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Contract Disney Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contract Disney Animation information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do contract disney animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract disney animation in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where does Disney hire animators from?

Disney hires animators from a variety of backgrounds, including graduates of art and animation programs, experienced professionals in the industry, and those with strong portfolios demonstrating skills in digital and traditional animation. They often seek candidates with proficiency in industry-standard tools like Maya, Adobe Creative Suite, and strong storytelling abilities, regardless of geographic location, as many roles can be remote or require relocation to studios.

What are some common challenges faced by contract animators at Disney Animation, and how can they prepare for success?

Contract animators at Disney Animation often face the challenge of adapting quickly to established workflows and artistic styles while meeting tight production deadlines. Since contract roles are project-based, animators must be flexible and ready to collaborate closely with both creative teams and technical departments. Success in this environment requires strong communication skills, a willingness to receive and implement feedback, and the ability to manage time effectively. Demonstrating adaptability and a proactive approach to learning new tools or processes can help contract animators make a positive impression and potentially open up opportunities for longer-term engagement.

What are Contract Disney Animation jobs?

Contract Disney Animation jobs are temporary positions at Walt Disney Animation Studios where individuals are hired for a specific duration or project rather than as permanent staff. These roles cover various areas such as animation, visual development, storyboarding, and technical support. Contract employees work alongside full-time staff to help complete feature films, shorts, or other animation projects. Contract terms can vary in length, and these positions often provide valuable industry experience and networking opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Disney Animation Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Disney Animation Artist, you typically need strong drawing and storytelling abilities, a solid understanding of animation principles, and a relevant degree or portfolio of work. Proficiency with industry-standard animation software such as Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Creative Suite, or Autodesk Maya is often required. Creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for excelling in team-based, fast-paced production environments. These skills and qualifications ensure the delivery of high-quality animation that meets Disney's artistic standards and production timelines.

How to get hired at Disney Animation?

To get hired at Disney Animation, candidates should have a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills such as drawing, animation, or storytelling, along with proficiency in industry-standard software like Maya or Adobe Creative Suite. Relevant education or experience in animation, visual effects, or related fields is often required, and applying through the official Disney careers website or industry job boards is recommended. Networking and attending industry events can also improve chances of being noticed by recruiters.

How much does Disney pay its animators?

Disney animators typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and seniority. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced animators with specialized skills or leadership roles can earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What is the difference between Contract Disney Animation vs Contract Pixar Animation?

AspectContract Disney AnimationContract Pixar Animation
Required CredentialsAnimation degree, portfolio, industry experienceAnimation degree, portfolio, industry experience
Work EnvironmentDisney studios, collaborative teams, creative settingPixar studios, collaborative teams, creative setting
Employer & Industry UsageMajor animation studio, entertainment industryMajor animation studio, entertainment industry
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar roles in animationOften compared due to similar project types

Contract Disney Animation and Contract Pixar Animation roles share similar credentials, work environments, and industry usage. Both involve working on high-profile animated projects within leading studios, making them common points of comparison for animation professionals seeking contract opportunities in top-tier entertainment companies.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney Animation continues to hire 2D animators, especially for projects that involve traditional hand-drawn animation or hybrid techniques. Candidates typically need strong drawing skills, proficiency in animation software like Toon Boom or TVPaint, and a portfolio demonstrating 2D animation expertise.
What cities are hiring for Contract Disney Animation jobs? Cities with the most Contract Disney Animation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Disney Animation jobs? The most popular types of Disney Animation jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Disney Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Disney Animation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Disney Animation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 4% As Needed, 2% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 91% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Manager, Contract Administration (20th Animation)

Manager, Contract Administration (20th Animation)

The Walt Disney Company

Burbank, CA • On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 48 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Manager, Contract Administration (20th Animation)

Req ID:

10152330

Job Description:

The Manager, Contract Administration, at 20th Animation and Disney Television Animation will have a pivotal role in managing the administration of options tracking, pilot script development payments, and EWA for series, and television movies. Reporting to the Director of Contract Administration, the Manager will be responsible for implementing the contractual obligations and administrative processes for Animation on their projects and duties. This position involves significant independent judgment and decision-making authority. The Manager will work closely with executives across Animation, helping to facilitate alignment with the company's processes and practices. Responsibilities include the accurate interpretation of agreements, maintaining a high volume of projects and ensuring that tasks are handled in a timely manner. The Manager will navigate complex contract administration tasks and foster a professional, inclusive and collaborative environment that aligns with Disney's values and strategic goals.

Core Responsibilities

  • Provide day-to-day handling of all aspects of administration of above-the-line agreements for television development and production, including data management and contract summaries.
  • Manage a high-volume workload and digest and review entry of deal points for various development and production agreements.
  • Track options in database systems, distribute reminder notices to various departments and handle option payments and letters.
  • Process pilot script development payments and collect start paperwork for new talent hire.
  • Supervising series WGA worklists to track and provide to the WGA Guild on a weekly basis.
  • Draft and process series EWA agreements and payments including internal and external distribution.
  • Track and process WGA character payments and program fees on applicable series in addition to agency package fees, royalty payments and 3rd party reuse.
  • Field and respond to internal and external inquiries regarding covered responsibilities in addition to providing necessary documentation and information.
  • Create and maintain strong working relationships with Business Affairs, Residuals, Finance and Casting across Animation, as well as talent agents, managers and occasionally talent on each project.
  • Collaborate with other members of the Contract and Casting Administration teams while holding self and team members to a high level of excellence and professionalism.
  • Promote an environment of support, respect, well-being and flexibility where Disney values are embraced, encouraging creative problem-solving and inclusiveness.
  • Develop self and others by encouraging the team to express their ideas, explore their interests, and stretch current skill sets and mindsets.
  • Demonstrate care and compassion by being present, demonstrating empathy, building trust, and creating an environment where the team feels supported.
  • Assure all administration matters are being handled in compliance with the applicable union/guild agreements.
  • Be able to identify and resolve ongoing issues and serve as administration lead on high level, larger scale and complex projects.
  • Research ad-hoc queries and provide reports for Business Affairs, Legal Affairs, Production, Labor and Finance.
  • Communicate effectively with IT partners to troubleshoot database issues and reconcile information with other database systems.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of 4 years of experience in the entertainment industry administering the contractual obligations in talent agreements including tracking options, analyzing deal terms and database entry.
  • General experience with animation agreements.
  • A highly organized individual who has strong communication skills, excellent judgment, is a self-starter, has the ability to work with a high level of detail and complexity and exhibits a professional and collaborative demeanor.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple tasks concurrently and possession of strong time management skills is essential.
  • Broad knowledge of applicable union/guild agreements, particularly for animation projects.
  • The candidate must be comfortable and confident when interfacing with a variety of team members, high-level executives (internally and externally), production personnel and talent representatives.
  • Strong IT skills and extensive database experience with expertise using a variety of database systems. Experience with BLAST, IDeA, Box, and AirTable preferred.
  • Proficiency with MS Office 365 Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneNote).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • Paralegal certificate.
  • Litigation or law firm experience a plus.

Additional Information

  • On-site 4 days per week in Burbank.
The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $79,400 to $106,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

Walt Disney Television Entertainment

Job Posting Primary Business:

Business Affairs- Contract Admin (WDT)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Entertainment Contract Administration

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Burbank, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-05-28

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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