1

Animator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$90 - $110/hr

We are currently looking for a talented Technical Animator to join our tightly knit group of artists, animators and tech artists! The ideal candidate will have experience in assisting animation teams ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Augment and maintain the animation pipeline. * Propose or create tools to automate the animation pipeline. * Assist the animation team with high quality animation. This includes short loops ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Lead Animator Novato, California, United States As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape the character performance and movement systems ...

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Augment and maintain the animation pipeline. * Propose or create tools to automate the animation pipeline. * Assist the animation team with high quality animation. This includes short loops ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

Cinematic Animator

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Rouge Studios is seeking an experienced Cinematic Animator to join our dynamic cinematics team. As an individual contributor, you will create high-quality in-game cinematics and narrative gameplay ...

New

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape the character performance and movement systems of our project. In this role, you'll collaborate ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Lead Animator Novato, California, United States As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape the character performance and movement systems ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA ยท Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape the character performance and movement systems of our project. In this role, you'll collaborate ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape the character performance and movement systems of our project. In this role, you'll collaborate ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animator information

See California salary details

$10

$38

$69

How much do animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for animator 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 animator do?

Animators create moving images for television, movies, video games, websites, multimedia platforms, and other forms of media. As an animator, your duties are to design illustrations to match characters and settings described in scripts. Sometimes an animator comes up with a new character before developing a script or role for it, while other times animators work closely with writers to collaborate on character development. After the creation stage, your responsibilities shift to rendering the image for whatever medium you work in, such as feature-length computer animated films or short graphic descriptions of news for an online magazine.

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

To thrive as an Animator, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of motion, timing, and storytelling, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency in animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Blender, and familiarity with digital drawing tablets are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help animators collaborate well and bring ideas to life. These skills are vital for producing high-quality, engaging animations that meet project goals and client expectations.

What are some typical challenges animators face when working on collaborative projects?

Animators often collaborate with teams of artists, directors, and sound designers, which can present challenges such as maintaining consistent visual style and meeting tight production deadlines. Communication is key, as feedback and revisions are frequent, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. Additionally, animators need to be proficient in various software and workflows to ensure their work integrates smoothly with other departments, such as modeling or lighting. Balancing creative vision with technical requirements is a common aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Animator vs 3D Modeler?

AspectAnimator3D Modeler
Required CredentialsAnimation courses, portfolio3D modeling courses, portfolio
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game companiesDesign studios, game development
Industry UsageBrings characters to life through movementCreates 3D assets and models

While both roles work closely in the animation and gaming industries, an Animator focuses on bringing characters and objects to life through movement, whereas a 3D Modeler specializes in creating the detailed 3D models used in animations and games. Both require similar technical skills and often collaborate on projects, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

Are animators still in demand?

Animator roles remain in demand in industries such as entertainment, gaming, and advertising, especially for those skilled in digital tools like Adobe Animate or Maya. The job market values creativity, technical skills, and the ability to adapt to new animation technologies, with opportunities available for both freelance and full-time positions.

How do I get a job as an animator?

To get a job as an animator, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your work, gain proficiency in animation software such as Adobe After Effects or Maya, and obtain relevant education or training in animation or related fields. Internships and entry-level positions can provide experience and industry connections, while networking and continuous skill development improve job prospects.

What kind of jobs can animators get?

Animators can work in various fields including film, television, video games, advertising, and web content. They create animated visuals using tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and may specialize in 2D or 3D animation, character design, or visual effects. Job roles include character animator, storyboard artist, motion graphics artist, and visual effects artist.

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 jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animator job openings:

Infographic showing various Animator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 66% In-person, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,900 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Technical Animator

Jam City Inc

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to โ€œlevel upโ€ our talent. Weโ€™re on the hunt for innovators who consider themselves dynamic, collaborative and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

PERKS & BENEFITS

Unlimited Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Kin Care & Holidays*

100% Covered Medical and Company-Sponsored Dental & Vision (Plans Vary)*

Life Insurance, 401k, Flexible Spending Accounts, & More*

Wellness Activities & Programs

12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave*

Happy Hours

Company Events

*Only applies to full-time positions.

We are currently looking for a talented Technical Animator to join our tightly knit group of artists, animators and tech artists! The ideal candidate will have experience in assisting animation teams with technical solutions and animating . You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually stunning animations for our upcoming and live games!

In order to be considered, you MUST provide us with a Demo Reel with examples of your most rigging and animation work. Along with your reel, you should provide a shot breakdown with an explanation of responsibilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Rig characters, creatures and props that adhere to all the animation needs.
  • Export, import and assemble animations in Unity.
  • Create State Machine and Blend Trees in Unity.
  • Augment and maintain the animation pipeline.
  • Propose or create tools to automate the animation pipeline.
  • Assist the animation team with high quality animation. This includes short loops, locomotion cycles, and full cinematics with camera and character animations.
  • Collaborate with the Lead Animator to refine and maintain the game's animation style and feel.
  • Embellish story scenes with high quality FX using particles or shaders in Unity.
  • Setup and maintain cloth simulation pipelines.
  • Able to maintain clean and organized work files.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience rigging characters and props using Maya.
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience animating characters using Maya.
  • Master of Unity, with emphasis on anything animation and rigging related.
  • Self-motivated, an excellent communicator and a team player. Go to great lengths to create outstanding work rather than settling for bare minimum.
  • Excellent understanding of human and animal anatomy.
  • Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms.
  • Expertly apply animation principles to in-game animation: timing, acting, & body mechanics.
  • Experience with Unity particle systems.
  • Proven problem-solving and prototyping ability, collaborating within the animation team and across adjacent teams.
  • Excellent grasp of the English language.
  • Able to be onsite 5x a week.
NICE TO HAVE
  • Have shipped AAA and/or mobile games as a technical animator, animator, rigger or tech artist.
  • Experience in creating animated shaders.
  • Film animation experience.
  • A passion for games!

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation for this role.The range listed is just one component of Jam City's total compensation package for employees, which may also include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of job-related factors, which may include education, training, experience, certifications, location, business needs, or market demands. This range is based on a full-time position. This range may be modified in the future. In addition, Jam City provides a variety of benefits to employees, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, parental leave, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, life, disability, and accident insurance.Pay Range: $90,000 โ€” $110,000 salary per year.

CHECK OUT LIFE AS A JAM CITIZEN:
  • Company news and events on our LinkedIn
  • Company Blog
  • Employee Feedback on our Comparably page
  • Find videos on our teams and games on our Youtube
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION

We believe in creating games that unite people across the world and that showcase our commitment to providing an environment that is both inclusive and diverse for our players and employees. We strive to create a workforce that is reflective of our global player community as we know that we are stronger and better when we play together. To help promote an inclusive culture, we celebrate the visible and invisible diversity of our Jam Citizens through initiatives including Employee Resource Groups, cultural events, trainings, speaker series, and more.

Jam City is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, religion, ethnicity, marital, or domestic partnerships status, disability, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws. Our management is committed to following this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruiting, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.

ABOUT JAM CITY

Jam City is a leading entertainment studio with a proven track record of creating some of the worldโ€™s most beloved casual puzzle and story-driven mobile games. As the creative force behind fan-favorite, award-winning titles such as Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Cookie Jam and Panda Pop, Jam City develops engaging and dynamic games that become an enduring part of our playersโ€™ lives. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles with a global network of studios and talent. For more information, please visit www.jamcity.com.

#J-18808-Ljbffr