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Computer Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skild AI

Senior Robot Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$100K - $300K/yr

This is an animation-first role focused on the computer graphics side of motion - rigging, keyframe animation, body mechanics, and the editing and retargeting of captured data. Strong candidates pair ...

Incessantrain

Rigging Artist 1

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Animation, or related field * Portfolio/showreel demonstrating facial rigs, dynamic setups, and skinning quality Nice to Have * Experience with Unreal Engine or ...

Pixar Animation Studios

On-Call Chef

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$23.70 - $30.67/hr

... Pixar Animation Studios. As an On Call Chef, you'll support the Chef de Cuisine and Senior Sous ... Basic Computer knowledge: email, Google Sheets and Docs, Word, Excel, Slack to communicate with ...

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How much do computer animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer animation 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 computer animation?

A Computer Animation job involves creating moving images and visual effects using computer software. Animators work in industries like film, television, video games, and advertising to bring characters, environments, and objects to life. They use techniques such as 2D animation, 3D modeling, rigging, and motion capture. The role often requires creativity, technical skills, and proficiency in industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in computer animation?

To thrive in Computer Animation, you need a strong foundation in 3D modeling, animation principles, and a keen artistic eye, typically supported by a degree in animation, visual arts, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Adobe After Effects, along with a robust digital portfolio, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration make candidates stand out in this profession. These skills ensure the creation of compelling animations that meet client or studio standards and contribute to successful project outcomes.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in computer animation?

Computer animators often encounter tight deadlines, rapidly changing project requirements, and the need to continuously update their technical skills as software evolves. Working as part of a creative team, animators must adapt their personal style to match the project's vision and collaborate closely with directors, designers, and programmers. Handling feedback constructively and managing workload during peak production times are also common challenges. However, these aspects of the job can foster growth, creativity, and resilience in a dynamic and rewarding field.

Is computer animation a good career?

Computer animation is a viable career that involves creating visual effects and animated content using software like Maya or Blender. It requires strong artistic skills, technical knowledge, and often a portfolio or certification; job opportunities are available in entertainment, advertising, and gaming industries. The field can offer creative fulfillment and competitive salaries, but it also demands continuous learning and adaptation to new tools and technologies.

What jobs can I get with a computer animation degree?

A computer animation degree can lead to roles such as 3D animator, character animator, visual effects artist, motion graphics designer, and game designer. These jobs typically require proficiency with software like Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects and may involve working in film, television, gaming, or advertising industries.

What kind of jobs can computer animators get?

Computer animators can work in industries such as film, television, video game development, advertising, and virtual reality. Common roles include 3D animator, character animator, visual effects artist, and motion graphics designer, often requiring proficiency in software like Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects. Many positions require a portfolio and a strong understanding of storytelling, timing, and technical skills.

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

The most popular types of Computer Animation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Computer Animation jobs in California?

For Computer Animation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Computer Animation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Animation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Computer Animation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Computer Animation job openings:

Computer Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Animation job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,900 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Senior Research Engineer - Computer Graphics, Next Generation AI/ML Animation R&D

Culver City, CA • On-site

Sony Corporation
Appliances and Electrical and Electronics Wholesalers • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Sony Corporationexternal

$160K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Sony Corporation of America, located in New York, NY, is the U.S. headquarters of Sony Group Corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan. Sony's principal U.S. businesses include Sony Electronics Inc., Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC, Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music Publishing and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. With some 900 million Sony devices in hands and homes worldwide today, a vast array of Sony movies, television shows and music, and the PlayStation Network, Sony creates and delivers more entertainment experiences to more people than anyone else on earth. To learn more: www.sony.com/en.
Position Summary
Sony Corporation of America currently has an opening for Senior Research Engineer in our U.S. Research Center located in Culver City, CA.
This position is responsible for leading technical efforts on developing AI/ML based animation core technologies and producing Next Gen. photo-real 3D CG animation content for Sony's future business and services.
Responsibilities include driving technical requirements for novel animation algorithm R&D in close collaboration with Sony's professional creators and world-class research scientist teams to analyze, benchmark, validate and develop complex algorithms of novel 3D content creation workflow efficiently.
Finally, you will be responsible for invention disclosures, working with patent attorneys to secure intellectual property.
Responsibilities
  • Individual contributor in fundamental theories, principles and algorithm development in the field of AI/ML 3D CG animation and visualization based on scientific survey, analysis, benchmark and validation.
  • Support manager's new initiatives and strategy. Support, propose and contribute to project plan for new business creation.
  • Document all phases of research and development.
  • Oversee submission of intellectual property.
  • Travel to visit project collaborators overseas.

Qualifications
  • PhD in Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering, or related scientific field, is required.
  • Solid publication record in AI/ML based 3D CG animation algorithm research, particularly in the field of facial animation, hair or garment modeling/simulation.
  • 0-3 years of industry experience, preferably in 3D Computer Graphics.
  • Excellent communication skills are required.
  • Highly proficient with Unreal Engine (MetaHuman), Maya, or related CG platforms.
  • All candidates must be authorized to work in the USA.

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $160,000 to $190,000.
In addition to the annual base salary, this role has an annual bonus target of 10%. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Sony Corporation of America
Sony Corporation of America provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at careers@sonyusa.com or by mail to: Sony Corporation of America, People Experience Department, 25 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Please indicate the position you are applying for.
We are aware that unauthorized individuals or organizations may attempt to solicit personal information or payments from job applicants by impersonating our company through fraudulent job postings. We take these matters seriously but cannot control third-party websites. To protect your personal information, please verify that any job posting you respond to also appears on our official Careers page: www.sonyjobs.com. Please also be advised that we never request personal identifying information (such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or copies of identification documents) during the initial stages of our application process. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a job posting or communication, please contact careers@sonyusa.com before submitting any information.
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