We are looking for a great Character Animator to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This ...
We are looking for a great Character Animator to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This ...
Character Animator - Generative AI Experiences SW
$150K - $277K/yr
We are looking for a great Character Animator to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This ...
Character Animator - Generative AI Experiences SW
$150K - $277K/yr
We are looking for a great Character Animator to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This ...
Expression of Interest - Animator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1
Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation. * Develop the timing and pace of the movement of characters or objects during the sequence of images. * Manage shot/sequence responsibilities within ...
Expression of Interest - Animator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1
Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation. * Develop the timing and pace of the movement of characters or objects during the sequence of images. * Manage shot/sequence responsibilities within ...
Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation. * Develop the timing and pace of the movement of characters or objects during the sequence of images. * Manage shot/sequence responsibilities within ...
Create high-quality, keyframe Character Animation. * Develop the timing and pace of the movement of characters or objects during the sequence of images. * Manage shot/sequence responsibilities within ...
3D Animator (Short Term)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
You'll focus on creating high-quality, foundational character animations for the Roblox platform-specifically basic ability and locomotion sets that bring avatars to life with polish and personality.
3D Animator (Short Term)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
You'll focus on creating high-quality, foundational character animations for the Roblox platform-specifically basic ability and locomotion sets that bring avatars to life with polish and personality.
Expert knowledge in key frame creature & character animation of Max/Maya using FK and IK in a variety of styles * Expertise in knowledge of creature anatomy, motion, weight, acting and timing applied ...
Expert knowledge in key frame creature & character animation of Max/Maya using FK and IK in a variety of styles * Expertise in knowledge of creature anatomy, motion, weight, acting and timing applied ...
Lead 3D Animator - Virtual Reality
Irvine, CA · On-site +1
Expert knowledge in key frame creature & character animation of Max/Maya using FK and IK in a variety of styles * Expertise in knowledge of creature anatomy, motion, weight, acting and timing applied ...
Lead 3D Animator - Virtual Reality
Irvine, CA · On-site +1
Expert knowledge in key frame creature & character animation of Max/Maya using FK and IK in a variety of styles * Expertise in knowledge of creature anatomy, motion, weight, acting and timing applied ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of ... Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes for both ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of ... Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes for both ...
Senior Animator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$114K - $130K/yr
Execute character animation for episodic productions from layout through final delivery * Animate directly in Unreal Engine, utilizing Sequencer, Control Rig, and MetaHuman Animator workflows
Senior Animator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$114K - $130K/yr
Execute character animation for episodic productions from layout through final delivery * Animate directly in Unreal Engine, utilizing Sequencer, Control Rig, and MetaHuman Animator workflows
Senior Gameplay Animator
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of ... Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes for both ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of ... Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes for both ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA · On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of ... Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes for both ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA · On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of ... Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes for both ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of ... Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes for both ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of ... Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes for both ...
Animation Instructor / YCP Animation Mentor
Palmdale, CA · On-site
$31.80/hr
Mentors teach from a comprehensive, ready-made curriculum covering visual storytelling, the 12 principles of animation, character and world design, scriptwriting, storyboarding, sound, and animatic ...
Animation Instructor / YCP Animation Mentor
Palmdale, CA · On-site
$31.80/hr
Mentors teach from a comprehensive, ready-made curriculum covering visual storytelling, the 12 principles of animation, character and world design, scriptwriting, storyboarding, sound, and animatic ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA · On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of ... Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes for both ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Novato, CA · On-site
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of ... Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes for both ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of ... Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes for both ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
$124K - $142K/yr
As a Senior Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will be part of a remarkably talented team of ... Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes for both ...
Senior Gaming Animator
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$129K - $148K/yr
College/University Degree in Character Animation or similar * Full comprehension of camera, layout, and stagingS * Self-directed and independent worker Major Plus: * Excellent hand-keyed facial ...
Senior Gaming Animator
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$129K - $148K/yr
College/University Degree in Character Animation or similar * Full comprehension of camera, layout, and stagingS * Self-directed and independent worker Major Plus: * Excellent hand-keyed facial ...
Senior Gaming Animator
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$129K - $148K/yr
College/University Degree in Character Animation or similar * Full comprehension of camera, layout, and stagingS * Self-directed and independent worker Major Plus: * Excellent hand-keyed facial ...
Senior Gaming Animator
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$129K - $148K/yr
College/University Degree in Character Animation or similar * Full comprehension of camera, layout, and stagingS * Self-directed and independent worker Major Plus: * Excellent hand-keyed facial ...
3D Animator (Short Term)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$9.1K - $11K/mo
You'll focus on creating high-quality, foundational character animations for the Roblox platform-specifically basic ability and locomotion sets that bring avatars to life with polish and personality.
3D Animator (Short Term)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$9.1K - $11K/mo
You'll focus on creating high-quality, foundational character animations for the Roblox platform-specifically basic ability and locomotion sets that bring avatars to life with polish and personality.
