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Cartoon Animator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... as animations, comics, music, novels, and merchandise around our original creative concept ... capabilities in cartoon rendering, artificial intelligence, cloud gaming technology, and other ...

... as animations, comics, music, novels, and merchandise around our original creative concept ... capabilities in cartoon rendering, artificial intelligence, cloud gaming technology, and other ...

Cartoon Animator information

See California salary details

$10

$38

$69

How much do cartoon animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cartoon 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 is a cartoon animator?

A Cartoon Animator is a professional who creates animated characters, scenes, and sequences for various media, including TV shows, films, advertisements, and online content. They use specialized software to animate drawings or 3D models, bringing stories and characters to life. Cartoon animators work closely with directors, writers, and designers to achieve the desired visual style and storytelling elements. Strong artistic skills, creativity, and proficiency in animation software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom are essential for success in this role.

What does a cartoon animator do?

A typical day for a Cartoon Animator often involves collaborating with writers, directors, and other animators to develop storyboards, character designs, and sequences. Much of the day is spent using animation software to bring sketches to life, refine movement, and adjust timing based on feedback. Animators participate in team meetings to review progress and discuss creative direction, and may spend time troubleshooting technical issues. The work environment is usually team-oriented, and deadlines can be tight, so effective communication and organization are key to managing multiple projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cartoon animator?

To thrive as a Cartoon Animator, you need strong drawing and storytelling skills with a background in animation or fine arts, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Proficiency with animation software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or Maya is essential, and formal training or certifications in these tools can be advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate within a team are valued soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure that animators produce engaging, polished animations that align with project goals and deadlines.

Do cartoon animators make good money?

Cartoon animators' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but they generally earn a median annual wage around $70,000. Skilled animators proficient in software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom and with a strong portfolio can increase their earning potential, especially in entertainment or advertising sectors.

How do I become a cartoon animator?

To become a cartoon animator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field, along with strong drawing skills and proficiency in animation software such as Adobe Animate or Toon Boom. Building a portfolio of animated work and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can also help establish a career in animation.

What are popular job titles related to Cartoon Animator jobs in California?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Cartoon Animator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,900 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

VP, Content Strategy - WB Animation

Burbank, CA • On-site

Warner Media, LLC.
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 11 - 50 employees

$161 - $299/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Your New Role

The VP, Content Strategy for WB Animation develops and implements content licensing strategies for original productions, builds strategic third‑party platform relationships to support project monetization, and identifies and capitalizes on new content opportunities.

Your Role Accountabilities
  • Creates content strategy plans, while also working closely with business operations to implement business strategies and builds alignment with the development and creative teams to implement designated strategies.
  • Identifies licensing opportunities in the domestic marketplace for both new and returning series; negotiates key topline licensing terms with external platforms; develops and maintains relationships with external network/platform partners.
  • Identifies first‑window international licensing opportunities, as needed, for new series.
  • Coordinates with the WBTV distribution team to find collaborative opportunities for original productions to amplify library deals.
  • Oversees internal and external presentations regarding content currently in production or development.
  • Acts as liaison between the WB Animation departments—Production, Business & Legal Affairs, etc.—to streamline the flow of information.
  • Develops and maintains relationships with various other Warner Bros. Discovery divisions—Cartoon Network, Consumer Products, DC Comics, etc.—regarding WB Animation series.
  • Identifies properties (library, original, third‑party, etc.) to develop for animated series, shorts, videos, and online content for the family demographic.
  • Maintains a leadership role in all global initiatives, including the APAC Animation Committee and development opportunities in Korea, LatAm, and other distinct international markets.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Experience Work Experience
  • 10+ years of experience in animation licensing and/or development and production required.
  • Experience working with Network Executives and Creative Management required.
  • Experience negotiating licensing terms.
  • Complete mastery of the animation development process a must.
  • Experience effectively supervising all aspects of current series production.
  • Experience working with overseas studios and networks on development and production, specifically in Asia and/or Europe required.
Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
Knowledge/Skills
  • Strong knowledge of animation production process and industry marketplace.
  • Knowledge of product licensing, territorial rights and windowing strategy.
  • Strong reputation and extensive contact within the television animation industry.
  • Knowledge of children’s television network standards and practices.
  • Ability to track and maintain assets and various information.
  • Ability to interact knowledgeably and effectively with other divisions providing or exploiting rights ancillary to animated productions.
  • Proven ability to pitch projects (including supervising pitches by artistic talent) and prepare and present information about projects.
Other Requirements
  • Must be able to review and comprehend detailed documents.
  • Must be detail‑oriented.
  • Must be able to handle confidential information.
  • Must be able to solve problems within scope of responsibility.
  • Must have strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Must be extremely organized.
  • Must be able to handle multiple tasks.

Management has the right to add or change duties and job requirements at any time.

Compensation & Benefits

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery’s total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $161,000.00 - $299,000.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short‑ and long‑term incentives, and program‑specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. As an equal‑opportunity employer, we consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.

Fair Chance

If you’re a qualified candidate with an arrest or conviction record, please know that your application will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

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