animations for digital experiences
  • Help with props, vehicles, basic character or environment animation
  • Collaborate with designers, artists, and cross-functional teams to bring
  • concepts to life
  • Revise animations based on feedback and project needs
  • Help organize animation assets and files

Requirements

  • Currently enrolled student pursuing Animation, Motion Design, Game Design, or a related field
  • Familiarity with animation principles (timing, spacing, squash & stretch, etc.)
  • Experience or coursework using tools such as Premiere Pro, Blender, Maya, Unity, or similar
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
  • Ability to take direction and meet deadlines
  • Portfolio or samples of animation work (class projects welcome)

Nice to Have

  • Experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, or interactive media
  • Basic drawing, 3D modeling, or rigging skills
  • Interest in immersive, educational, or interactive experiences
  • Previously played vr games content

Benefits

  • Real-world animation experience on active projects
  • Mentorship and feedback from experienced creatives
  • Portfolio-worthy work
  • Exposure to a professional creative production pipeline
  • Exposure to real world tracking documents like Jira, Confluence and Shotgun
  • School credit (as approved by your academic program)

Disclaimer: This internship is an unpaid educational opportunity intended to provide training and experience related to Human Resource Management. It is offered for academic credit only in connection with an accredited educational program. Participation is designed for the benefit of the student and does not create an employment relationship. Interns will not displace regular employees and will work under close supervision to support their learning experience. Completion of this internship does not entitle the intern to a job at Dreamscape Learn (or continued employment) at the conclusion of the program.

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