Technical Animator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
About The Rol eWe are seeking a Technical Animator to support and scale our Unreal Engine-first, real-time character and animation pipeline. This role operates at the intersection of animation ...
New
Technical Animator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
About The Rol eWe are seeking a Technical Animator to support and scale our Unreal Engine-first, real-time character and animation pipeline. This role operates at the intersection of animation ...
New
Lead Animator
$123K - $182K/yr
Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or animatic sequences. Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality ...
Lead Animator
$123K - $182K/yr
Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or animatic sequences. Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality ...
Character Animator information
See California salary details
$15.47 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$10.44 - $15.79
27% of jobs
$15.79 - $21.14
0% of jobs
$21.14 - $26.48
19% of jobs
The median wage is $28.13 / hr.
$26.48 - $31.83
14% of jobs
$31.83 - $37.18
4% of jobs
$37.18 - $42.53
0% of jobs
$42.53 - $47.88
0% of jobs
$47.88 - $53.23
0% of jobs
$58.33 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$53.23 - $58.58
12% of jobs
$58.58 - $63.92
6% of jobs
$63.92 - $69.27
18% of jobs
$10
$38
$69
How much do character animator jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for character 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a character animator, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Character Animator, you need strong artistic abilities in drawing and movement, a solid understanding of animation principles, and often a relevant degree in animation or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, or Blender is typically required, and a strong portfolio is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for bringing characters to life convincingly and ensuring seamless integration into larger creative projects.
What are some common challenges character animators face when working on collaborative animation projects?
Character Animators often work as part of multidisciplinary teams alongside modelers, riggers, and directors, which can present challenges in maintaining consistency and meeting creative visions. Communication is key, as animators must interpret feedback from multiple stakeholders and quickly adapt to changes in storyboards or character designs. Managing tight deadlines while ensuring smooth, believable character movement also requires strong organizational and time management skills. Collaboration tools and regular team check-ins help address these challenges and keep projects moving forward efficiently.
How much does a character animator make?
The average salary for a character animator is around $60,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level animators typically earn less, while experienced professionals or those working in high-demand sectors can earn over $100,000 annually. Skills in software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.
How do you become a character animator?
To become a character animator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field, along with strong drawing skills and knowledge of animation software such as Adobe Animate or Autodesk Maya. Building a portfolio with diverse animation samples and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions are important steps. Proficiency in storytelling, timing, and character development also enhances job prospects in this field.
What is a character animator?
A Character Animator is a professional who creates animated characters for films, television, video games, and other media. They use specialized software to bring characters to life, designing their movements, expressions, and behaviors to convey emotions and tell stories. Character Animators collaborate with artists, directors, and other animators to ensure the animation fits the project's style and vision. Their work is essential in making characters appear believable and engaging to audiences.
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Animator jobs in California? The most popular types of Character Animator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Character Animator jobs in California? For Character Animator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Character Animator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Character Animator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Character Animator jobs? Cities in California with the most Character Animator job openings:
Full-time
Posted 21 days ago
Apple rating
8.0
Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
7th of 30 rated technology retailers
Job description
At Apple, we strive to make great products that empower people and improve their lives. We are looking for a great Character Animator to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This position focuses on creating high-quality, stylized character animation with emphasis on creative expression, performance, and facial animation to push the limits of the next generation of interactive computing.
Description
This role requires a deep understanding of animation artistry, technical proficiency in Maya, and the ability to work within real-time constraints while maintaining high creative standards.
Minimum Qualifications
Solid grasp on the traditional principles of animation
Experience in expressive facial animation
Expert level of knowledge of Autodesk Maya
Understanding of technical constraints in real-time environments
Great at providing and receiving feedback
Ensure animations run efficiently across target platforms and use cases, both real time with frame rate budgets and non-real time
Preferred Qualifications
USD format and workflow familiarity
Experience with procedural animation techniques
Motion capture cleanup and performance enhancement experience
Experience with real-time game engines (Unity, Unreal, or proprietary engines)
Experience with non-linear animation systems, animation statemachines and/or motion matching techniques.
Skilled in modeling and rigging is a plus
Description
This role requires a deep understanding of animation artistry, technical proficiency in Maya, and the ability to work within real-time constraints while maintaining high creative standards.
Minimum Qualifications
Solid grasp on the traditional principles of animation
Experience in expressive facial animation
Expert level of knowledge of Autodesk Maya
Understanding of technical constraints in real-time environments
Great at providing and receiving feedback
Ensure animations run efficiently across target platforms and use cases, both real time with frame rate budgets and non-real time
Preferred Qualifications
USD format and workflow familiarity
Experience with procedural animation techniques
Motion capture cleanup and performance enhancement experience
Experience with real-time game engines (Unity, Unreal, or proprietary engines)
Experience with non-linear animation systems, animation statemachines and/or motion matching techniques.
Skilled in modeling and rigging is a plus
About Apple
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Cupertino, CA, US
Year founded
1976